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The Importance of Good References
Appearing for an interview is like selling a product-- the product being you.
Resumes get you invited for an interview, where you get to market yourself.
But references are what closes a deal. When a company is hiring you, it is
making a big investment. Obviously, any entity making such a big investment
will make sure they are making the best choice, one that could be largely
influenced by the references you provide.
It's true that most employers don't do a complete background check.
However, most employers will at least go through one or two of the
references that you provide. Underestimating the power of the references is
a big mistake. If an employer has interviewed two equally good individuals
for a particular position, the next obvious step for them is to contact at least a
couple of references. This will be when your "dream job" will be in hands of
other people. It's a frightening scenario, but with little care and planning, you
can turn this into an opportunity that will work in your favor.
Who Can Be A Reference?
References should ideally be people you have reported to in your previous
jobs. Alternatively, if you have been in your current job for a long time,
someone who used to work with you and has left, or someone who used to
report to you, could also be a good reference. In certain industries, providing
references from outside the company is also accepted. These could be
vendors or business associates.
Who Cannot Be A Reference?
Family and relatives are not suited to be references. A long letter from Uncle
Harry describing how energetic you were in your youth and how skillful you
are is of little to no importance. Old letters written in the past by previous
employers to "whomsoever it may concern" will hardly interest your
prospective employer, and the chances of such a letter being read is low.
Keys To Using Job References
- Never put references on your resume. It should be on a separate sheet
titled "References". However, the reference should be carried to the interview
and should be provided on request.
- You should think strategically about the references that you wish to
mention. You want to list people who will make strong recommendations for
you. Putting down names of supervisors is not mandatory, especially if they
are not aware of your accomplishments or if there is a fear that they may not
speak strongly for you. The focus should be on people, either former
co-workers, or supervisors, who know what you have done and what you are
capable of.
- You should always get the permission of the person you wish to use as a
reference. Most people will have no problem with that, or might even be
flattered with the proposal; however, some people might decline your
request for whatever reason. Be prepared for that.
- You should mention all the details for references, which would ideally
consist of full name, current designation, company name, business address
and contact information.
- Keep your references informed about the job you are seeking. Provide
them with your updated resume, and make sure they are aware of your skills
and your accomplishments.
Good references can help you secure that perfect job; therefore, some extra
effort should be put into making sure that nothing is left to chance.
About the Author:
Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solution's Six Sigma
Online offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black
belts, green belts, and yellow belts.
Appearing for an interview is like selling a product-- the product being you.
Resumes get you invited for an interview, where you get to market yourself.
But references are what closes a deal. When a company is hiring you, it is
making a big investment. Obviously, any entity making such a big investment
will make sure they are making the best choice, one that could be largely
influenced by the references you provide.
It's true that most employers don't do a complete background check.
However, most employers will at least go through one or two of the
references that you provide. Underestimating the power of the references is
a big mistake. If an employer has interviewed two equally good individuals
for a particular position, the next obvious step for them is to contact at least a
couple of references. This will be when your "dream job" will be in hands of
other people. It's a frightening scenario, but with little care and planning, you
can turn this into an opportunity that will work in your favor.
Who Can Be A Reference?
References should ideally be people you have reported to in your previous
jobs. Alternatively, if you have been in your current job for a long time,
someone who used to work with you and has left, or someone who used to
report to you, could also be a good reference. In certain industries, providing
references from outside the company is also accepted. These could be
vendors or business associates.
Who Cannot Be A Reference?
Family and relatives are not suited to be references. A long letter from Uncle
Harry describing how energetic you were in your youth and how skillful you
are is of little to no importance. Old letters written in the past by previous
employers to "whomsoever it may concern" will hardly interest your
prospective employer, and the chances of such a letter being read is low.
Keys To Using Job References
- Never put references on your resume. It should be on a separate sheet
titled "References". However, the reference should be carried to the interview
and should be provided on request.
- You should think strategically about the references that you wish to
mention. You want to list people who will make strong recommendations for
you. Putting down names of supervisors is not mandatory, especially if they
are not aware of your accomplishments or if there is a fear that they may not
speak strongly for you. The focus should be on people, either former
co-workers, or supervisors, who know what you have done and what you are
capable of.
- You should always get the permission of the person you wish to use as a
reference. Most people will have no problem with that, or might even be
flattered with the proposal; however, some people might decline your
request for whatever reason. Be prepared for that.
- You should mention all the details for references, which would ideally
consist of full name, current designation, company name, business address
and contact information.
- Keep your references informed about the job you are seeking. Provide
them with your updated resume, and make sure they are aware of your skills
and your accomplishments.
Good references can help you secure that perfect job; therefore, some extra
effort should be put into making sure that nothing is left to chance.
About the Author:
Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solution's Six Sigma
Online offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black
belts, green belts, and yellow belts.