The Perfect Reference

References are a vital component to being hired. References can speak to your skills, experience and personality—beyond attributes listed on your resume. They can attest to your character, leadership and management skills. Long story short, references are important!

Who do you ask to be your references?

Obviously, asking your current manager will raise flags that you are searching for a new job. You never want to jeopardize your current position. Be sure to ask colleagues you trust to keep your request confidential. Do you have a mentor or mentee that would vouch for your qualifications? Are you an active volunteer? An individual from the community could speak to your character in a setting outside of the workplace. Do you have a previous manager who would be willing to recommend you for employment? Variety is key. You should pick people from different jobs or roles. Having three to four references lined up is ideal.

What information do you need from your references?

If you are just starting out in the job search or if it’s been awhile, make a short one-page document with your references contact information. If the hiring manager asks for your references, you will have the information readily available. The following information should be included:

·        Name

·        Title

·        Company/Organization

·        Phone Number (remember to include the area code)

·        Email Address

Communicate beforehand with your references

Your references shouldn’t get a phone call or email out of the blue! Double check to make sure their contact information is correct. If you haven’t worked with them in a while, send them your updated resume. If you just had an interview and suspect that a company may be contacting them in the next few days, give them a heads up. This will give you an opportunity to alert the hiring manager if your reference happens to be unavailable.

Follow-up with your references

No matter the result of the interview, remember to thank your references. It is a simple gesture to show your appreciation for their time and support. It’s likely that you will want to use this person again for a reference so depending on your relationship with them a text, phone call or professional email with a quick thank you will suffice.