A number of industry sources have documented that a person will change careers approximately seven times during their working years. While it is a virtual “given” that you will be writing (and rewriting) your resume over the course of your career, the crucial role played by your references is often overlooked. You need to ask yourself: “Have I taken the same care in creating my reference list, as I have my resume?”
Simply put, it’s essential that you, as a job candidate, take a close look at your references each time you make a change to your resume.
Make sure your reference list meets these 4 criteria:
1.) 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?
2.) 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.
3.) Do your references have a comprehensive knowledge of your skills and abilities, and can they fluently convey this knowledge?
4.) 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)?
The new, modern look of references provides a chance to underscore the information you’ve provided in your resume, and to make a powerful statement to a prospective employer. Present your reference list, formatted as shown below, during the application process for that first good impression. Or, proactively offer it at the conclusion of an interview – the hiring party will be impressed with both your list, and your initiative in offering it.
Here are some examples of modernized references:
Management Reference List Sample
Hair Stylist Reference List Sample
For a critique of your references, or assistance in rewriting them to the new format, please click here. A good reference list is one key to securing new employment – make sure yours is a part of your employment-seeking arsenal.
For further details on services and procedures please visit www.AllisonTaylor.com.
Are you protected by your old company’s policy to only confirm the dates and title of employment?
Our experience is, that with a little pressure, most managers break company policy and speak their mind to either help or hurt a candidate’s chance at another job. Who from your past job will help you or hurt you – you need to know.
Click here to find out what is really being said about you.
Is your past boss badmouthing you?
50% of our clients have lost good job offers due to bad or mediocre comments from previous employers. Reference-Letters.com will confidentially find out what is really being said about you and give you the power to stop it!
Interviewing well but not getting the job?
Maybe it’s something that a past employer or reference is saying. Could a jealous colleague be sabotaging you? Could your past boss be less than happy at your departure? Reference-Letters.com will help you find out.
Do you have a separation agreement with your past employer? Is it being honored?
Is your past employer giving you the professional and prompt reference that was promised or are they saying, “Well according to our agreement I can only confirm that he worked here.” Reference-Letters.com will find out what is really being said and give you the power to enforce your agreement.
Were you a victim of discrimination, sexual harassment or wrongful termination?
Your previous employers could be affecting your new job search through their comments to prospective employers. Don’t let them continue to hurt you and your career.
Click here to find out what is really being said about you.
Are you being BLACKBALLED?
Last year our clients were awarded more than $2 million in settlements. Reference-Letters.com will find out what is really being said about you and give you the power to stop it!
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? Reference-Letters.com will find out what is really being said about you.