How to Get Good References

There's an interesting fact for job seeker's to note on Alison's Job Searching Blog: A Society of Human Resource Management survey reports that 76% of the respondents said they conduct reference checks for all job candidates, and 22% said they check references for select candidates.  

So your references really matter--maybe more than you realized! And of course, the best time to get your references ready to sing your praises is long before they get that phone call. (A reference should never be surprised to be asked questions about you.)

Here are some tips to keep in mind when you're thinking about references:

1. A great reference doesn't have to be only a former manager--think of all the people you've wowed, not only in your professional life but also as a volunteer or student. A great reference can be a former colleague, a former client, or members of professional organizations. If you're applying for a role in which you'll manage people, a former direct report or someone you've mentored might make sense as a reference.

2. Don't worry if your reference no longer works for the company at which you worked together--as long as your time together was significant.

3. Before you give a potential employer a reference's name, ask the reference if you may. And don't take it personally if you get a no in response--some companies prohibit employees from giving professional references (and ask that all references be handled through human resources).

4. Prepare your references for the questions they may be asked, and help them understand the job you're currently applying for.

5. Keep a personal file in which you can store or record emailed messages of praise, letters of recommendation, and so on. These are not only great resources to refer to when you're composing a resume or preparing to talk about yourself at an interview, but also very helpful when you're preparing someone to sing your praises.

For more tips, check out "Help Your References Help You" on Monster.com.

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Posted by Charles Purdy on March 1, 2011 at 04:04 PM in Career Development , Interview , Job Search , Networking , Resume | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

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