References
Sooner or later you will be asked to provide references. There is no need to do so before you are asked. Reference checks are made to:
- assure that you told the truth about yourself.
- get a feeling for how you work with others.
- pick up otherwise undisclosed information, either positive or negative.
Today, many employers are very careful about sharing information due to the chance of a lawsuit. Often a company will only provide a job title and dates of employment.
Who Should You Choose as References?
People who know you in a work setting - managers, peers, subordinates - are the best references. Customers or vendors are also good choices. Forget neighbors, relatives, doctors, etc. unless they are well known political, community, or business leaders, educators, or professional trade association experts. References should know you well enough to speak objectively and in some detail about your skills, strengths, and personal characteristics.
Prepare a Reference List
Typically you are asked references. Have several more references just in case. Prepare a Reference List to give to a prospective employer using the following format, with your name at the top of the page.
- Name
- Phone Number
- Current Title
- Former Title (When you worked together)
- Current Employer
- Relationship (Former manager, subordinate, co-worker, etc.)
- Address
References
Help Your References Help You.
- Ask first.
- Always ask a person to act as a reference for you before you provide his or her name to an employer.
- Meet with the person to verify information for your reference sheet and ensure that you will get a positive reference. At the very least have a detailed and frank conversation with your reference.
- Prepare your reference.
- Provide a copy of your resume to the person.
- Develop a one-page summary including your career objective, reason for leaving, strengths, weaknesses, and work and management style, then review it with him or her.
- Call your reference when you give his or her name to an employer.
- Provide details about the prospective position and what you have to offer.
- Share your excitement and enthusiasm.
- Ask for feedback after your reference has been contacted.
- What types of questions were asked?
- What topics were covered?
- What concerns were raised
- Thank your reference!!!
After the Interview
- Complete a Meeting/Interview Report immediately after the interview, such as in the car before you leave. Many of the details are fresh then, and will be lost if you wait several hours later.
- Send a Thank You note or email within 24 hours. Personal notes and cards have greater impact.
- Know the interviewer's time line regarding the selection and decision process. If you haven't heard from him or her by the date that was indicated, you may call to check on the status of the process.
- DO NOT ask how you did, about salary and benefits, or if you are being seriously considered for the job.
- If you are not offered the position, send a gracious response to you turndown. You never know if the person offered the job will leave after a few weeks, or if another position will open up. Keep the door open.
Thank You Letter for a Job Interview
- Start the letter with a Thank You and Appreciation. Let them know that you are very interested in the job (assuming you are).
- Mention your specific strengths that make you uniquely qualified for this role
- Next Steps. If you have not been given specific next steps, then you must now take control and tell them when you will be contacting them to discuss Next Steps.
Response to a Turndown
- Start the letter by thanking them for considering you for the role and mention that you are disappointed that you were not selected for the position.
- Restate your Interest! Express your appreciation for the time they spent with you and mention specific strengths that make you uniquely qualified for the job.
- Next Step. Keep the door open and let them know that if a more suitable position opens up that you will be very interested in speaking with them again.
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