Reference Checks
Do employers really conduct reference checks?
It's not uncommon for U.S. employers to conduct background checks
on potential new-hires or to hire investigative agencies to conduct
them. Background checks typically
include reference checks and then some.
Does a reference check matter?
You betcha. Employers are concerned about making costly hiring
mistakes. They don't know you at all when you first walk through
their doors. A couple of interviews reveals little; after all, you are
selling you during interviews.
Even only one exceptional reference check might be the deciding
factor in your favor. On the flip side, even only one mediocre
or unreachable reference can lose a job opportunity for you.
Be prepared to provide at least four references.
Provide only employment references, if you have them. (If you're
short on employment references, the next page suggests others.)
It's a good idea to have two or three standby references too, should
one or more of your main references become unreachable.
Bias your reference list with dependable people, who you know
will give you good marks. Of course, potential employers will
"suspect" that you biased your list, for the obvious
reason. Still, employers want to know that there are at least some people
who have good things to say about you; it puts them at ease.
List reliable employment references, such as:
- Vice Presidents
- Managers
- Supervisors
- Coworkers
- Subordinates
- Satisfied Customers
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