A job hunt puts the focus on things you deem most important – the resume, cover letter, interview questions, outfit, demeanor and handshake.
But there’s one important thing that we don’t spend as much time prepping for: The list of references that most prospective employers ask for.
It’s a big mystery as to why many of us don’t properly vet the list of people who will vouch for our professional accomplishments. After all, a glowing reference could be what gives you an edge over the competition. Jeff Shane, founder of Allison & Taylor, a US-based reference checking and employment verification firm, says bad references are “far more common than most people realise”. About half the reference checks his firm performs comes back with negative comments.
Jim Giammatteo, author of No Mistakes Resumes and a headhunting veteran with more than 30 years of experience believes that bad hiring “costs a lot of money” and “also ruins careers”. “[Much of this could be eliminated if reference checks were handled better,” he has written.
Here’s how to ace your job reference check:
Start by choosing the right people
Zero in on people who know your strengths and abilities and will make the strongest recommendations for you. Your reference’s reputation may also be questioned by a prospective employer, so do an online search to ensure nothing stands out as inappropriate. Choosing a person who is also a close friend is avoidable — remember that your relationship can be traced on social media.
Look for varied connections
Apart from a supervisor you reported to in your last job, most employers also accept other kinds of references. A manager who also knows about your work could reveal certain facets of your personality. Consider putting peers or clients, or one of each, on your list – they may be aware of some details of your work that even your boss may not know. People reporting to you can offer a different perspective about your day-to-day performance. Someone you know in the HR department will carry a lot of credibility with hiring managers checking references.
Make your request in person
While emails are acceptable, it’s much nicer to ask someone in person – or over the phone – if they can be put down as your reference. Bonding and brainstorming with them over lunch will make them feel personally invested in your job hunt and success.
Don’t tire out your references
Don’t overwhelm your references by naming them in every job application. Make a list of people you’re likely to ask to be a reference and connect with them all. But list down the same person on no more than three job applications. “It’s a time commitment, and you don’t want to disrespect your former co-worker’s time by putting that person in a position where that colleague resents talking about your skill set,” Giammatteo says.
Prep them for the task
Make sure your former boss or colleague knows exactly what you need them to do. Give them details like the position you’re applying for, the skill sets that are mandatory, the name of the person who may be calling, etc. Ask them how they would like to be contacted i.e. would they prefer an email/text message setting up an appointment before getting the call? Respecting your reference’s time is sure to work to your benefit.
Tackle any negativity proactively
Chances are that things didn’t end that great with your boss at the last job. That’s no reason to burn your bridges. Hiring managers start looking for reasons to cross people off their list as their screening process ends. Be proactive before you leave a job and ask your boss what s/he would say about you. Try and address all unresolved issues before you leave. In case you find that you are getting negative references from the former manager, send a strongly worded cease-and-desist letter to the company head. Name the person who gave the negative reference, and suggest that they simply confirm dates of employment and job titles.
Follow up with a thank-you
Interview etiquette demands that you send the hiring managers a polite thank-you note after an interview, so why should your reference not get your thanks? It’s polite to send a personal note or email every time your reference speaks up for you. Over time, mix things up – you could send some flowers or a coffee gift card to show your appreciation. Small gestures can reap big dividends in the long run.
Along with a winning search strategy, it’s imperative you look for jobs in the right place. Start here.
