Just about every resume has this stock phrase at the end:
“References Available Upon Request.”
No one really thinks about it until you land an interview; ace it, and then move on to supplying references. You should be able to submit a list of reliable references quickly. Waiting too long may send up a “red flag” to the prospective employer and leave them wondering if you have anyone who can vouch for you.
Compiling a list of good job references doesn’t begin with interview. It begins when you first enter the workforce, builds with every subsequent job or volunteer or leadership position in a professional organization. Professional references are those individuals who have worked with you or have been your supervisor or manager. These references are invaluable because they speak directly to your effectiveness on the job.
How do you persuade those busy individuals to act as your positive references? Here are six tips for making requests:
- Make your own list first. Who are the individuals from your past jobs that have favorable things to say about you and your performance? List everyone either at your level or above. Those with the most recent experience are usually considered your strongest references by prospective employers.
- Examineyour list, and divide it into you’re A-List and B-List. Those with first-hand knowledge are on your A-List. The B-List is for those you interacted with but may not have worked with on a day-to-day basis, like team members from another department, vendors, or individuals from other companies or support services that you developed working relationships with over the years.
- Further classify you’re A- and B-lists, listing the most recent at the top. Also, consider those that are local—still in the area or with the company where you worked together.
- Contact your A-List first. Tell the individual that you enjoyed working with them and valued the experience and what you gained from your working relationship/or the job. Let them know that you have a new opportunity and if they felt they also had a positive experience, would they consider being a reference for you. Even though you thought the work experience was great, they may not feel as strongly. This gives them the opportunity to opt out if they feel they wouldn’t be a good reference for you.
- If they are agreeable, let them know the job, company and the person that will be calling them for a reference. Also, mention the job requirements that match your particular skills that they are familiar with, so they can highlight those in the reference call. References can better serve your cause when they are well informed. It also helps them feel comfortable having a subject to talk about beforehand.
- If for some reason the interview falls through, let them know that they won’t be getting a call and thank them for their willingness to vouch for you. When the next opportunity comes up for you, make another call and reaffirm their participation.
Mary Nestor-Harper, SPHR, is a consultant, blogger, motivational speaker and freelance writer for communicationsjobs.net. Based in Savannah, GA, her work has appeared in Training magazine, Training & Development magazine, Supervision, BiS Magazine and The Savannah Morning News. When she’s not writing, she enjoys singing Alto II with the Savannah Philharmonic Chorus and helping clients discover what they love and spend their life on it. You can read more of her blogs at communicationsjobsblog.com and view additional job postings on Nexxt.
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