How to Get Employment References
Posted November 7th, 2019
Reference checks are a common part of the hiring process. As a job seeker, you should prepare yourself for the inevitable; once you reach a certain point during the recruitment phase, the hiring manager is going to ask for references.
Since you know this is coming, it’s best to have a list of employment references at the ready. That way, you don’t have to hesitate or coordinate your references at the last minute, allowing the hiring process to move forward more quickly.
A positive reference can make all of the difference when you are trying to land a job. With that in mind, here are some tips that can help you create the perfect employment reference list.
Ask the Right People Ahead of Time
You should never list a reference that you haven’t spoken to beforehand. It’s polite to ask a person to be a reference. Plus, it gives you a chance to learn what they might have to say and prepare them for the experience. For example, you can let them know what kind of role you are trying to land and what the hiring manager may want to know. That way, your reference can consider their responses in advance, allowing them to give more articulate answers.
You also want to make sure that you are asking the right people to be references. First and foremost, only speak with individuals who will have positive things to say. If you don’t, there’s a chance a reference will tell the hiring manager something that hurts your chances of being selected.
Ideally, you want to list former bosses above all else. However, customers and colleagues can also be great additions to the list, creating a degree of diversity regarding how the references know you. Recent graduates may also want to include professors or teachers, particularly if they are trying to land their first job in the field.
Request a Reference During a Job Change
Whenever you prepare to leave a job, it’s wise to ask your manager (and possibly a few coworkers) if they would be willing to be a reference in the future. If they say yes, you can gather their contact information before you head out the door, allowing you to have a standby list at the ready.
Additionally, you can use the request as an opportunity to ask for a letter of reference. This can give you a document that you can save, allowing you to provide it to hiring managers even if you lose touch with the writer.
Maintain Your Network
Ensuring potential references are members of your professional network is a smart move. You can keep the relationship strong through periodic updates and quick notes to stay connected. Plus, you can stay up to date regarding changes in each other’s lives, including new employers, contact details, or active job searches.
All of the tips above can make it easy to have a reference list at the ready. If you’d like to learn more about reference checks, the team at Bayside Solutions can help. Contact us to speak with one of our recruiters today and see how our professional reference expertise can benefit you.
