This article thoroughly explains the importance
of references, the types of references one can use, how to obtain
references, and when to submit reference data. References basically
provide the employer with valuable information about the job candidate
and is a determining factor in whether or not the prospective employee
gets hired for the job he/she is being considered for...
A reference is
someone who is willing to speak to a potential employer about a
candidate or submits information in writing (reference letter),
hopefully in a good way for the candidate’s sake. Most employers want
the job candidate to provide references before making a final hiring
decision. Some employer’s request references near the beginning of the
interview process and others ask for them at some point afterward.
References provide the employer with valuable information about the
potential employee’s work ethics, character, and what type of student
he/she is or was, if a recent college graduate.
Basically, there are three different types of reference a job
candidate can use, professional (past employers), academic, and
personal. A candidate would choose appropriate references based upon
his/her current status. Employers particularly prefer professional
references to the other type. Some candidates can opt to use each type
of reference, whereas some can only use academic and personal if he/she
is a fresh college graduate. And for those individuals who don’t have
stable work history or college background, they would use personal
references.
Keep in mind that your
references can be a determining factor in whether or not you get hired
for the job you’re after. For that reason, it’s best that you choose
references whereby you will receive favorable mention. That is, choose
individuals who like you! In fact, you should contact your references
beforehand to first, obtain permission and to prepare them in advance as
well. Let’s take a look at the different type of references and how to
effectively use them to your advantage.
Professional reference
Professional references are individuals that you've worked with in
the past, (preferably most recent) or currently work with. These would
be your managers, supervisors, and your coworkers that could speak about
your work ethics. Employers are aware of potential lawsuits they could
face if they slander former or existing employees and are very
meticulous about what they say or put in writing. Actually, I witnessed
this early on in my career, where an employer called the company to get
a reference for a job candidate (ex-employee) and got word that the
former employee was unfit to work anywhere. Long story short, the
ex-employee sued the company and won. This is why some employers
nowadays, limit information to the employee’s start date, title, and
ending date. This will satisfy most employers. However, even though some
employers understand this, they still want more details about the
individual they are contemplating hiring such as his/her job
performance, skills, reliability, capabilities and so on… That’s why job
candidates should try to obtain academic (if applicable) and personal
references as well.
Academic reference
Recent college graduates and even those currently in school can use
academic references. Because these usually don’t have much work history
or none at all, employers will accept references from college
professors, faculty members, and colleagues who are in good academic
standing. Just as you would for a personal reference, you should
contact your references beforehand so that they can prepare for what’s
to be expected. Certainly, they would be more than happy to verify your
academic achievements.
Personal or character reference
Everyone should be able to obtain personal references. Who can you
trust to give favorable information about your character? Surely, there
must be someone who would speak well of you and what you are capable of
doing. Contact those who you feel would speak positively about you and
ask if you could use them as a reference. Personal references could be
your clergy, a teacher, someone you volunteered for, or someone who has
known you for several years, other than a relative. With that being
said, it’s inadvisable to use your relatives or anyone who shares the
same residence with you as a reference. In fact, most employers will
not accept a relative for a reference.
When to present your reference data
You should take a copy of your references whenever you go for an
interview because some employers ask for references early on. Also,
employers prefer that you list your references on a separate sheet of
paper, apart from your resume and cover letter. You would list your
references’ name, mailing address, email, contact number, and your
relationship with each. Most employers want you to have at least three
references and some want five. You should try to obtain one of each
type, if possible. Otherwise, do what works best for you.
And finally, you
should never just assume that someone would give you a favorable
reference. I know of previous candidates who found this out the hard
way. Things like “I don’t know him/her.” And “I’d rather not say.”
Have left candidates in disarray about the references they provided.
So…I accentuate that you contact your preferred references beforehand to
seek permission and give them ample time to prepare before they are
contacted.
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