How to choose the best references to represent you to potential employers

Simply put, it’s imperative that you, as a job candidate, also take a close look at your references each and every time you make a change to your resume.  Make sure your reference list meets these criteria:

  • Does your reference list reflect the best people to cast you in a positive light to a prospective employer – or could there be someone else who would be a better choice?
  • Are your selected references truly going to give your prospective employers the kudos you’re hoping for? If you’re less than certain that they will, you’d better check them beforehand before they go “live” with your prospective new employer. Have a reference check conducted beforehand to make sure.
  • Do your references have a truly comprehensive knowledge of your skills and abilities, and can they fluently convey this knowledge?
  • Are your references people with whom you’ve stayed in touch, and kept updated on your career moves and successes? Will they be able to provide current information about you to a prospective new employer(s)?

If your reference meets all these criteria, they will be a powerful asset in your hunt Read more...

A “Cease & Desist Letter” Can Counteract Bad Job References

Sadly, the often-overlooked “last phase” of the hiring process – checking the applicant’s references – has undone many a candidate.  “A sizable number of the references we check are for job candidates who already suspect negative feedback from former employers”, says Jeff Shane, Vice Read more...

5 Critical Steps To Managing Your References

Here are five key ways to ensure that your chosen references will be an asset, not a liability:

1. After making a preliminary list of prospective references, narrow it down to key contenders. After you have made your initial reference list, select those that you feel will be most willing to Read more...