November 2002
Reaching for Raving References
By
President of Workforce Associates
and author of
NetWork: Maximizing Your Career Resources on the Internet
Available online and in print from Author House
November 2002
Reaching for Raving References
By
President of Workforce Associates
and author of
NetWork: Maximizing Your Career Resources on the Internet
Available online and in print from Author House
If you’re like most job hunters in this tough market, you may not have put much thought into whom you’ll want to use as references when potential employers request them. We're often so busy polishing our electronic resumes, researching the companies, and preparing for interviews, that we neglect a very important part of the job search process -- requesting people to be references.
According to Wendy Bliss, human resources consultant and author of Legal, Effective References: How to Give and Get Them, there are several frequently asked questions about job references that you should have the answers for early in the job hunting process.
1) How should I think strategically about choosing my references?
The first question to ask is what kind of reference do you want? 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.
2) When should you provide references to a potential employer? There are two big DON’TS to be aware of:
- Don’t bother with those generic "letters of recommendations." Employers don’t 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 don’t have much credibility because anyone who would write a letter for you would likely say only good things about you.
- Don’t list names of your references on your resume. Bliss recommends providing references only when a potential employer asks. "Some people hand out a reference list along with their resume, but if it's in the initial phase of the application process, your references could get contacted before you have a chance to tell them about the job and talk to them," says Bliss.
3) When and how should you advise your references that they may be contacted?
If you feel you're close to receiving a job offer, and you're interested in the job, contact people who you know will give the most favorable references. "Also contact your most recent supervisors, since employers will be interested in your last one or two direct managers," Bliss says. What if you had a rotten relationship with a past supervisor? "It's still important to call and let them know an employer may call them."
4) What should you tell your references to expect from a potential employer?
First of all, be sure to get permission to use someone as a reference. Before you even think of listing someone as a reference, ask whether that 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. Be prepared for a few people to decline your request -- for whatever reason.
Bliss advises telling references as much as you can about the job you're interviewing for. Remind your references of your past accomplishments and successful projects you worked on. Give your references an up-to-date copy of your most current resume and your career objectives. The best references are the ones who know who you are, what you can accomplish, and what you want to do.
"Also give potential references some broad hints of the kinds of statements to make on your behalf," she says. For example, politely state, "Any enthusiastic statements you can give on my performance or work habits will be appreciated. I'm under stiff competition and your reference could tip the scales in my favor."
Make sure to get complete information from each reference: their full name, current title, company name, business address, and contact information (daytime phone, email, cell phone, etc.).
5) How many references and what kinds of references should you have?
References belong on a separate file that matches the look and feel of your resume, but is simply titled "References" or "Reference List." Bring this list of references with you when interviewing so that you can be prepared to present them when the employer asks.
You ideally should have about three to seven references. These are people who can speak highly of your accomplishments, work ethic, skills, education, performance, etc. For experienced job hunters, most references should come from previous supervisors and co-workers whom you worked closely with in the past, though you may also choose to list business mentor, someone whom you’ve taken courses from, and/or a personal character reference through internships or volunteer work
You should have two reference lists:
- The select reference list, which is the one you put together for an employer that reflects people who'll rave about you. This list will include former supervisors the employer will check on anyway. In general, have at least three people on your select list who will make positive comments about your performance and character.
- A general reference list. Avoid listing family members; clergy or friends are okay for personal references. Former coaches, vendors, customers, and business acquaintances are also acceptable.
6) How do you deal effectively with something negative in your employment history?
Call your former supervisor to clear the air, suggests Bliss. Tell him or her you're looking for a job and that, while things didn't work out for you in the last position, you would appreciate it if the supervisor mentions specific positive contributions you made to the company. That's because the supervisor will ultimately end up talking about your job performance. They'll be asked questions such as
How do you know this person?
What can you tell me about this person?
Can you please describe how you know the candidate? For how long?
How would you rate the candidate’s skills in _______?
Can you describe the candidate’s communications abilities?
How well does the candidate work under pressure?
Can you describe the candidate’s attitude toward work?
How well does the candidate take constructive criticism?
How well does the candidate interact with co-workers?
Is the candidate a team player?
How would you describe the candidate’s honesty and integrity?
Can you describe the candidate’s key strengths and weaknesses?
How receptive is the candidate to new ideas and procedures?
Given a description of the position the candidate is applying for, do you think the candidate is a good match?
If you were in a position to hire this candidate for a similar position, would you do so?
Can you describe the candidate’s leadership, managerial, or supervisory skills?
Do you have any additional information or comments that might help us make a better decision about this candidate?
7) What information can former employers legally divulge?
Topics that are valid for employers to speak out about in reference checking include basic employment history, salary, titles, promotions, positive and/or negative job performance, any disciplinary action and reasons for leaving. However, certain topics such as race, national origin, disabilities, age, religion and other areas are legally protected says Bliss.
8) What should I do to keep my references happy?
Keep your references informed about your job progress. Be sure to thank them for their help. Don’t 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.
There are several websites that can help you make the most of your references.
MyJobHistory It verifies job hunters’ employment records and other credentials.
JobReference.com It contacts your references by phone to check the quality of references for job hunters.
ReferenceNow It allows job hunters and reference givers to store reference materials that can be accessed by prospective employers online.
ReferenceDepot It allows reference givers to submit confidential references and lets job hunters store reference materials online.
Keep sending me your inquiries and electronic resumes to vet. I greatly enjoy getting to know my readers and helping you through the difficult quagmire of job searching. I can be reached at jlommel@WorkforceAssociates.comHave a safe and happy Thanksgiving!
Copyright © 1995-2007 Gary Johnson Communications. All rights reserved. BraveNewWorkWorld, NewWork, NewWork News, Careers in the NewWork World, WITNE, and WITNE: Women in the New Economy are trademarks of Gary Johnson Communications.