Creating a Solid Reference List

Securing a Job Offer With Stellar References

Oct 28, 2009 Kelli Robinson

A reference list is as important as a resume. Who to ask, preparing the references, and following proper protocol are critical steps not to be overlooked.

When job searching, a standout resume earns a job seeker an interview. A solid interview raises the possibility of a job offer. Strong references confirm an employer's belief that the person should be hired. A weak reference list can jeopardize an otherwise successful job search. Assembling a reference list requires strategy and diligence. The following three guidelines can help.

Asking the Right People to be References

Job seekers should never assume someone is comfortable being a reference or can be a strong reference. Candidates should ask references the following questions:

• Are you comfortable talking to strangers?
• Does your schedule permit phone calls from employers?
• Can you give a positive recommendation? This question is especially important. In the job search, neutral is synonymous with negative. References must be able to speak positively to a person's work abilities.

People included on a reference list should be from professional relationships. Potential supervisors want to confirm a person's skills and abilities in a work environment. Friends and family members cannot properly and objectively attest to either. A professional reference could include previous supervisors or colleagues. Recent college graduates could ask professors, or academic and student group advisors.

When it comes to references, a person's name or job title is insignificant compared to discussing the candidate's skills. CEO may be a loftier title than manager but, a manager overseeing daily duties and responsibilities is a better reference.

Providing References With Tools for Success

A reference best helps the job candidate when given materials that keeps him or her informed. References should have copies of a candidate's resume and/or career goals statement for two reasons. One, resumes give references complete pictures of job candidates outside of their specific relationship. For example, a previous supervisor is privy to a candidate's volunteer experience. Second, resume objectives or goal statements define the candidate's career interests. Clearly outlining this information helps the reference make connections between a candidate's skills and their career intentions.

It's helpful for a job candidate to alert references after an interview, especially if the interviewer indicates an interest in speaking to references. Doing so helps the reference avoid being caught off guard when contacted. Job seekers should provide references with the company name and interviewer's name, as well as the job title and duties discussed in the interview.

References should be informed when a candidate accepts a job offer. Additionally, sending each person a note personally thanking him or her for their help is both professional and common courtesy.

Maintaining and Cultivating a Reference List

Job searching is a life-long process of which references will always be a part. New employees should not lose touch with references after starting their job. In a world of work that constantly changes, the references may be called upon for similar help in the future.

As a person's career path evolves, so does the reference list. Future employers are interested in most recent successes. A job candidate should update a reference list to include professional contacts within the past five years.

Conversely, as people's careers advance, they too are afforded the opportunity to be a reference. Considering the importance of networking and building professional relationships, a person should agree to assist someone else's job search by providing a reference.

Solidifying a Top Notch Reference List

A reference list is not simply a list of people and their contact information. It presents a summary of professional relationships people develop throughout their careers. After concluding job interviews, employers may have multiple candidates at the top of a list. Solid references often narrow down the list to the one who receives the offer.

The copyright of the article Creating a Solid Reference List in Career Advice is owned by Kelli Robinson . Permission to republish Creating a Solid Reference List in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Secure a Job Offer With Solid References

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