In the last few posts we have been discussing the 5 Golden Rules of Job Reference Etiquette. Your references are a valuable asset and it is important treat them like the asset they are.
Today we are up to Rule 4:
Note that spending time communicating with your prospective employer takes valuable time from your references’ workdays. If you plan to use these positive references over the years, you need to give something back. For instance, each time your reference supports you with a new prospective employer, send them a personal thank-you letter or (at a minimum) an email. Better still, send a thank-you note with a gift card for Starbucks, or offer to take your former boss to lunch/dinner.