“FINDING REFERENCES THAT SING YOUR PRAISES” Written by Debra Williams Presented by Raynese Richards

INTRODUCTION  How references can hurt you.  How references can help you.  Steps to develop an enthusiastic panel of supporters.

 HOW REFERENCES CAN HURT YOU “References hurt job seekers more than they know” says Carolyn Sink Williams p.1 This is because often times, The former supervisor is not part of the company anymore. A former boss may be hesitant to talk about your work performance. Former co-workers may not even remember who you are. These scenarios can “kill” a job offer.

 HOW REFERENCES CAN MAKE YOU According to Debra Williams, references are the only part of the job seeking process that allow you to have total control. There are steps that can be taken to help you gain a very supportive audience, while giving you that edge to get the job of your dreams.

 STEPS TO DEVELOP AN ENTHUSIASTIC PANEL OF SUPPORTERS Step #1 Assume your references will be checked. Know that most companies do check your references, especially if your one of the finalists in the selection process. “It’s a common misconception that employers aren’t going to call references.

Step #2 Ask for Permission before listing a reference. It is a standard courtesy to ask your previous employers permission to become a reference. By asking for permission you will be able to tell if your contact would like to serve as a source of information about you. Make sure you seek references that remember you. You may find that some companies prohibit their departments from providing information other than your job title and work dates.

Step #3 Make sure your references are comfortable speaking on your behalf. Potential employers can tell whether or not the person is comfortable talking about you, by how they state things. You don’t want someone that is hesitant and uncomfortable speaking about you. If you can not find someone that you think is comfortable about providing such information, find a polite way out, and ask if they would prefer writing a letter of reference instead.

Step #4 Verify your information. Make sure the phone numbers and contact information for your advocates are correct. You do not want potential employers calling every name on the list and are unsuccessful in contacting anyone. After you verify the information, present it in a professional manner as you would your resume. (letterhead quality paper, etc.)

Step #5 Coach your references. Spend minutes talking about to each person on your reference list. –Tell them about your job goals, outline the qualities and skills you have emphasized on your application and resume. Have a back up list of references. –Mutual contacts.

Step #6 Keep your references informed. Keep your references informed about how your progress is going. –How well your interview went. –Tell them about the requirements of each job. Keep in mind that references can be your best friends, they can provide leads and encouragement throughout your job search.

Step #7 Choose references based on job requirements. Example from the article: You don’t want to submit a resume designed to promote your marketing abilities when you are trying to get an HR position. Resumes and references should reflect the type of job you are trying to obtain. Rotate your references as a courtesy, you do not want five different employers contacting the same reference every time.

Step #8 Choose your references based on what they can say about you, not name recognition. Try to use direct supervisors not the president of the company. Your supervisor is more likely to know about the “true” you. “Anyone who doesn’t know about your job performance and your reputation isn’t the right one.”

Step #9 Consider a reference check a good sign. “An employer only will call references if the candidate is viable. It’s often one of the last steps before a job offer is extended.”

Conclusion/Wrap UP Remember, the reference list is an integral part of the selection process. Take time to create your reference list. Don’t be one of those people that lose the best thing that could ever happen to them because of lousy references. Questions ????