Better Check Your References Before the Employer Does
Comments:6
There has long been a debate regarding references and whether or not to include them in a resume. Many applicants are uncomfortable providing the information up front, preferring instead to simply state that references are available upon request.This is an outdated method and I always encourage clients NOT to write that on their resume, rather bring them with you to the interview. Whichever route you choose, it is critical you be aware of what information you are providing to potential employers as well as their ability to check that information. In other words, check your references because you never know who does.
References typically fall into two categories: personal and professional. Professional references are preferable as they give a potential employer the ability to confirm our work history. Personal references work well for those with little work history. The important thing to remember is that both types of references can be checked.
When offering references, be sure to carefully follow these three guidelines.
- Provide complete contact information: When providing a reference, be sure to provide complete contact information. This includes full names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses (when possible). Also include employment dates, job titles and supervisor names. Failure to provide complete information gives the appearance of attempting to avoid the references being creference information for people who do not know they are being included in a reference list. It not only puts them on the spot but failure to call and receive approval can mean providing bad contact information or worse…a bad reference.
- Know what they are going to say: When asking permission to include a former supervisor or co-worker on your reference list, take the opportunity to ask what they will say. While this may seem awkward, ensuring a positive review or reference is the best way to control this portion of the application process.
- Lastly, some states or companies place restrictions on what information a former employer can provide. In many cases, they are allowed to only confirm employment dates and salary history. It is always a better idea to use a reference that can provide applicable information about your work history and ethics. Be sure to confirm that your references can provide additional information to potential employers.
Some say that not everyone checks references, but I think today with such easy access via internet and reference checking companies, most do. The point is, you don’t know. Because of this, it is critical that all reference information be accurate and positive.
References can be an excellent way to personalize your work history. Carefully select the people you would like to use as references and confirm with them what they will say so you are aware of the information that potential employers receive. By properly preparing them, being honest in your answers and the information you present, you have a much better chance of presenting the best possible ‘face’ to potential employers.
Written by Erin Kennedy, MCD, CMRW, CPRW - Visit the website to hire executive resume writer Erin Kennedy, CERW, CPRW
Erin is an internationally renowned certified resume writer specializing in professional and executive level resumes and career services.
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Erin Kennedy, MCD, CMRW, CPRW owns Professional Resume Services, where she and her talented staff of writers specialize in professional & executive resumes. Erin is internationally recognized by her peers as one of the best of the best, she is a perennial award-nominated certified resume writer.
I tend to give my reference information as part of my follow-up. Whether they ask or not. I think it shows I am who and what I said I was during the interview.
Kimba Green´s last [type] ..Do you know who Jason Alba is
Another important thing to remember is to contact your references and let them know you’re actively seeking a position (or more than one position, as they may be contacted by more than one employer). This way they’ll be sure to answer any unknown calls or will make sure that they prepare themselves with their elevator pitch for you. I once had a great reference call me and tell me to let her know in advance when I am placing her as a reference contact because she was extremely busy and had to put off contacting the employer. She wanted to give the reference, but it just wasn’t the right time to discuss my history with them, and that can also look bad in the employer’s eyes.
That’s a good idea, too… letting them know you are confident in your references and what they will say about you. Thanks, Kim!
That’s a good point, too.
Thanks, Mark!
Erin,
You have made some excellent points and I’m pleased that you have provided your readers with this sound advice, and done so with no personal connection to the reference verification services industry.
I am, on the other hand, directly involved in employment reference verification, but I thought I might add a few points from an internal perspective, if I may?
Most job seekers are not aware that approximately 40% of employment references will be graded as non-positive when examined by a professional reference verification service. That being said, a hiring manager or human resources department can expect similar findings.
The reasons for this relatively high percentage vary widely, but the most common elements can be attributed to: incomplete or inaccurate information, lack of preparation, lack of direct knowledge, inability to communicate a clear and concise message, and even malicious intentions on the part of the reference.
Relying upon a former employer’s policy as a deterrent to a reference who may be willing to act with malice is widely accepted, but is all too often erroneous.
While a former employer’s policy may officially limit the scope of information which may be provided, and who may provide it, the fact remains that individuals who may be motivated to cast someone in a bad light, are often quite willing to violate policy to do so. This willingness stems from their relatively small risk in getting caught, while their intended target bears the greater risk of a stalled-out career.
The remaining 60% of references which typically score as positive play an equally important role for job seekers. Kim Green (see above) is a shining example of someone who has proactively taken advantage of the confidence she has developed in her references.
Armed with the knowledge of good references, Kim likely enters her interviews with an empowered self-confidence that will be reflective during the interview. This inspired self-confidence can be a powerful and positive force in separating herself from others potential candidates.
These days, with greater emphasis placed on fact-based decision making, I detect a new approach in applying positive reference reporting to employment search strategies. Not unlike the highly popular CARFAX© report, the trend appears to be aimed toward voluntarily supplying a printed copy of an independent reference verification as an additional sales tool. This printed report can be introduced to the employer during the interview process as a kind of “employee fax report”. Employers are taking notice of this level of initiative on the part of potential candidates who seek to separate themselves from the crowd. Equally important, the employer is easily able to verify the results of the report by conducting their own evaluation – although many choose not to.
A word of caution: job seekers should understand and carefully consider the Observer-expectancy effect if they are contemplating checking their own references or involving a friend.
Independent verification is standard practice in many areas including science, legal, technology, operations, customer satisfaction and other mission critical areas where an exceptionally high level of confidence is necessary because of the sensitive nature of the information. Your career preparation is equally important.
CheckYourReference.com
Thanks for your detailed info, Rex.