Six Tips for Professional References - Sterling Career Concepts

Six Tips for Professional References Six Tips for Professional References Many job seekers struggle with professional references. Who should be included, what should be revealed, when should they be presented to hiring agents? These six tips will help you identify the most effective way to create professional references and use them in the job search. 1. Context: Select contacts of a professional nature, not those whose relationship with you is faith, community, sports, or club-based. Those relationships qualify as personal references. 2. Verify: Contact each reference in advance to ask permission and note preferred contact information, usually a telephone number. 3. Aware: Forward a copy of your current resume and job target to each reference so they can frame their comments accordingly. 4. Guard: Do not share until asked and at least after the first interview. Don’t offer information prematurely as you don’t want your contacts bombarded with too many calls or emails. 5. Appreciate: Send each of your references a handwritten thank you note for their assistance. Also let them know once your job search is complete, and that you’ve accepted a new position. 6. Connect: Nowadays, LinkedIn recommendations are just as important as “live” references. Maximize your profile by asking past managers, colleagues, and clients for recommendations. A Bonus Tip: Beyond the obvious suggestion of seeking out professionals with strong and clear communication skills, job seekers should be open to prior colleagues and employees in related areas with whom you interacted professionally, not just past supervisors. The best reference is not always your direct supervisor. For instance, colleagues with whom you worked closely on a large project will have valuable “in the trenches” knowledge about your strengths to which a supervisor isn’t always privy.