If you’re looking to change or improve your employment status, reference-checking firm Allison & Taylor has identified 5 key employment trends for you to consider during your employment search.
1. Employers are using social media and technology to assess your references.
Consider your social media choices carefully when looking for a new job; employers are now looking at social media accounts to get more information about a potential employee. Is the content appropriate and reflect you in a positive way? If you are using online job sites to float your resume, be aware that employers also search those and can see if your online resume matches the information that’s been provided to them. They may also pull references from these sites and contact those people, even if they’re not names you provided on your application with their company.
The other thing to consider when it comes to references is that many employers are utilizing electronic reference systems, which rank an employee’s performance on a scale. While it is comprehensive and factual, it has the downside of limiting the opportunity employers have to favorably assess you. Be sure you have negotiated the terms of your reference upon departure from the company.
2. References have become more, not less, valuable.
Your resume may get you the interview, but it’s the report your references provide that will win you the job in a close race with another qualified candidate.
The job market is poised for further growth in 2015, and it is critically important that your reference list is well planned, provides full contact information and is presented as a matching and professional addendum to your resume. Be sure to treat your reference list with the same level of care you’ve given to perfecting your resume.
3. The format, content and presentation references lists have changed.
In the past, the standard approach was to offer a simple list of references and their contact information. In 2015, savvy job seekers are modernizing their reference lists to make a powerful statement of their professional qualifications.
An effective reference provides the references’ contact information, as well as the attributes they can attest to on your behalf. This approach offers several benefits to you as the job seeker. It allows you to showcase you abilities and achievements with former employers, and to tie those qualifications to the key job elements sought by prospective new employers. When offered to a potential employer – e.g., at the close of an interview – a well-crafted reference document will make a powerful and proactive statement on the job seeker’s behalf.
See a new formatting example for management references.
See a new formatting example for a teacher’s references.
See a new formatting example for a hair stylist.
4. Employers will use your peers & subordinates as references.
Don’t assume that employers will only check with Human Resources or your former supervisor for reference purposes. Employers are increasingly scrutinizing less-traditional references such as peers and co-workers.
This can work to your advantage if you strive for successful work relationships; associates like a supportive second-level supervisor or a matrix manager(s) can be key advocates on your behalf, and might be more supportive than traditional references like immediate supervisors.
(Note: A prospective employer does not require your permission to check any reference.)
5. Keep those workplace bullies off your reference list- they can destroy your chances for new employment.
Despite negative press about bad bosses (or co-workers), bullies still abound in the workplace and can adversely affect your current or future employment. Even if you’ve left a negative employment situation, these people will sometimes continue to sabotage your job-seeking efforts with unflattering responses to a reference check.
Try to keep these people off your reference list if at all possible, perhaps using a different company contact. If this isn’t an option, try checking your reference before you go to that all-important job interview. If they are providing negative information about you, you do have recourse.
Keeping tabs on the way employers evaluate your references is a critical element in getting that new job. An up-to-date, thoughtful, and well-planned reference list can be your strongest chance to stand out in a sea of qualified applicants. Craft yours to reflect you in the best possible light.
3 Steps to Master the Interview Process & Receive That Job Offer
The tips for giving a successful interview performance are many and well documented – be on time, dress appropriately, convey interest and enthusiasm, etc. However, what is less well understood – except by exceptional job candidates – is that the interview process can be a forum that is managed primarily by you, the job seeker. A well-managed interview will convey your knowledge of the company, your passion and leadership abilities that are key to enhancing the organization, and your value in being able to immediately make a contribution to your new employer.
Here are 3 steps that will make you the master of your future interviews:
- Research your potential employer beforehand and be prepared to offer recommendations for organizational improvement. Surprisingly few applicants invest the time in becoming knowledgeable about an employer’s business. Even fewer understand it well enough to offer potential recommendations for enhancement. While this is easier to do with an employer with which you’re already familiar – say, a former competitor – being able to offer ideas for organizational improvement will demonstrate your level of understanding of their processes and needs.
- Be prepared to ask insightful – and if need be, tough – questions. Remember that not only should you be a “good fit” for a potential employer; they should be a good fit for you as well. Asking intelligent questions will demonstrate your own level of interest and intelligence, and may reveal some responses that give you guidance as to whether you truly wish to work with this organization.
- Know ahead of time what your key references will say about you to prospective employers. It’s best to assume that interviewers will contact both your former supervisor and the Human Resources contacts at your recent places of employment (and perhaps some of your co-workers as well). If any of your references offer unfavorable commentary about you, it’s unlikely you will be re-contacted by potential employers. Find out beforehand what they will say about you by utilizing a third party reference checking firm such as Allison & Taylor; if any negative commentary is revealed, you will have recourse to discourage a former employer from continuing to offer such remarks.
Invest the time to know your potential future employers – you will stand out from other candidates and better ensure that you will be their newest employee.
For more information about Allison and Taylor, Inc.’s services click here.
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You’ve put time and effort into your resume, developed your network of possible employers and recruiters, worked on your interview skills – but have done nothing but typed a list of your references. Don’t leave this crucial area to chance. References are the final factor in who gets the job offer. Your past employers – anyone you reported to will be contacted. Do you know what they will say?