The Keys to Great References That Get You Hired

When potential employers check your references, they are looking for direct confirmation of your skills, experience, personality, and work ethic. In other words, they’re looking for information on whether you’ll make a good employee for them.

Since companies no longer give details about past employees, recruiters and hiring managers rely heavily on both verbal and written references. It depends on your industry, but most companies are looking for contact information so they can do a short interview with your references about you.

Here are the keys to getting great references that get you hired!

• Unless this is your first job, choose references from past employers, supervisors, and colleagues. Never use friends and family.
• If it is your first job, ask professors who taught you courses in your major, as they’ll have the most information that will interest your potential employer.
• Choose someone who has supervised (or taught) you for at least one reference. The rest can be colleagues, but at least one should have been your superior.
• Try to have a pool of 6-8 references if possible. Then you have a variety to choose from, plus you don’t exhaust their goodwill if you’re applying for a dozen jobs…remember, they get a phone call (or have to write a letter) for each job!
• Call and ask the reference first. Don’t leave it to email or text, because there might be some hesitation you won’t know about until after your reference is contacted.
• When you call your potential reference, ask outright, “Can you give me a positive referral?” Most people will be very honest if they can’t, and will suggest asking someone else.
• NEVER use a referral who has declined your request, or who has expressed concern about not being able to give you a glowing reference.
• Tell your reference a little about the job you are applying for, and the qualities or skills the position requires. That helps your reference know what to talk about and emphasize during the call (or in the letter, if a written reference is required).
• Some websites suggest you email a copy of your resume to your references, but it’s not needed. You can follow up on your phone call with a quick email or text with a thank-you for agreeing to be your reference, and make sure to send it with your name, contact info, and a brief description of the job you’re applying for and the skills and experience required. This way, your reference will have a reminder of your discussion.   
• If they ask what you’d like them to say, give them a brief suggestion, but ask them to put into their own words. Every recruiter and hiring manager has run into a reference who has said “Jane says she’s a top-notch engineer” or something similar. Try to avoid giving too much prompting.
• Thank your references. Even if they weren’t contacted, even if you didn’t get the job, send a note or make a quick call to express your appreciation. If you can, offer to return the favor when it’s their turn for a job search.

Want to know more about open positions, or how to find the right references? Contact Step Up Recruiting today!