By Marie Raperto
Before you visit any employer, you should have your references ready. Choosing the right people is very important in your job search process.
Employers want work references and, usually, supervisors. You should have at least three supervisor references, one peer and one subordinate. So let’s break it down to some tips to help you deliver references that will land you the job:
1. Have a list of references and all their current contact information.
2. Ask the employer what type of references they want. Then pull together a list that meets their requirements and that you feel serves you best.
3. Identify each reference separately with title and how you worked together (e.g., “supervisor,” “department head,” “associate,” “my assistant,” etc., “at XYZ Company”). Also include dates.
4. Do not include personal friends or family. Personal references would include anyone that might work in the field who can vouch for you work, e.g. the head of a non-profit where you volunteer, etc.
5. Remember to keep current with your references and be aware of their travel plans. If someone is not reachable, you should have a back up available. When a company asks you for references, have them ready and call each person to:
·Let them know they might be receiving a call. If you know who will be calling, let them know the person’s name.
·Give them an overview of the job description and how this position relates to what you did for them.
·Make sure references can answer: Why you left your last position or why you want to leave your current one. How you performed under pressure/deadlines. Why you were promoted or, if you are leaving because you weren’t, why you didn’t get that promotion. You’re greatest strength/where you need to improve.
6. Don’t hand out your references to everyone. Wait until they are requested and you are seriously considering an opportunity. Your references are doing you a very big favor … so respect their time.
Marie Raperto: Since resumes take up the better part of my day, I don’t have one and don’t want to post my boring bio either. So here’s the skinny: Worked in public relations/corporate communications in both the agency and corporate worlds. Moved over to the dark side and joined the head hunting world. I’ve been doing this since 1990 and loving it.
