References- back to resources

Often overlooked by job seekers, the reference process may be one of the most important aspects of your job search and should be given considerable attention.

Some companies check references as a routine course of action when hiring. Others check references for key hires, more senior positions, management positions, or if there is some question or concern about someone’s technical background or work history. Most make any offer of employment contingent upon the results of the reference and background investigations and drug screening.

The best approach to the handling of references is to assume that your references will be checked and to ensure the reliability of your references. About half of all references checked fall into the mediocre to poor category. If you have missed out on the opportunity of a lifetime, it’s possible that the reason for that was something that was said by a reference or past employer.

Develop A Reference List.

The first thing to do, when you begin your job search, is to make a list of 4 or 5 individuals that are most familiar with your experience and work history. While a company may be interested in one personal reference, by and large they will be most interested in speaking to managers, peers and direct reports; ideally from your current company. If that is not possible, their next choice will be similar people from those past employers which closely mirror their industry, projects, and work environment.

The individuals selected should not be close friends who will give unrealistic portrayals of you as the greatest worker who ever lived but rather people who will give a “balanced” representation, highlighting your key strengths while being able to comment on areas for further development. Try to select references who are neither overly animated (cheerleaders) nor very monotone and lifeless. And, don’t use outdated references from so long ago that they won’t remember you or the work you did.

Call To Verify Your Information.

Once the list is made, call each reference to ensure that their contact information is accurate (we’ve actually had instances where the person used as a reference had passed away several years earlier). Obtain their permission to use them as a reference and assure them that you will only provide their information on an as needed basis. While chatting, you may also want to feel them out as to what they might say about you. Oftentimes, job seekers use references without knowing what will be said, only to be blindsided when the reference comes up less than desirable. If you are really unsure about whether someone will be a good reference or not, either don’t use that person or consider using a reference checking service.

Don’t Rely On Letters Of Recommendation.

Unless you are applying for a state department job and have highly regarded government officials and politicians as references, don’t use letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation are not as valuable in the hiring situation as a telephone interview. Also, don’t bring old performance appraisals or letters addressed “To whom it may concern” to the interview.  Not only are these not helpful but oftentimes they’re counterproductive, because they lack credibility.

Know Your Current And Former Employers’ Policies.

Make sure that you know your current and former employers’ policies as it relates to employees providing references. Some companies follow very strict guidelines, allowing only Human Resources Personnel to give out factual information and sometimes, only with your written permission.  Also determine whether the person you’re counting on will follow or disregard the company policy.

Keep Your References Informed.

When you have passed the telephone interview and are being scheduled for a facility visit and in-person interview, call those references that you plan to use to let them know that you will be giving their name and contact information to a prospective employer. 

Call the references again after the interview if the company indicates an interest in moving ahead and checking your references.  During this call, provide your reference with some background information on the company and its culture, the specifics of the job for which you’re being considered, and the person who is likely to call. This will ensure that your reference will field a stranger’s call and allow your reference to tailor responses to this specific situation. While you may not want to tell your contacts what to say, you may be able to coach them on the important issues and challenges facing the company, reminding them about aspects of experience that are well suited for the job for which you’re being considered.

Coach The Prospective Employer.

Provide your reference information to prospective employers on a separate sheet of paper.  Under the name and contract information for each reference, write a “brief” note spelling out the relationship of the reference and what aspects of your past employment the person if most familiar.

Keep In Touch With Your References.

After you’ve completed your job search, write thank you notes to each of your references making sure to let them know how important their role was in your job search. AND, make it a point to stay in touch from time to time because you may need to use them again in the future.