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The Dos and Don'ts of References
7/3/2008
HCareers -- 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.
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