| Have you ever wondered if it carries more weight to | | | | keep you). |
| have a written reference letter, or if it makes a better | | | | If you're on your game, you will incorporate both types |
| impression to have your reference speak directly to | | | | as you need them in the interview process. One |
| the hiring manager on the phone? | | | | candidate had his reference send a note to the hiring |
| The answer is: both. | | | | manager within 10 minutes of the interview end. It said |
| Written references and verbal references serve | | | | something along the lines of, "Hey, Joe is amazing. |
| different purposes in your job search and your | | | | Here's what he did on my team... You really ought to |
| interview, and so you need both types. | | | | put him on your team." Needless to say, that was |
| The written reference letter is often used as a "hook" | | | | pretty impressive to the hiring manager, and Joe got |
| to get the attention of the hiring manager. It's good | | | | the job. |
| enough to get an interview, but often not quite enough | | | | Never underestimate how powerful references are as |
| to cement the offer. | | | | a part of your interview process. If you've gotten as |
| The verbal reference, in the form of the phone call, is | | | | far as the interview, they're very interested in you, and |
| preferred post-interview. Interviewers want to actually | | | | it could easily be the recommendation of someone |
| talk to the hiring manager and hear how fantastic you | | | | else that pushes them over the edge to making you |
| were and how they wish they could hire you again (or | | | | the offer. |