Home
Things You Should Never Say
Cultivate Your References
Tips for Starting off Right
How to Prepare a Resume
How to Resign Effectively
Working with a Recruiter
Phone Interview Guide
Face to Face Interview Guide
Career Planning Tips

Cultivate Your Job References

NETWORK WORLD NEWSLETTER: AMY SCHURR on CAREERS
02/15/01 - Today's focus: Cultivate your job references
By Amy Schurr

Has this ever happened to you? You update your resume, do well in the interview, and then have to scramble to hunt down current contact information for your job references after the prospective employer requested them.

It has happened to me, but I've learned the importance of cultivating my references. That means not only choosing these folks carefully, but staying in touch over the years and having a good idea what they'll say when a potential employer calls them.

One questionable reference could make the difference between landing the job or getting passed over. On the other hand, offering a glowing reference to a manager who has doubts about your abilities could swing things in your favor. To put your best foot forward, follow these tips that I've gleaned from several recruiters:

* Don't include your references on your resume.

Furnish them only when an employer makes the request and it's clear you're a serious contender. Your references are a valuable asset - don't inconvenience them before it's necessary. Besides, the company may just want to get its hands on the names of other possible candidates.

* Mix it up.

Aim for five references and choose a variety of types, such as a former or current boss, co-worker, and end user or client. If you don't have much IT work experience under your belt, consider using a college professor or academic adviser.

Choose references who have known you at least a year. The better a person knows your track record, the more accomplishments he'll be able to recount. However, you should also include a recent reference who knows you have the latest IT skills.

If you're not sure what someone will say about you, find out. Either pay a reference-checking firm such as JobReference.com or References-etc., or enlist the help of a friend who will check your references for free. (JobReference.com starts at $35; References-etc. costs $30 for one. See links below.)

* Keep references up to date with current contact information.

Include name, title, address, business and home phone numbers, and e-mail address.

* Prior to giving a company a list of your references, contact each person.

Let them know to expect a call from the employer and fill them in on the details of the position you're seeking. Help them remember the work you've done and how it ties into the new opportunity.

What advice would you give your peers about providing references?
Contact me at mailto:aschurr@nww.com.

___________________________________________________________

To contact Amy Schurr:

Amy Schurr is an editor for Network World's Management Strategies and Features sections. If you have any career topics you'd like her to cover or want to comment on this newsletter, you can reach her at mailto:aschurr@nww.com.

___________________________________________________________