Obtaining the appropriate references can be of a great significance to your job search. If a future employer does nothing else, they will verify your education and check your references before they hire you. Therefore, it is imperative to have good recommendations from recent supervisors, who will comment on your skills, strengths and other work-related abilities, as well as your work ethic and interpersonal skills. Here are some guidelines to assist you in your quest for positive references:- Usually, three to five references are requested
- Always obtain prior approval before listing a reference
- Provide your reference with a copy of your résumé, in order to help them better answer questions about you.
- Professional and/or academic references are best
- Supervisors or direct reports from past work experience or internships are the most valued references, since the information they can provide about you is directly related to your performance in recent work-related situations.
- Avoid character or personal and family friend references, unless specifically requested.
- The key is consistency
- Referenced information needs to confirm the information and impression you made during the interview, as well as augment it by noting other positive assets you possess. What’s critical to the entire process is, on the whole, that the potential employer discovers an expected common thread among the separate discussions of your skills, abilities, duties, accomplishments, and work ethics.
- List all of your references on a separate sheet of the same quality paper as your résumé.
- Provide all contact information, including fax numbers and e-mail addresses.
- Use the same header on your reference page as your résumé.
- Take reference pages and résumés to interviews
- Keep your references updated on your job search progress.
- Take the time to personally thank all of your references for their willingness to make recommendations on your behalf once you accept an offer.
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