What are your References Saying about You?

If you have been job searching and getting interviews but no calls saying “You’re Hired” – it may have something to do with your references!  

1.   Are you contacting your references to inform them you are job searching?

Make sure you contact all your references to let them know that you are actively job searching and that they may get a call from an employer.  Also, you need to make sure they are still willing to give you a reference.  When you get called in for an interview; contact your references to say that you will be going into an interview and they may get a call afterwards; this allows your reference to prepare and plan what they are going to say about you.  Ensure you let your reference(s) know the type of job that you will be interviewing for and the duties involved; that way your reference can give you an accurate reference relating to the job duties

2.   Are your references outdated and their contact information has changed?

Sometimes companies go out of business, resulting in lay-off or for a variety of other reasons your reference may be unavailable; if this happens be sure to ask for a written reference so that you can use this in the future in the event that an employer is unable to reach your reference via telephone/email.  If you have not spoken to your reference for a long period of time, you need to contact them to ensure they are still willing to be a reference and that their contact information is correct prior to giving them out as a reference 

3.   Have you asked permission from your references(s) prior to giving their names as a reference?

Ensure you ask the person you want to use as a reference to be a reference.  Talk to them about the types of things they will say about your work if someone calls them for a reference.  Never use someone as a reference without asking their permission first; you never know what they are going to say and its unprofessional to not discuss this with them first.

4.   Are you putting your references directly on your resume?

This is a big no-no.  Putting your references directly on your resume gives the employer that you are applying to, permission to contact the reference before they have had the chance to meet you!  By creating a Reference Sheet that you bring to the interview with you, you are able to provide the employer with references directly relating to the job you are applying for; and you will be able to contact your references prior to them being called to give them a head’s up

5.   Do you have bad references from your most recent job?

It is always beneficial to gain references from each company you work for.  Remember, even if you left your previous job on bad terms; you can always use a co-worker as a reference from that job, you don’t necessarily have to use a supervisor/manager.    A past co-worker can speak to the type of work you did your work ethic and your personal characteristics.  You don’t have to necessarily provide all your references to the employer when they ask; ensure you are giving them references to companies/contacts that will relate to the position you are applying for; that way the employer will gain knowledge about you that is related to what they will be hiring you for!

-Sunny & Sassy

©thejobsearchgirls