There should be no such thing as a bad reference. Choose the
best of the best to give yourself the reference you deserve. Whether you make
it or break it could depend on one quick phone call.
Here are a number of ways to get and keep a good reference:
Do
- Get a
move on! Track down great references BEFORE your job hunt begins
- Choose
the right reference, one who knows your abilities and work ethic well
- Gather
3 to 5 references and get permission from all of them
- Put
references on a separate page with the title “References” (only if
requested by your potential employer)
- Put
references into categories, such as employer, academic and personal
- Keep
references up to date with your most recent resume and the job/company
you’ve applied to
- Make
sure your references’ details are correct and up to date with their full
name, job title, company name, and contact numbers
- Keep
in touch with references with an email, a phone call—or over coffee
- Thank
your references and let them know if you got the job
Don’t
- Assume
that potential employers will skip references or the background check (in
theory, the bigger the company, the deeper they dig)
- Assume
you will get both types of references. Some companies have polices that
permit only written references, while others allow only verbal ones
- Use
generic letters of recommendations with “To Whom it May Concern”
- Call
your references for EVERY job you apply to. Only contact them regarding
the positions you are serious about or interviewed for
- Overlook
other past colleagues or supervisors as references. Give them a heads up,
especially if your desired reference is unavailable
- Depend
on family, friends and letters of recommendations as your only references
- Hesitate
to ask your reference to highlight certain qualities and skills that your
potential employer mentioned in the interview or job ad
A Quick Reminder
“Make sure your references know they are your references—it
doesn’t represent well when the reference contacted seems surprised you are
still using them,” says Kate Laing, Human Resources Manager, of Pacrim
Hospitality Services, Inc.