Question of the Week: Should I list a reference I haven’t spoke to?

Posted by Kevin Kermes on June 15, 2010 · 2 Comments

Question: “Hey Kevin, I listened to your recent call regarding using references, and I had a question. During my current period of unemployment, I had a 6 month contract position that went really well. I’ve tried to reach the two guys I worked for to see if they would be ok with me using them as professional references (I’ve left a couple of voicemails and emails for each). Considering that the interview I have coming up is for the same kind of work, having them as references would help. Do you think it would still be ok to list them as references even though I haven’t heard back from them?” – Tom

Tom,

The only thing better than having the exact experience (and results to back it up) that a company is seeking is to have references that will validate that you are the real deal. That is why I would have to tell you “no” right now, given what you have described.

It’s not safe to assume that just because you did good work that your references are going to reinforce Your Solution and the value you will bring as a new member of the team. Beyond that, if these guys aren’t calling or emailing you back, there is no reason to believe they will return calls as references from total strangers.

Frankly, I don’t know what would reflect worse – them not giving you a ringing endorsement or them not returning the call of the person checking your reference. It’s way too big a gamble to “hope” that “if” they call back they will say what you need them to say. As a Colonel of mine used to say, “Hope is not a method.” You’ve worked way too hard to get the interview to have someone else scuttle it for you.

If you haven’t already done so, check out this blog of mine on managing references to help you close the deal.

Building Your Success,

Kevin

Have a job search question you want answered? Send it to info@careerattraction.com with “Blog Q&A” in the Subject Line. At least one question is selected weekly with the answer posted on the blog.

Filed under Blog Posts · Tagged with career attraction, interviewing, job search, kevin kermes, references

Is Your Job Search Networking Missing Something?

Posted by Kevin Kermes on April 14, 2010 · 16 Comments

There’s some great guidance out there on networking (and, some not-so-great advice): what to say and what not to say, how to ask who is hiring and how to make new connections. But one of the largest missed opportunities in networking is what I want to talk about today. How to ask for nothing, simply give back and the enormous impact it can have on your network and job search.

Let’s face it, if you have been networking you have probably asked for a lot. Leads on new opportunities, connecting with decision makers and the list goes on. And, I’m not here to tell you that you shouldn’t be networking and asking for these things – you absolutely should. But, there is balance…and the balance to receiving is giving. So, I’m going to share what I recently told my Career Attraction University members about how to do this and why you should be doing this (beyond the obvious reason that it’s simply the right thing to do. That should be enough, right?):

Your List – Start here. Take everyone you have spoken to or interacted with during your job search. From that trusted advisor and mentor who you touch base with weekly down to the recruiter who rubbed you the wrong way and you barely spoke to once. By the way, if you don’t have a list of everyone you have connected with this is a prime time to create one. This is your network. Some pieces may be stronger than others, but every interaction is an opportunity to strengthen that relationship and build new ones.

Pick up the Phone – This is about being interactive and dynamic. Email is static. Grab the phone and call the people on your list. You can make 1000 excuses why not to do it (my industry likes email, I don’t know some of these people that well, I don’t have their number, etc..). In order – if everyone is emailing, it’s easier to stand out via phone. If you don’t know the person well, what better way to get to know them better? Don’t have the number – Google the company and call the main switchboard.

Bottom line, you will get infinitely more out of a conversation and you can steer it more than a one dimensional email. Plus, you are going to be offering to help them – why wouldn’t they want to hear from you? If you get voicemail, you can send a short email following up…but make sure you lead with a call – it will make all the difference.

The Call – I’m not a fan of scripts, but here is the gist of what you should say in your call. Adjust the verbiage to fit your audience:

“Hi _________, it’s _________. You have been great about helping me in my job search and I simply wanted to return the favor. I’m wondering how I might be able to help you? What’s on your plate right now that you could use some help with resource-wise?”

Short and sweet.

Calling a peer or potential hiring contact? Maybe they are working on a project and need help locating some resources? This gives you a reason to call other people inside, or outside, your network…growing your network, demonstrating you are “plugged in” and calling for a reason other than looking to get something for yourself.

Calling a recruiter or someone in HR? Offer to help them with candidates for searches they are conducting. While I’ve never been in HR, I can tell you from my years as a headhunter that I knew the people who would always help me network and they were my first call. So, if you aren’t getting a call back from the search firms or internal recruiters as you would like – this is the easiest way to fix that. Create a reason for why they will always want to call you first.

Ask for Nothing – this is key to your success here. It’s not about immediate reciprocity. The benefits you will receive will become apparent in short order, like I shared in both examples…and more.

If they ask about your search, certainly tell them. If they ask if they can help, I’d simply ask who they know in (your field, industry, area of focus) that they hold in high regard with whom you can network. Reassure them that you are just looking to broaden your network and you aren’t going to hit them up for a job (listen to my interview with Michael Kerman – he does this beautifully). And, again, push to meet in person if physically possible. It’s all about getting face-to-face time with people. The phone is closer to that than email (which is why I am a big fan of it), but getting in front of someone is much more effective in working towards “know, like and trust.”

Going Viral and “Paying it Forward” – Finally, I’d like to leave you with this thought. Between my newsletter (21K readers), this blog (2K+ visitors daily) and the social networks I post on (1M+ potential readers), this could have an incredible, collective effect if every job seeker reading it took action. Imagine your call jogging the memory of someone in your network to call an unemployed friend. Maybe it makes them think of you for a certain position. Maybe you are that friend for someone else’s call. Who knows? What I do know is that this “pay it forward” effect will only be more exponential in its impact if everyone takes this step together.

So, make your list, pick up the phone and start asking what you can do for your network. Then come back here and share your comments and results below – I’d love to hear from you (and so would everyone else!).

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Filed under Blog Posts · Tagged with build the career you deserve, hidden job market, interviewing, kevin kermes, networking, pay it forward

Career Mapping – A “Monster” Strike Out

Posted by Kevin Kermes on September 18, 2009 · Leave a Comment

It is no secret that I am not a fan of the job boards. That being said, I was actually a little excited when I saw that Monster had rolled out a new “career mapping” tool on its website. I thought, “Finally they are practicing a little more “give” than “get.”” But, when I took a test drive of the tool I was massively disappointed. While its aim is to provide you a resource to map your career, it bases this solely on hard skills associated with your current position (provided you can find it). So, it might be useful for someone looking to make a logical, linear career move (although, I am not sure why you would need a tool to figure that out). What it doesn’t do is take into account your soft skills or any of the elements key to navigating a successful career change. Let’s take a look at how you can create your own personal “career mapping” tool:

Do What You Like, Like What You Do – This is as good a place as any to start. Typically, people do well at what they like. When looking to make a change (particularly when you don’t know what that change might be) focus on what elements of your previous job you enjoyed. These are usually the areas in which you excelled. Write them down, put them together. This is your starting point.

The Push and the Pull – When making a job transition, you are almost always keen on what you are moving away from (the “push”) but often not what you are moving towards (the “pull”). Defining where you are heading and why is more important than how you got here. Take those areas where you excel…the areas where you like to be…and start shaping what that “pull” looks like.

You are a Solution – You know what you like doing and you do it well. This is Your Solution. There are companies out there in need of your skills – even if you don’t have their specific industry experience. Frankly, there are advantages to being an outsider in this marketplace. It is all about finding that pain which you and Your Solution address.

A Computer Cannot Do This – Put the mouse down and step away from the computer. To effectively make this career change happen, you have to take your brand…Your Solution…out to the marketplace. This means networking, meeting new people and getting your message out there. While there are many things the internet can do for you, ultimately it is you who will get you hired. The email or the resume isn’t going to get the job offer – you are.

Your job search is as individual as you are – particularly now. The name of the game is standing out and differentiating. Homogenized tools that “map” a path for you based solely on hard skills simply are not going to deliver when looking to switch careers. You need to create your own “career map” by defining what you do exceptionally well and then finding those companies that need your expertise.

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Looking for the tools to put all this together? My Career Mastermind Group puts solutions like we just discussed into action. This month’s Subject Matter Expert interview is with Ilona Vanderwoude (1 of 28 Master Resume Writers in the world). You can read more about this unique, information packed program by clicking here.

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WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Kevin Kermes publishes the ‘Build the Career Your Deserve’ e-zine with over 21,000+ subscribers. If you are ready to empower yourself with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job you want and build the successful career you deserve, visit him now www.careerattraction.com

Filed under Blog Posts · Tagged with build the career you deserve, career mapping, ilona vanderwoude, interview, interviewing, job search, kevin kermes, monster, monster.com, resume

The Reference Check – It’s Not Time to Celebrate Yet – from the Build the Career You Deserve ezine

Posted by Kevin Kermes on May 29, 2009 · 1 Comment

Two years ago, if a client told me that the company they were interviewing with was getting ready to check references, I would have thought, “Great! It sounds like an offer is not far behind.” But now, with unemployment at 8.9%, the job search landscape is far different and more competitive than ever. As a result, many companies are checking the references of multiple candidates in order to help make their final decision. So, getting it right with your references is extremely important. Here are a few tips:

· Be Proactive: Don’t assume the reference and reference checker will connect. Find out who will be calling your reference and let your reference know. I would suggest taking the steps to help schedule it. Not only will this help make certain it happens, but your reference will be in a better state of mind and more prepared for the call. You want them focused on selling you, not multitasking by driving, checking emails, etc..

· Prepare Your Reference: Schedule a call with your reference to review your background and the position you are interviewing for. Send them a copy of your resume. You want them understanding why this is a great job for you. They need to both think and speak in terms of why your past accomplishments are an indicator of what you are going to do for your future employer. It is all about being specific, quantifying and qualifying why you are the best hire – period.

· You are Only Good at What You Check: Follow up with your reference afterwards to find to how the call went. Were there any stumbling points? Any red flags they think you might need to address or be aware of? This way you know if there are any points you need to go back and re-address or affirm with your future employer.

There reference check is so much more than verifying employment. By taking these steps, you will not only properly prepare your reference, but you might discover you need to replace one of the people on your list. Remember, knowing they are checking references doesn’t mean you have the job, but it does mean you are a finalist. This is the last leg of your journey, so it’s time to pull out all the stops. Make sure your references tip the scales in your favor!

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This past week, I spent a little over 30 minutes talking about this point plus a few more. Most important, I shared some free tips and remedies on how you can get a system that works for you. If you weren’t one of the 1000 participants on the webinar, you can listen here to the “5 Secrets to the Perfect Job Search.”

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