Check Your Own Job References

Recently, I had a candidate who was going to get an offer-it was all over but the references. And that's where it all went wrong. We began calling to check (yes, we really do that) and two days later, only one was done. It wasn't even a matter of them trashing my candidate...they just wouldn't return our calls. If your references don't even think enough of you to call back, it reflects badly on you. It cost my candidate a job.

Many candidates believe that their references don't matter all that much. And it's true that hiring managers sometimes don't check them. (Those are the ones who often make bad hires.) But for those hiring managers who do make the time and the effort to call candidate references, the information they glean becomes a critical part of their hiring decision. Since you can't predict when that will happen, you always need to be prepared.

References must have positive knowledge of your work performance, they must be easily contacted, and they must be aware of your job search (and their imminent participation). Choose them wisely.

How to make sure you have quality references:

The best references are past managers. Not necessarily the one you're just now leaving, but previous ones. Hopefully, when you left those jobs, you asked if you could use them for a reference should it become necessary, and told them that you would be happy to help them in any way you were able. Just ask: "Can I count on you for a reference?" Then keep in touch with them. Knowing their personal e-mail addresses will make this easier. If you are new to the job market, you can use professors, teachers, or supervisors from volunteer jobs. Just ask first.

Know what your references will say about you. You need to be in control of the information that will be provided to your future employer. It's not acceptable to wonder if they'll give you a good reference. Your job search is too important.

When you apply for a job, call your references to give them a heads up. Don't let them be caught off-guard. You can use this opportunity to coach them on what to say for the best impact. The qualities that will make the best impression will vary slightly depending on which company and which particular job you're applying for.

Be sure to let your references know what happened with your opportunity, and always thank them for the help. Be willing to help others if you can. Having good manners and appreciation for favors will ensure that they'll help you again in the future.