Strong references can be the difference between getting a “thanks for your interest” email and getting a job offer. You can avoid scrambling or being blindsided by a poor reference by having your references ready before you begin looking for a new job.
In this episode, you'll learn how to get started collecting references and how to prepare them to highlight your strengths.
Before the Job Search
Always develop your list of references before or at least when you begin interviewing. It’s not always easy to get in touch with people on your timetable and you don’t want to be left scrambling. Make a list of former managers and colleagues.
Before the Reference Check
It’s also a good idea to give your references a head-up when you are asked for references. Provide details about the job and some idea of what you would like them to highlight about you.
Follow Up
Realize that it sometimes takes a while for employers to contact your reference and arrange a convenient time to talk. If you don’t hear anything from your references in ten days it’s fine to follow up. Just make sure to respect their time.
Always, always, always remember to thank everyone who’s provided you with a reference.
Even if you don’t get the job.
It’s their effort, not the outcome, which you should be grateful for. If you do get the job, be sure to thank them for their part in your success
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(Previously recorded, Live Show)
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Annette (00:09):
Hi, welcome to the smarter career moves podcast. I'm an at Richmond executive resume writer and principal of career intelligence resume writing and career services.
Annette (00:31):
Hi, thanks for joining me today. I just want to talk to you for a few minutes about how to make sure your employment references will really help you get the job. As you probably know, strong references can make the difference between getting a thanks for your interest email and getting a job offer. That's why it's essential to have your references in place. Before you begin looking for a new job. I'll never forget filling out an application and having the hiring manager called offer me a position without even having me in for an interview. I had listed a former boss on my application, and after speaking with him, the hiring manager decided to hire me based on the strength of my former bosses recommendation. On the flip side, I'll never forget a call I had with one of a candidate's references. When I was working as a recruiter, the candidate looked great on paper.
Annette (01:30):
I even met her in person when she came into the office for a quick interview and I was really eager to get her references. The first person I had contacted one of her former employers. Well, his response to my inquiry was yes, she is really great when she bothers to show up. Of course, this was not what I was expecting to hear. So obviously I did not refer her to our client. You can avoid being blindsided by a poor reference by carefully preparing in advance. Always develop a list of references before you begin your job search, or at least before you begin interviewing, it's not always easy to get in touch with people on your timetable, and you don't want to be left scrambling when a hiring manager or an HR associate asks for some references. So make a list of former managers and also some of your colleagues contact each person and ask permission to use them as a job reference, give them an overview of the types of jobs that you are targeting right now.
Annette (02:37):
You may find that a former boss that you had a great relationship with is unable to help you with a reference because of HR restrictions. Some past colleagues may decline to give you a reference without explanation. It does happen. The important thing is to have a list of people that you can count on who will provide stellar recommendations when contacted by HR or hiring managers. It's also a good idea to give your former bosses and colleagues a heads up whenever you are asked to provide references. Provide details to each of them about the job and some idea of what you would like them to highlight when giving you a recommendation. For example, the last time I provided a reference for a former colleague who is now a friend, she asked me to focus on her ability to build relationships. This helped me prepare examples that demonstrated that ability, and she got the job. While emails are a convenient way to communicate.
Annette (03:42):
If possible, it's better to have a brief phone call with your references and ask them to let you know, once they've been contacted, realize that it sometimes takes a while for employers to contact your references and arrange a convenient time for them to speak. If you don't hear anything from your references in 10 days or so, it's fine to follow up. Just make sure to respect their time. While most people are happy to help you, you don't want to become annoying. You may need them again in the future. Even if you're hired for this job, you certainly won't be there forever. And always remember to thank everyone. Who provides a reference for you, even if you don't get the job, it's their effort, not the outcome, which you should be grateful for. And if you do get the job, be sure to thank them for their part in your success. Thanks again for joining me and good luck with your job search.
Annette (04:46):
Thanks again for joining us for the smarter premier news podcast. We hope you enjoy today's episode. If you did, please subscribe. Thank you.