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.

Job Etiquette: Declining An Offer Of Employment

Most people are excited when they are searching for a job and receive an offer of employment. It is often the end of a journey which starts with resume recognition, personal recognition, interviews, reference checking and then the JOB Offer.

There may be vaild reasons for you to decline an offer of employment. Maybe you received multiple offers and you have to make a choice. Sometimes timing plays a role and you need to accept by a certain time and one employer has been slow with follow up.  You may not be sure about the fit or the commute. When you decline, make sure to be professional. Thank the employer and briefly describe your decision if you are comfortable with it. Make a positive statement about the company and end the conversation on good terms. You may run across this employer in the future or you may know other connections to this employer. Professionalism is an important lesson to learn, never “burn bridges”. 

Responding back to the employer:

• Typically employers expect an answer within one week of the offer.
• If you ask an employer for more time to consider an opportunity (over a week) there had better be an extraordinary reason for the request.
• Don’t make the mistake of saying you are also waiting to hear back from another employer. Employers do not want to hear that you are unsure. It is possible that they will rescind their offer to you.
• Don’t try to negotiate the salary on the spot.
• Don’t try to change the conditions of the employment.
• Do be honest and professional.
• Do be respectful of the employer and thank them for the opportunity
• There are always exceptions, but your tone and reasoning will be critical at this time.

The surprises I have seen in the area of offers and declinations are as follows:

• Entry level applicants negotiating unreasonable terms for their first industry job
• Lack of professionalism in speaking to employers
• Disregard of job etiquette
• “My friend told me I should get a larger salary”
• No appreciation for the offer at hand
• Feeling entitled to the job, salary and terms of employment; not appreciative.

The majority of applicants are very happy and excited to receive a job offer. It is hard work to find a job and a great accomplishment to work, earn a salary, receive benefits and hopefully job satisfaction. Declining a position happens as well for a variety of reasons. Don’t be the person who has it, and loses it as fast, by disregarding manners and professionalism.

Tell me what happened to you in the comments below.