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 9.7%, 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!
* * * * * * * * *
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.”
* * * * * * * * *
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
2008 – 2009 (c) Kevin Kermes Inc. – All Rights Reserved
Excellent information. Most candidates don't appreciate how much they can affect the references. They also don't appreciate that contacting references at the outset of a job search to bring them up to speed on your most current accomplishments and suggest areas to stress is a grand way to open the door for introductions. Who better than your former bosses or workmates to introduce you to new opportunities. Don't forget to ask.
Rita Ashley, Job Search Coach
http://www.jobsearchdebugged.com
Seattle Examiner.com
Author: Job Search Debugged
Author: Networking Debugged
Author: LinkedIn for Job Search
Indeed, the reference check is one last major step to being hired. I deal with thousands of college-level job seekers and many fail to contact their references before they list them on an application. Bad idea! Business people are busier than ever and if a job seeker expects a reference to "close the sale" for them they must contact them ahead of time and request to use them as reference;that way reference is much more likely to favorably respond to reference check.