If you’re in the market for a new position, never
underestimate the power of references. Experts today point out that the process
of contacting, prepping, and updating your references could take as much--if
not more--time as other parts of job search, such as writing your résumé and
cover letter or preparing for an interview.
It’s no surprise that references are important--everyone
who has ever filled out a job application knows that. Whether the spot you
covet is working the line at Johnny’s House of Hamburgers or running the
front-of-house team at Chez Très Upscale, references can be the make-or-break
factor that determines whether or not you’re offered your dream job.
But candidates often drastically underestimate the amount of
time, thought, and attention they should pay to the reference process. Because
jobseekers have little control over what their past employers, professors, or
mentors will actually say when contacted by a prospective employer, a sense of
helplessness can sometimes lead to inaction. As a result, many candidates
initiating a job search do little more than drop a brief “heads-up” e-mail to
their references, figuring that they have little else to do with the process.
In truth, virtually every aspect of your interaction with
your references can impact the outcome of the process. According to Michael
Laskoff, job search expert and author of A
Survival Guide for the Recently Unemployed, carefully managing the way you
select, approach, and communicate with your references is one of the best
things you can do to ensure a successful outcome to your job search. Here are a
few tips to help guide the process:
- Pick your references
carefully. Select those most relevant to the position you’re
seeking and--let’s be frank--those who are most likely to have the
highest opinion of you. Begin by making a list of all possible references
and gradually winnow it down to four or five who you think will be the
best bets.
- Skip references that may
harbor mixed feelings towards you. If you never really
“clicked” with the general manager at the resort property you consider the
high point
of your résumé, it may be best to list that kindly shift manager who was
your direct supervisor instead.
- Establish a tone of
communication with your selected references that is warm and personable,
humble and sincere. Initiate
the process with a phone call or visit personally requesting permission to
include them on your reference list. Schedule enough time for this task so
that you won’t be rushed--spend some time chit-chatting and catching up,
showing sincere interest in their life and accomplishments since you last
spoke.
- Avoid asking references
to embellish or exaggerate about your past performance. At
best, this will make them uncomfortable, and nervousness and hesitation
are likely to peek through during a reference interview. At worst, it
could prompt them to bow out of the process altogether, not to mention
inflicting damage to your relationship.
- It’s okay to make a few
gentle suggestions. On the other hand, it’s perfectly
reasonable--helpful, even--to give your references a few pointers.
Tell them a bit about the kind of position you’re seeking and hash over a
few highlights or achievements that you think might be pertinent. That
Waiter of the Year award you won five years ago may have slipped your
boss’ mind!
- Always say thanks.
When you’re firmly ensconced in your new position, make it a point to
thank each of your references for their time and effort. A handwritten
thank-you note is your best bet. A gift along the line of flowers, candy,
or tickets to a local sporting event is even better, especially for
references with whom you have a lengthy personal history. Besides, you
never know how long it will be until you need them to vouch for you again!