Job References

While work-performance questions provide important insight, they do not always give a complete picture of the candidate. If you want to know what the person is like, you have to ask questions that get at that information in a different way. For instance, an employer may ask, Would you trust the reference to watch your children if you were away on vacation? or would you take the candidate to dinner at a nice restaurant with your parents/spouse/significant other? The more personal/nonwork-related questions are often useful, not for what the reference says but what the reference does not say and/or the manner in which the reference provides an answer or does not answer.

Employers do not want to read letters written in the past to "whom it may concern." Employers want to be able to contact and communicate (via phone or email) with a select group of people who can speak about your strengths and weakness and fit for the job you are seeking. Plus, these letters do not have much credibility because anyone who would write a letter for you would likely say only good things about you.

Always ask permission to use someone as a reference. If the employer calls and the person on your list is surprised, it will not look very professional to the employer.

References like it when you call them before they are likely to be contacted, just to give them a "heads up" about the potential call. They want to hear about the job, the company and how the interview went. At this point in my own job hunts, I always briefed them on the kinds of questions they were likely to get. I also told them about any perceived weakness my interviewers might want to probe. By collaborating with my references, they were fully prepared when the call came through.

References belong on a separate sheet of paper that matches the look and feel of your resume but is simply titled "References" or "Reference List." And never give references to employers until they request them but do be sure and keep a list of references with you when interviewing so that you can be prepared to present them when the employer asks. If you have a job-search portfolio, keep the list in your portfolio.

Before you even think of listing someone as a reference, be sure and ask whether the person would be comfortable serving as a reference for you. Most people will be flattered or at least willing to serve as a reference but you still need to ask to be sure. Be prepared for a few people to decline your request for whatever reason.

The reason you want to give this warning is because it allows you to provide context and framing for what the reference-checker might hear. If you do not, your potential employer may never tell you that the reference is why they rejected you, so the time to speak up is before they place the call. Ideally, you would offer up former co-workers, clients and others who can speak positively about your work and even old copies of performance reviews if you have them. Sometimes the mere offer of these things will provide the reassurance employers are looking for.

A professional reference is a reference from a person who can vouch for your qualifications for a job. A professional reference is typically a former employer, a colleague, a client, a vendor, a supervisor or someone else who can recommend you for employment. When you apply for a job you may be asked for a list of professional references either after a job interview or in some cases, when you apply for a job.

Make sure to get complete information from each reference:

Full name, current title, company name, business address and contact information (daytime phone, email, cell phone, etc.).

A personal reference, also known as a character reference, is a reference provided by an individual who knows you and can vouch for your character and abilities. Neighbors and acquaintances may be willing to write a reference for you. Business acquaintances, teachers, professors or academic advisors, volunteer leaders, coaches, can all provide a personal reference.

Employers with effective programs promote the option regularly to employees and provide an easy mechanism, like a paper or online referral system, for staff to forward referrals.Providing employees with a summary of selling points for working with the organization and educating employees about effective ways that they can reach out to prospects are important ingredients for viable programs.

Make sure each reference always has a copy of your most current resume, knows your key accomplishments and skills and is aware of the jobs/positions you are seeking. Again, the best references are the ones who know who you are, what you can accomplish and what you want to do.

Do not forget to thank your references once your current job search is complete. Some companies never contact any references, some only check the first one or two and some check all. Regardless, these people were willing to help you and thanking them is simply a common courtesy.

Here's one list of the eight keys to choosing and using the best job references in your job search:

☛ Do not even bother with those generic "letters of recommendations."

☛ Never, ever list names of references on your resume.

☛ Think strategically about reference choices.

☛ Consider different categories of references.

☛ Get permission to use someone as a reference.

☛ Collect all the details for each reference.

☛ Keep your references informed.

☛ Be sure to thank your references for their help.

If you are worried about getting a bad reference, call your old boss and ask if she would be willing to reach an agreement with you on what she will say to future reference calls. Say something like this: "I am concerned that the reference you are providing for me is preventing me from getting work. Could we work something out so that this is not standing in my way?" Many employers will be willing to work something out with you.

You want the people who will make the strongest recommendations for you. Former supervisors do not have to be references, especially if they did not know all your accomplishments or you fear they will not have glowing things to say about you. Sometimes former co-workers or supervisors in other departments who know your work, make the best choices. Again, the key is people who know your strengths and abilities and who will say positive things about you.