Regarding References
By Sue Campbell, 1st-Writer.com

When possible, references shouldn't be provided prior to an interview, but during the interview, or immediately following, for two key reasons:

1. You want an opportunity to learn the full criteria of the position (what your responsibilities and accountabilities will entail) - so that you can determine whether or not this is a position you want to continue to pursue. There's no good reason for having your references contacted needlessly.

2. You want an opportunity to contact and communicate with your references regarding the positions for which you've interviewed, before the interviewer calls (if possible). A prepared reference makes a better reference.
   
   This will give you the ability to forewarn your references that a call may be forthcoming, and to address any important issues discussed during the interview. For example, if the interview situation reveals that "problem solving" is a critical skill necessary to the position you're targeting, a forewarned reference might be able to make certain that your skill in "problem solving" is discussed or highlighted with specific examples.

Written References Versus Reference Lists

Written references provide a permanent record of your contributions and achievement from a specific period of time, written from another person's perspective (previous employer, colleague, client, supervisor, mentor, etc.). A written reference often provides the strongest recommendation, as it's usually created soon after the event(s) have taken place and are still fresh in the writer's memory. See more on Letters of Recommendation.

However, an interviewer is also going to want an opportunity to speak with your references directly. Direct contact gives the interviewer the opportunity to ask specific questions relevant to the position and company being targeted. It also gives the interviewer a chance to validate the reliability of the reference's comments. This process will require you to provide your interviewer with a list of references, or a "reference sheet." (Example - PDF file.)

It’s always best to have both: written references (with current contact information, if available) and a list of references that your interview may contact in person, at his or her convenience. The time to prepare a reference list is before the first resume is ever submitted. So if you haven't gotten your references in order, now is the time to do so. You should be able to provide your interviewer with at least three references (preferably five).

Reference List - Putting It Together

The reference list is a separate document that matches your cover letter and resume in format, layout, letterhead style and stationery, and is best provided at the time of interview.

Provide plenty of white space between each reference listed so that your interviewer has room to make notes and comments.

Your references can be personal or professional in nature, or a mixture of both, but keep in mind that your interviewer is going to want talk to individuals who are familiar with your work style, ethics, skills and abilities - as these relate to the working environment you're targeting.

The basic information to provide for each reference you list:

• Full Name

• Current Title and Company (where he or she is presently employed)

• Relationship To You (such as: mentor, colleague, supervisor, employer, client) and the location where this association took place ("at ABC Company")

• Phone Number (your reference should determine which number you provide – in other words, only provide phone numbers with explicit permission)

• Optional E-mail Address

See an example of it put together - Sample Reference List - PDF file.

Don’t forget to thank your references with a "Thank you" card or letter. You may be using these same individuals as references for many years to come, and your appreciation of their efforts will go a long way in ensuring positive future recommendations. (Taking a reference out to lunch is not out of order here, either.)

If you're concerned about what previous employers are saying about you, you may want to consider hiring a professional reference checking firm - the same type potential employers hire.

Good luck in your job search! Sue Campbell, 1st-Writer.com - over 15 years experience helping clients achieve their career and business goals. Feel free to e-mail me with any questions you may have. I'll be glad to help!

1st-Writer.com ® P.O. Box 1128, Keystone Heights, FL 32656-1128 ® (904) 248-2493 ®  E-mail Sue Campbell

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This page last updated: 05/01/2008