| What you say about your references can kill your job | | | | - Great individual contributor (didn't need "hand-holding") |
| search. Many candidates are so focused on the | | | | - Always brought the money in at the end of the |
| resume and interview preparation that they forget | | | | month |
| about their references—but they are a critical piece | | | | |
| of your job-getting effort. | | | | For operations jobs: |
| When you are asked who would be your references, | | | | - Demand excellence |
| and what would they say about you, don't ever say, "I | | | | - Demand quality |
| think…" As in, "I think my reference will be | | | | - Ran a tight shop |
| ___________" or "I hope he will say ________." | | | | - People were extremely loyal |
| That doesn't sound confident, and it doesn't even | | | | - Quality results were favorable |
| sound like you've asked that person. It certainly | | | | - Received letters of commendation |
| doesn't sound like you know what he will say about | | | | When your reference is called, it's very clear to |
| you. | | | | recruiters and hiring managers if you haven't called that |
| What will your reference say about you? It won't | | | | person to give them a heads up. If your reference is |
| help you if your reference says things about how | | | | unprepared, it makes you look unprofessional. |
| punctual you were or what a hard worker you were. | | | | On the other hand, your references can be what tilts |
| It's very important that your reference says things that | | | | the offer in your favor. A reference who's been kept |
| speak directly to what you will be doing on the job | | | | up to speed on what's going on and who's been |
| you're interviewing for—those top targeted things | | | | prepped well for the call makes the candidate look |
| that differentiate candidates. How good are you at | | | | great. All that's required for prepping your reference |
| the things that count? If your job is to sing, we don't | | | | is some information about what the hiring manager is |
| want to hear how well you run. | | | | looking for and a quick reminder or two of work that |
| So what will impress hiring managers? | | | | you did that speaks to that. This results in a |
| For sales jobs they want to hear that you: | | | | reference who's enthusiastic and authentic, and can |
| - Exceeded the plan | | | | specifically speak about how you are going to benefit |
| - Picked up product knowledge quickly | | | | your new company. |
| - Led customers to the decisions we wanted | | | | It will make a huge difference in whether or not you |
| - Helped other sales reps reach team goals | | | | end up with the offer. |