| References are so often an afterthought, but they | | | | Asking them to call you will make the reference more |
| shouldn't be. The people you will rely on for a great job | | | | responsive to the "reference call" and then he will give |
| reference should be on your mind at least once a | | | | you a heads up about how the process is moving. |
| month, even if you are not currently looking for a job. | | | | Remind your reference of what amazing things |
| A great reference can make a huge difference in the | | | | (specifically) you did for the reference when you |
| success of your job search. For instance, I once had a | | | | worked there. Jogging their memory helps them to |
| great candidate that my client company was not | | | | give more detail, which is exactly what you want. |
| excited about. The candidate perceived that there | | | | 3. Continue building (and editing) your list of great |
| was a roadblock and had one of his references call | | | | references during your career. |
| me to proactively tell me about this candidate. That is | | | | * Stay in touch. You can't expect to get the incredible |
| impressive. And that is what gets you the job. | | | | reference that you are looking for if the reference has |
| What not to do: | | | | not heard from you in 5 years. This is all part of the |
| 1. Don't list a reference who has trouble remembering | | | | networking process. Every few months, send them a |
| who you are or what you've done, or who can't be | | | | quick email or call. Either provide them with some piece |
| relied on to call back. Either way, it's detrimental to your | | | | of information you think they would appreciate, or just |
| chances. | | | | ask if there is anything that you can do for them. They |
| 2. Don't use a reference who's just your friend, or | | | | will remember that you helped them if you call for a |
| anyone else who can only speak to your personal | | | | favor later. |
| character. Your reference must be a work reference. | | | | * Before you exit a company, ask your current boss |
| That will ensure that the reference is relevant to the | | | | for her personal email and phone number. Stress that |
| work you want to do. | | | | you want to stay in touch and could you use her for a |
| What to do for a great reference: | | | | reference in the future. Then stay in touch. |
| 1. Make certain that your reference can see you in the | | | | * When someone who can speak to your skill sets |
| job that you are trying to get, so that they can say | | | | announces that they are leaving for greener |
| something helpful that actually applies to it. It should be | | | | pastures...ask them if you can have their personal email |
| relevant and specific to the skills the hiring manager | | | | and phone number. Explain that you really enjoyed |
| wants. | | | | working with them and you want to keep in touch. |
| 2. Prepare your references: "Hey, Joe, So-and-so may | | | | * Link up with old contacts and get new contacts on |
| call. This is the type of job that I am pursuing, so this is | | | | LinkedIn. Create a great LinkedIn profile and join sales |
| what they're looking for. This is very important to me. | | | | groups. Participate in discussions. Collect these |
| Please call me once you have talked with the | | | | references. |
| reference checker, and thanks for all your help." | | | | |