References matter. The most important reference is that of your former boss. In fact, they may give a winning push to landing that job or they may sabotage the position for you.
AllisonTaylor outlines a five-step strategy to ensure the best possible outcome during the job hunting progress.
- Make a list of your former bosses – Have you stayed in touch? Was there bad blood? Before you go on that interview offer an olive branch.
- Make a secondary list – A mentor, coach, former boss, or manager is a great place to start. Job hunters should have a few references available at a moment’s notice, take the time when you craft your resume to craft this document too.
- Contacting references in advance and inquiring about their willingness to actually be a reference is an important step.
- Verify that you have all information for your references listed correctly; the correct spelling of their name, current title, and up-to-date contact information.
- Remember reference letters obtained really don’t matter, unless the company goes out of business and none of your people are to be found. Everyone knows it’s very easy to make up letterhead and a reference.
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