Last time we discussed that It’s in your best interest to take control of your career momentum by finding out precisely what each of your potential references will say about you; then you can pass on your best references with greater confidence. Reference checking also provides the opportunity to prevent your negative references from offering up negative commentary about you. Here are the first 3 of our list of ten winning ways to utilize your references:
1. Make a list of all your prospective references. Begin with the first job that is relevant in management of your career today; select those who have carefully observed your job performance. Your references need to have seen you in action, hopefully performing well in adverse conditions. But beware: whether you list them or not, many (if not all) of your past employers will be contacted. Be sure to gather all important contact data about every potential reference, including: name, title, company, address, telephone/fax number, and e-mail address. (You may be asked to provide this data by a prospective employer.) Other individuals that may make useful references include colleagues, subordinates, suppliers and clients.
2. Narrow the list. After you have made your list of references, select those that you feel will be most willing to give you an excellent report. A typical list of references should include five to10 names, depending on the amount of experience a candidate has accumulated.
3. Contact each reference personally. Send each reference a note (visiting them personally, if possible, is even better) stating that you are seeking new employment and that you would like to use them as a reference. Be sure to share with them your current resume and let them know of the position you are applying for, as well as the type of qualities the company is likely seeking. Give them the impression that their reference is critical to your obtaining the job.
Come back next time for ways 4-6.