It is a very good sign when a company
asks you for a list of references. Only candidates who are being seriously
considered for a position will have their backgrounds checked.
Who should you choose? Bosses, co-workers,
customers, vendors and colleagues all make good references. So do college professors.
If you're just starting out in the workforce or if you haven't worked in a while,
you can use character or personal references from people who know your skills and attributes.
Company Reference Policy
Be aware that some employers
will not provide references. Due to concerns about litigation, they will only
provide job title, dates of employment and salary. If that's the case (and you
should call to be sure), be creative and try to find alternatives who are willing
to speak about your qualifications.
Reference List to Give to Employers
Create a document listing your references.
The list of references should not be included in or with your resume. Rather,
create a separate list on the same paper you used for your resume. Have it
ready to give to employers when you interview. Include 3-5 references, along
with their job titles, current employers, and contact information. If the
employer asks you to email your references, paste the list into the body of
any email letter, rather than sending an attachment.
Reference Letters vs. Reference Lists
Most employers won't ask for reference
letters, but they're great to have, especially if you're graduating from
college, relocating, or the company you work for is going out of business. Employers
usually prefer to speak to your references so they can ask specific questions about
your background to find out what type of employee you were and why you might be qualified
for the job they are hiring for. Given that, a few nice letters tucked away in your
portfolio sure can't hurt, so every time you change employment, make a point
of asking for a reference letter from your supervisor or a co-worker. That way, you
can create a file of recommendations from people you may not necessarily be able to
track down years later.
Keep Your References Up-to-Date
Let your references know where your job search
stands. Tell them who might be calling for a reference. When you get a new job, don't
forget to send a thank you note to those who provided you with a reference.
Requesting Permission
A prospective employer should ask your
permission before contacting your references. This is especially important if you
are employed - you don't want to surprise your current employer with a phone call
checking your references. It's perfectly acceptable to say that you are not
comfortable with your current employer being contacted at the present time.
However, do have a list of alternative references available.
What Employers Look for in a Reference List
1. Familiarity of References with You and Your Work
Remember that employers want to fill
the position just as much as you want to have the position! One of their worst
nightmares: checking your references so that they can make you an offer and finding
out that your reference either doesn't know who you are, is unaware of your job search,
or has nothing good to say about you! Inform, inform, inform.
Before listing anyone as a reference, make sure
you contact them first to make sure that they feel comfortable serving as a reference
first. At minimum, references should have a copy of your current resume (complete with
current contact information), samples of your work (particularly if you are listing
a professor or former supervisor as a reference), as well as a brief description of
your professional career goals. This way, your reference will be well-versed on "you"
as well as your suitability for the position which you see. This can only help them
in singing your praises when asked.
2. Appropriateness of References
Make sure that the references you list
aren't just a list of friends, but rather that they include professional contacts -
faculty, supervisors, customers, or peers. Employers question motives of candidates
who do not list any previous supervisor, as well as individuals who appear to
"jump jobs" repeatedly within a relatively short timeframe.
3. Complete Contact Information
See the example, attached. You should list the
contact's name, title, company, and your relationship to that person. Relationship
should describe context in which you knew reference. For example: if your reference
was your supervisor during a summer that you worked at RenTan, but has since moved
onto Progressive Insurance. Your relationship section would read:
Relationship: Ms. Anderson
was my supervisor during my internship at RenTan. During my tenure at the
company, she worked as a Senior Communications Designer.
4. Easy-to-Read Format
Place your name and contact information
at the top of your document. Ideally, font size and title should match the information
on your resume. List each reference on your page in the exact same manner. Quality
of print and paper. References should be laser-printed on heavy bond-stock paper
that matches that of your resume. Note: A laser printer, computer and fax machine
are available for your use in Career Services. Your list of references should not
exceed one page.
Reference Letter (example)
Make sure it is typed on company letterhead
Date
To Whom It May Concern:
I would like to recommend Sharon Doe as a candidate
for a position with your organization. In her position as Staff Assistant, Sharon was employed
in our office from 2000 - 2004. She performed well in this position and was an asset to
our organization during her tenure with the office. She has excellent written and verbal
communication skills, is extremely organized, can work independently and is able to follow
through to ensure that the job gets done.
During her tenure with XXXX, Sharon was responsible
for supervising the department office assistants. These assistants, under Sharon's management,
were responsible for many of the office's basic administrative and clerical functions. With
Sharon's input and guidance, the assistants took advanced classes in Microsoft Office which
greatly enhanced our office productivity.
Sharon was always willing to offer her assistance
and had an excellent rapport with the many constituents served by our office including
clients, employers, and other professional organizations. She would be an asset to any
employer and I recommend her for any endeavor she chooses to pursue. Please feel free to
contact me with any questions you have about Sharon's work.
Yours truly,
Jane Smith
Jane Smith
References (example)
Susan Jones
123 Main Street
Mentor , Ohio 44060
(440) 555-5555 sjones128@yahoo.com
Relationship: Ms. Anderson was my
supervisor during my internship at RenTan. During my tenure at the company, she
worked as a Senior Communications Designer. She will attest to my writing and
graphic design abilities, as I created 14 flyers and 2 point-of-purchase displays
for a new product launch during my internship. The product achieved sales beyond
company expectations due to its being so clearly introduced to the public before launch.
