BY DEBRA WILLIAMS FREELANCE WRITER, CAREERJOURNAL.COM PRESENTED BY KATELYNN “KATIE” BILLINGS ON JUNE 30 TH 2009 “Finding References that Sing Your Praises”

Introduction to References Professional references are a very important but poorly executed job search tool. Many job seekers make common mistakes when choosing references that damage their chances of being hired. All of these mistakes are easily corrected and can change the outcome of the job search. Properly implemented references can be the difference between unemployment and gaining a higher salary and more prestigious job title.

Common Mistakes in Choosing References Name dropping Not asking references permission Not choosing references based on skills required for job Putting on resume “References available upon request” Believing that the employer will not check the reference Giving too many references Giving references that would be bias…even the good

Name Dropping Using someone with an important title that did not directly supervise your work A president of a company that knows your work and reputation can speak well of you can be a great help, but if the president pauses for 30 seconds to remember who you are, the employer is not going to be impressed. Lesson 1: Use references remember you and know your work well enough to speak about it in specific terms.

Asking References Permission Tell them what skills to emphasize and warn them when they might be calling. Gauge their reaction to your request. Carolyn Sink, a human resources director states, “ The worst experience I ever had with references was when I called all people on the long list of references and no one ever answered” Lesson 2: Ask your references.

References Available Upon Request This slide available upon request.

Employers Calling References Ms. Sink states when talking about the common assumption that employers will not actually call the references, “ It is too big of a risk to take.” Update references frequently and do not make up references because if they do call, you will NOT be hired. References not prepared to speak on your behalf reflect badly on you not them. Lesson 4: Employers will call!

Too Many References Keep the list short because a clear picture of your qualifications should be given. Have a strict screening process to cut down on the number of references. PICK ONLY THE BEST! Lesson 5: Do not list everyone at your company that knows you.

Job Skill Relevance Choose references based on relevance to skills need for job. Supervisor at restaurant not going to help get a job in a research lab. ??????????

Bias References References should give an unbiased and objective view on your work. If weaknesses are not provided, and examples of your improvement are not given, employer will suspect bias and ask to speak with someone else. Also try to predict who the reference will refer them to and also prepare them. Lesson 6: Do not have you references lie for you or say that you were perfect, employers are not stupid.

Summary Employers will call your references References should be prepared with what to emphasize but should not present a bias. Keep list of references short Only list references that know you well enough to talk in detail about your skills and work. Make logical choices!

Questions?????