A reference will always say something nice about you, right? Wrong!
Each company or organization invests significant resources into new hires, and the act of checking references is one way to gain critical information about a candidate before sending out that offer letter. Although a candidate can look great on paper, in reality that person may not be a fit with a company’s professional needs or culture. By checking professional references, potential employers connect with people that will vouch for a candidate’s qualifications and even character. Selecting and submitting a reference can enhance or damage your candidacy. As a former recruiter, I encountered quite a few references that said negative things about the candidates in question. Their feedback absolutely influenced my hiring decisions, and not in a good way. Here are some tips about how you can ensure that your references will help you get the job!
Never assume that someone will serve as a reference for you, particularly a positive one. Even if you had a great working relationship with a past supervisor or colleague, don’t list that person without first gaining their permission. If you don’t, you run the risk of that person either not remembering you or saying something that won’t compliment your candidacy.
Choose the right references for the specific job opportunity. As you move through your academic and professional career, it’s important to connect with mentors and other people that will provide guidance and ongoing support. These people will see you in different capacities. Just as you tailor your resume, cover letter, and interview prep for a specific job opportunity, so should you tailor your reference list. Consider the skills and experience that align with the position, then select references that will support your work in those specific areas.
Once you’ve created your reference list for a specific job opportunity, reach out to your references. Let them know what the position entails, what skills and experience of yours align with the position, and what excites you about the opportunity. Then when a potential employer contacts your references, they will be able to provide explicit information that highlights your qualifications in a way that connects to the job and company.
Maintain contact with your references throughout your career, and always be on the lookout for new ones. If you have an amazing boss at a job where you did incredible work, make sure you keep in touch! If you don’t and then you need that person as a reference in a few years, he or she may not remember you or the high quality of your work. How can you stay connected? Reach out to say hello via email or a quick call once or twice a year, forward along information the person may find helpful (such as a professional article), or see if you can meet for a cup of coffee. Keep your references updated regarding your career growth, and always express gratitude for the role they have played in helping you develop your professional career.
Professional colleagues and mentors, especially those that are willing to serve as your references, are valuable career connections. They are people that support you, your work, and professional growth. Realize that a reference puts his or her reputation on the line every time a reference is provided! Cultivate those relationships and always look to return the favor in some way, especially when they provide positive job references for you. A quick note, cup of coffee, or phone call to thank them for their support are easy ways to show your appreciation. Their trust and support can be the deciding factor that determines whether or not you land that next great job.
