References for Employment References can be the most important part of securing a position and are one part of the job search over which you have control. These individuals verify to a potential employer that you will be a good hire and are therefore putting their reputations on the line for you. This is typically why employers require that your references not be relatives because they know that professional references will not lie on your behalf. In most cases, references are usually contacted by employers after the interview. When they are, they may be the determining factor between two or three candidates for the same position. For this reason alone, it is important that you select your references wisely. You have the responsibility to select the best references for yourself that you possibly can. Do not choose someone as a reference who would not speak highly of you or who does not know you well enough to give a
be sure that the reference can communicate positively when describing you. • Always ask if an individual is willing to be a reference prior to giving the person’s information to an employer. • When you secure permission, verify all details of your references’ contact information, including the spelling of names, titles, mailing addresses, phone numbers and email addresses. • Give each person who agrees to serve as a reference a copy of your resume. This provides your references with additional information about your educational and work experiences. • List references in the order you would like them to be contacted. Some employers do not need to speak to all references; sometimes just one or two will suffice. • Maintain regular contact with your references. Immediately upon interviewing, notify your references of the job position, company and person’s name that you interviewed with. Also ask to be notified if your references are contacted by the potential employer. This is a very good sign that they are interested in hiring you! • Take your list of references to an interview. If you are not asked for them during the interview, offer them to the employer before departing.
strong professional recommendation. Tips for Selecting References
• Choose people who know you and can discuss your education and/or work-related qualities. • Past and present employers can usually speak to your work ethic, how you get along with others and your willingness to take on responsibility. • If you are selecting a previous supervisor/ manager for a reference, make sure that person understands you are giving him/her permission to speak about your job performance and skills. • Faculty members may know about your academic ability, productivity, timeliness, honesty and integrity. They can also verify course and program content. • Select three to five references as if you are choosing your own personal sales team. Choose individuals that: – Know you well – Speak with an energetic, friendly and positive tone of voice – Are able to describe your skills and experience using action words and complimentary terms – Are accessible and reply quickly to phone and email messages • Ask the reference what he/she would say about you if contacted. This is the only way you can
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