| What you say about your references can kill your job | | | | "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 | | | | For operations jobs: |
| your job-getting effort. | | | | · Demand excellence |
| When you are asked who would be your references, | | | | · Demand quality |
| and what would they say about you, don't ever say, "I | | | | · Ran a tight shop |
| think..." As in, "I think my reference will be | | | | · People were extremely loyal |
| ___________" or "I hope he will say ________." | | | | · Quality results were favorable |
| That doesn't sound confident, and it doesn't even | | | | · Received letters of commendation |
| sound like you've asked that person. It certainly doesn't | | | | When your reference is called, it's very clear to |
| sound like you know what he will say about you. | | | | recruiters and hiring managers if you haven't called that |
| What will your reference say about you? It won't help | | | | person to give them a heads up. If your reference is |
| you if your reference says things about how punctual | | | | unprepared, it makes you look unprofessional. |
| you were or what a hard worker you were. It's very | | | | On the other hand, your references can be what tilts |
| important that your reference says things that speak | | | | the offer in your favor. A reference who's been kept |
| directly to what you will be doing on the job you're | | | | up to speed on what's going on and who's been |
| interviewing for-those top targeted things that | | | | prepped well for the call makes the candidate look |
| differentiate candidates. How good are you at the | | | | great. All that's required for prepping your reference is |
| things that count? If your job is to sing, we don't want | | | | some information about what the hiring manager is |
| 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 reference |
| For sales jobs they want to hear that you: | | | | who's enthusiastic and authentic, and can specifically |
| · Exceeded the plan | | | | speak about how you are going to benefit your new |
| · Picked up product knowledge quickly | | | | 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. |
| · Great individual contributor (didn't need | | | | |