Reference Checks
Short on employment references?
If you have little to no work experience and so, fewer than four
employment references, fill empty slots with personal and character
references.
As much as they love you, your mother and father are not good
candidates for your reference checks. It's not a good idea to list
your shrink either, for the obvious reason! But other professionals
who know you well are most impressive.
- Lawyers
- Doctors
- Clergy
- Teachers
- Executives
When applying for advanced-degree work, include professors and
mentors.
Never assume it's okay to list references.
Always ask your references for their permission, prior to reference
checks. Avoid being pushy, but let them know you're counting on
them. Get their current, full contact information while you're
at it. More about contact and other reference information to provide
is on the next page.
"Rehearse" your references for reference checks.
Some of your references might recall your name and job title,
but not the finer points about you. That could be disastrous during
a reference check. So, it's a good idea to "rehearse" them.
Even if they do recall your finer points, it doesn't hurt to "rehearse" them
anyway, so you all tell the same story.
Send copies of your current resume
and cover letter to all of your references and refresh their
memories with details of your skills, work habits, and accomplishments.
Don't be humble, but don't be cocky either.
Additionally, it's a good idea to provide your references with
a list of the types of reference
check questions that potential employers or hired reference-check
agencies might ask. It's also a good idea to provide your references
with details of the jobs for which you've
applied, so they may picture you in the roles.
Ask your references to write reference letters.
Letters of reference are also called letters of recommendation,
although there is a slight difference. Letters
of reference vouch for your integrity; letters
of recommendation do the same, but also include a specific
recommendation to hire you.
Typically, those who've worked with you would write recommendation
letters, while those who know you well outside of work would write
reference letters. Regardless, employers might accept either in
place of conducting reference checks, which might speed up your
hiring process and prevent repeatedly bugging your references.
In particular, it's a good idea to possess written
proof that employment discharge wasn't your fault, especially
since it's no secret that employers often discharge "problem" employees
under the cover of layoffs. In general, such letters might even
impress employers, while saving them the trouble of conducting
reference checks on you.
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