Tuesday, September 10, 2013

How to gather your references

References should not be provided without being asked for them UNLESS you have several that you can count on to be savvy enough to present the appropriate skills to the appropriate employers consistently.

It is preferable to be able to notify your references that they will be called (many people do not answer calls from unknown callers), the position for which you are applying, and the skills that you would like them to highlight.  

If you only provide references when asked, you will also know when an employer is checking with your references and be able to ensure your references will answer the phone!

Prepare and carry with you a Reference Page with three to five references listed below your name and contact information.  (via http://www.effective-résumé -writing.com/résumé -reference-sample-page.html)


Sample Reference List
John B. Harding
Jbharding@gmail.com
123 Washington Avenue
Homewood, Illinois 12345
(123) 456-7890

Jan Miles, Operations Manager
Jan.miles@gmail.com
Shorewood Manufacturing, Inc.
123 East Muncie Avenue
Shorewood, Illinois 12345
(123) 456-7890
Carl J. Walker, Director of Human Resources
cwalker@gmail.com
Ace Hospital Supplies, Inc.
789 Tanaka Circle
Freeport, Illinois 12345
(111) 111-3333

William T. Gannon, Shop Supervisor
gannon@gmail.com
Rail Cars Express
900 Smithton Street
Seaside, California 12345
(111) 111-4444


If you don’t have good references or your references are no longer available then you need to be prepared to address that and to discuss it if necessary.  If possible use someone at the employer.  For example if your supervisor is deceased, use a coworker or HR other supervisor if possible.  Develop some current references by volunteering.  I have often served as a reference for clients in a pinch.  

Another thing to consider is verifying your employment information with past employers.
Please comment below or email me with any other career questions or concerns! 
Sep 11, 2012
When you are job searching and preparing for interviews, it can be helpful to secure Letters of Reference from prior employers. If possible, obtain one from each supervisor. If not, one can be a coworker, preferably in a higher ...

Sep 19, 2012
I recently published a Job Search Tip: Ask for a letter of reference. There are some excellent reasons to take this extra step and to go one step further and write a template for your references to follow. Click on the link above to ...
Aug 08, 2012
Contact all your references periodically to keep them apprised of you progress in finding a job and any changes in focus that you may make. Update any changes in their contact information immediately. Consider asking some ...
Jun 19, 2012
Employers will check your employment references and may even do a background check – you SHOULD NEVER LIE on an application or in an interview! That having been said, you definitely want to present yourself in the ...

OTHER ARTICLES THAT MAY BE OF INTEREST:
Sep 11, 2012
When you are job searching and preparing for interviews, it can be helpful to secure Letters of Reference from prior employers. If possible, obtain one from each supervisor. If not, one can be a coworker, preferably in a higher ...

Sep 19, 2012
I recently published a Job Search Tip: Ask for a letter of reference. There are some excellent reasons to take this extra step and to go one step further and write a template for your references to follow. Click on the link above to ...
Aug 08, 2012
Contact all your references periodically to keep them apprised of you progress in finding a job and any changes in focus that you may make. Update any changes in their contact information immediately. Consider asking some ...
Jun 19, 2012
Employers will check your employment references and may even do a background check – you SHOULD NEVER LIE on an application or in an interview! That having been said, you definitely want to present yourself in the ...

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