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Great References For Your Next Job
The results of a reference check often determine who among top
contenders will be offered the job. Yet many candidates take a
reactive approach to this process, doing little legwork to
ensure their recommendations are as strong as the rest of their
application materials. A little planning and strategy, however,
can go a long way toward building a rock-solid reference list.
Tailor your recommendations
When selecting your references, consider who would be most
appropriate for the job for which you're applying. People who
can speak about the traits and qualities you possess that
directly relate to the position are your best bet. While you
almost always want to use your former supervisors as
references--as long as you're on good terms--the additional
names you provide may vary. For example, if you're transitioning
from a job as a newspaper reporter to a Web writer, rather than
listing only former newspaper editors as references, you also
may list a former online editor, one person who can attest to
your technical abilities or industry knowledge (perhaps a new
media instructor) and someone for whom you volunteered to write
Web copy.
Start at the top
Hiring managers prefer to speak with those who have supervised
you, so try to provide at least one or two references who can
verify your job history and describe working with you from a
manager's perspective. Check to make sure these people will be
able to talk specifically about your skills and talent, and are
not limited by a "name, rank and serial number" policy.
Refrain from listing those who have big titles but who don't
know you very well. You may think it looks impressive to have a
political official or a CEO recommend you, but this strategy can
backfire if a reference is unable to offer detailed information.
Pave the way
Always ask permission before listing individuals as references.
Hiring managers can usually sense when a reference is caught off
guard, and it may cause them to question your planning or
communication ability. You also want to ensure the person you're
using as a reference feels comfortable recommending you and will
speak highly of you. If you receive a tepid response, or your
contact seems especially busy, you may want to use someone else.
Individuals who quickly return phone calls and are enthusiastic
about your talent make the most positive impressions.
Give references a "heads up”
Each time you submit a reference list to a prospective employer,
let your contacts know they may receive a call. Briefly describe
the job you're applying for so they are prepared to answer
questions.
Express appreciation
Always thank those who offer to speak on your behalf, and keep
them updated on the status of your job search. Once you are
hired, thank your references again for their assistance via a
hand-written note.
Along with strengthening your chances of landing a position,
devoting time to the reference process enables you to expand
your network. By keeping in close touch with those who
recommended you--even after you've settled in to a new job--you
create a solid contact base that can help you throughout your
career.
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