8 References: The references you list is an important choice when you are putting together your job application. One wrong word from a less-than-enthusiastic reference can quickly knock you off an employer’s list of candidates.
To avoid such calamity, keep reading this article to know people to consider in reference and tips to create a good reference.
Considerable References To Think About
I know that this is something that has been bothering you in the course of lining up references in your resume. I will urge you to consider these eight people when making your reference list. By doing so, you will catch the attention of recruiters.
1. Co-Workers
If you don’t get along with your boss, use a co-worker who is familiar with your work and worked directly with you. A work friend who doesn’t understand your job responsibilities won’t give the professional you need.
2. Recent Bosses
Current or previous employers speak best about your work ethic. Leaving your boss off your reference list gives the impression there’s a reason you didn’t want your future employer to contact them.
Explain why you didn’t include your employer if you’re leaving them off your list of references. Maybe you don’t want your boss to know you’re looking for a new job. Regardless, include at least one person from your current job.
3. Friends (But Only if They’re a Professional Reference)
Most of the time, leave your friends off your list of references.
There are two occasions when using a friend as your reference is acceptable:
- They’re currently employed at the business to which you’re applying.
- They were your supervisor.
4. Professors
Professors teaching in a field related to the job you’re applying to make great references, and most are happy to help. However, your professor may not feel acting as your reference if they haven’t gotten to know you personally. Make the effort to guarantee the professor you respect knows you as more than a face in the classroom.
5. Group Members
You probably worked on semester-long group projects while finishing your degree. Use your group members as references if the project turned out fantastic.
6. The Person you Babysat for or Whose Lawn you Mowed
Think about the odd jobs you had while in high school and when you were home from college. A reference you’ve known for years lets employers know the consistency of your work ethic.
7. High School Teacher or Coach You Still Talk to Regularly
Use a high school teacher or coach you’ve maintained contact with over the years if you’re short on references. Teachers and coaches often act as mentors throughout high school and into early adult life.
8. Any Place you’ve Volunteered
People you volunteer for are likely willing to be your reference. Plus, volunteering impresses hiring managers. It your willingness to go beyond what is expected of you.
Additionally, volunteering increases your chance of being hired by 27 percent, according to the Corporation of National and Community Service’s June 2013 Volunteering as a Pathway to the Employment report.
Tips for Creating a Reference List
Explaining all these without giving you tips to guide you for a cool start will make it a little complicated for you. The tips I will give to you will aid you through the entire process of listing out your references in a resume.
1. Choose Wisely
Select people who can discuss your abilities and experience that directly relate to the position, not just those with the most impressive job titles. Offer a mix of contacts who can address different aspects of your background; for example, a former peer may be able to describe your skills, while a past direct report can talk about your management style.
2. Check-in Beforehand
Always call potential references first to get their permission and evaluate their eagerness to talk to hiring managers. Be sure to give all references a copy of your resume, the job description, and the name of the person who will likely call.
3. Be Prepared
Provide clear contact information for your references, including their names, titles, daytime phone numbers, and email addresses. Also, offer a brief explanation of the nature of your relationship with each individual. Consider supplying more references than are requested, so you won’t miss out on the job offer if the hiring manager can’t get in touch with one of your contacts.
4. Think Outside the Box
It’s common for employers to seek out additional references for new hires—either online or through their networks. Since you never know to whom a hiring manager might reach out, you should not only remain on good terms with your past supervisors and colleagues (if possible) but also be selective about who’s in your online network.
5. Give Thanks
Express your gratitude to people who agree to serve as references, even if they aren’t contacted by employers. Keep them updated on the progress of your job search and offer to return the favor by providing a recommendation should they need one.
However, if you wish to see your reference and you are refused, the best option is to seek legal advice for your particular case and circumstances. If this was useful, then you can as well share it with your friends.
StudentsandScholarship Team.
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