Do your references work for you?
Today, all job applicants must include a current reference list as part of their career portfolio. There are many questions that I am often asked about cheat sheets and what they should include. Therefore, I have prepared some suggestions to help you update your list of references to ensure that your references work for you.
First I must start by saying that the references do not belong on a resume. The list should be available in a separate document. Second, you don’t need a reference or a line somewhere on the resume that says “References are available upon request” or something similar. If and when the hiring manager needs your reference sheet, it will be asked. Having the sheet ready in duplicate, along with your other career documents, and in an organized folder available for your interview or next networking meeting illustrates your motivation and the importance of finding a new job to you.
Your cheat sheet should include four to six contacts. Each contact should be relevant to your current career goals and should be able to reflect on your past achievements. References must be professional associates of some kind. A credentialed “friend” is usually acceptable. Contacts should be made with employers, co-workers, staff members, previous employers, internship employers, university professors, association or volunteer leaders, and department heads.
Contact names that come from current or past employment do not always need to be immediate superiors. It might be a better fit for the position you are seeking or because of an unfavorable track record to use someone you worked closely with, such as a district manager or another superior you reported indirectly. Including one or two references from coworkers is a good way for potential employers to see if you were relating well to your coworkers or if you were a team player who got along well with your colleagues. These references can provide a clue to your reliability, work ethic, organizational skills, and more.
When deciding on your contact list, always ask permission before putting someone on your list. Inform them of the type of job you are looking for and make sure they have no doubts or conflicts to be a contact for you. Provide clear guidelines on what would and would not be appropriate information to share. Many contacts, while trying to be helpful, can get carried away during referral and say too much. Develop a written outline with skills and achievements, projects, experiences that the contact would appreciate mentioning. Let them know that you prefer not to explain more than you have asked. You want your references to work for you, preparing your contact is your best defense. On your reference sheet, each contact should include name, title, company, address, and phone number.
As you progress in your job search, keep your references posted on your progress. If you know they’ll be reaching out to them soon, send them a quick email or give them a quick call to set them up. Once you’ve found a new job, be sure to send each of your contacts a handwritten thank you note or offer a small thank you gift. Even if the contact was never used during your job search, it is good to thank them for their willingness to help you and is very professional.
Expect potential employers to contact those on your reference list. Also expect them to verify your college information, title information for some or all of your past jobs, even if they are not on your reference list. Other verifications that are carried out on a regular basis are licenses, certifications and other qualifiers; projects you worked on, volunteer work, and military background. I’ve even heard of an increase in personal credit checks from potential employees. This is why it is so important to be honest in your career documents; generally, it is grounds for immediate dismissal if you are caught falsifying information.
Lastly, keep in mind that the next time you are looking for a new job on the market; be sure to complete the referral gathering process again. Don’t assume that old contacts will want to get back on your list or that they will be best suited for future job searches. Be prepared and keep your references posted to make sure they work for you.
