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You may have your resume and cover letter perfect, but what about your references?
Employers may ask for a reference list when considering you for a job, so it needs to be just as perfect.
Format for References
Create a separate document that includes a list of people who have agreed to speak with prospective employers in your support.
Your reference list should match your resume’s fonts and format.
Include the names and complete contact information of each reference, including:
- Job title
- Employer
- Business address
- Email address
- Telephone number
- Their relationship to you should also be identified
The list can also describe how the contact knows you, giving the individual checking the record the context and a springboard for the conversation.
Consider adding a brief paragraph that describes a project that you worked on together or a skill that the person can attest to.
How Many References?
It’s better to have more references than a prospective employer would likely check. You should create a references pool. Then, when you are asked for references, you can strategically choose the best people to represent what you want highlighted for the opportunity.
Typical job seekers should have three to four references, while those seeking more senior positions should consider listing five to seven, experts suggest. And be sure to list your strongest references first.
Choosing Your References
Your references are your personal evangelists; they should know you very well and be able to speak about your qualifications for the job you are pursuing.
Former supervisors aren't necessarily the best references since so many companies have policies prohibiting supervisors to share them . Instead, select people who are intimate with your work and skills.
If you’re concerned about what your references might say about you, have a reference-verification service check your references first.
Unless an employer requests otherwise, professional references are preferred over personal references, such as family, friends and neighbors, whom reference checkers will know are biased.
Building Relationships with Your References
Ask your references' permission to add their names to your list. If some time has passed since your last job search, reconnect with each of your references.
You must inform your references that they might be contacted.
Be sure to respect your references' privacy. Ask each reference if there is any information they do not want listed. This will help protect your contact's private information.
And do not forget to keep your references in the loop. When you're interviewing, reach out to your references and give them an updated copy of your resume as well as the relevant job posting. Keep them apprised of any specific skills you think make you a good fit for the job or anything else you would like them to speak to the potential employer about to help your case.
When to Submit References
Unless otherwise requested, job references should be submitted later in the hiring process. Only submit references after you have been asked.
Express Your Gratitude
Your references are doing you a favor that can help you land your next job.
- Whenever you leave a position, send your former supervisor a note thanking him for your association.
- Send your references a card during the holidays. The more personal contact you have with them, the more favorable they will feel toward you.
- Remember that giving a reference takes time. If you plan to use these references over the years, give something in return. For instance, each time your reference supports you with a prospective employer, send a thank-you letter. Better still, add a gift card or offer to take your reference to lunch or dinner.
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