Tag Archives: interview process

Job Etiquette: References That Aren’t In The Library

Congratulations! You made it to having the employer ask you for references!  Some of you already have a reference sheet prepared and some of you will e-mail them to the employer.  Some applicants send reference letters with a resume when they apply for the job. I can’t speak for all employers but I personally do not like that approach.  I like to speak to references after the interview process. Sometimes I speak with a few and the supervisor does as well.

But who are these references? When you choose references to speak on your behalf, be careful and thoughtful. These people will be prepared to sing your praises but the employer will have questions that are important to understanding if you will fit into the organization. Some tips for you:

  • Prepare the reference with information about the job.
  • Tell the reference about the type of company (large, small, type of industry).
  • Choose a former supervisor if you are able.
  • Choose a colleague or peer that you worked with (on a project or day to day).
  • If you are a consultant, choose clients you have worked successfully with in a similar position (if possible).
  • Be careful with friends or family members , they may be overly enthusiastic and not relate to some of the questions they are asked regarding your performance in certain situations.
  • Skillful reference checks can uncover information you may not want the interviewer to hear (family stories, unusual examples of you).
  • Make sure you let the employer know the name, contact information and how you are connected. This is important and useful to the employer.
  • Make sure the reference knows you gave his/her name to a company. A surprise call could be tricky and uncomfortable.
  • Remember the reference check is part of the interview process. It means your resume or application showcased you ion a positive light, the interviews (telephone and in person) went well , and this is one more way for the employer to see how others see you. Make sure you understand what they are planning to say!!

Good luck!

Talk soon.