Chapter 2: Revitalize Your Job Search Documents
References Tips
- Choose your references strategically.
Think of those that would speak positively about your experience, knowledge, interaction, personality, and work habits. Be confident that your references will recommend you to others without any reservations. If you have any hesitation that someone wouldn’t speak well of you, move on to your next option. - Contact your references ahead of time.
Remember to ask permission before listing an individual as a reference and confirm their most updated contact information. Provide your references with a copy of your resume and let them know what kinds of jobs you are applying to. By keeping your references in the know about your goals and activities, it will help them to provide a more appropriate recommendation. - Don’t list your references on your resume.
By including your references on a separate page you avoid giving out their personal information every time you apply to a job. - Provide your references only when asked.
Most employers don’t want to contact you until you’ve interviewed for the job. Therefore, your list should only be offered to the employer when requested, unless otherwise specified at the time of application. - Thank your references.
Whether you are successful or not in getting the job, always take the time to thank your references. This will help you to maintain a positive relationship with your references and will allow you to continue using them as your reference in the future.
