Choosing job references is a critical component to a successful job search and will require thought, and you will need to contact potential individuals. While you may be superb at selling yourself to a potential employer, you will need references to back up your claims.
Companies need to ensure that they hire the right professional before investing and, therefore, always ask for job references.
Below are a few tips to help when choosing job references:
Make a Potential List
Before you start searching for a job, make a list of at least five people that you have worked closely with and who might have seen you at your best. Contact your references and explain you are conducting a job search. Ask if you can provide their contact details and name them as references.
Use Willing References
Negative references occur when people agree to serve as a reference grudgingly. Therefore, only to use references that you trust and happily agree. Provide them with a few details like the position you are applying for and the qualifications and skills you will be selling for the job search strategy. You want references that remember you using those qualifications and skills and would be able to discuss them in detail with your potential employers.
Get Them in Writing
If possible, get your job references in writing. If you can get a letter of recommendation, it may prove more valuable than merely providing contact information. Provide a reference letter to the hiring manager that lists your reference’s positive experience working with you. If you are a fresh graduate and do not have any experience, try to get letters from your professors.
Use LinkedIn
Join LinkedIn. Employers today go beyond the references you provide and use the internet to find more information about you. Having a LinkedIn profile is important, and it can prove to be an excellent opportunity to get your former and current colleagues to post recommendations for your profile. LinkedIn continues to get more popular among professionals, and, therefore, the recommendations you have on your profile will prove valuable.
After choosing job references, it important to give them a heads-up when you have an interview scheduled. It is also helpful to provide them with information about the company you have an interview with, the position outline, and any other details that you think might be important.