Any serious employer is going to want to see references before they hand you a position. But just what point in the application process those references become necessary can be unclear.
There are five simple things you should know about how to get, and when to deliver great references for your job application:
1. Job references don’t belong on your resume
There are two reasons that you should be keeping your job reference page and your resume separate.
Number one is respect for the privacy of those who are offering to be a reference for you.
While they are certain to be happy to offer their contact information to your potential employers, it is likely they would not be happy about that information being passed around to every single person who claims to have a job opening. It’s best to provide that information only to employers and recruiters that you know and trust.
Secondly, space is valuable real estate on your resume. One of the most common mistakes job hunters make is sending off resumes that are more than one or two pages long.
Rather than including your job reference page in your resume, have it prepared to take along with you to your interview. That way you can provide it if you are asked for it (which, just quietly, is a great sign), or perhaps offer it yourself if, at the end of the interview, you feel that things went well.
2. Personal and Professional referees: Why it’s important to know the difference
Ideally your job reference page will have three or four contacts that can attest to your work ethic, skills and/or qualifications.
While your favourite aunty is sure to give you a great rap, it’s always best to leave friends and family off your reference page.
Professional: These are the references that will most interest a potential employer. Think: former supervisors, co-workers, clients, HR managers etc. It is good practice to include at least three professional references.
Personal: Personal references should only take up one or two spots on your job reference page, and might include: teachers, counsellors, religious leaders, or any other (non-family) respected person from your community.
3. Ask permission
Once you have complied a list of people you think might make good references for you, you need to seek their permission.
Ask them politely if they’d be willing to vouch for your competence. If, at any point you get the feeling that they might not be prepared to say the good stuff, it’s time to scrap them off your list. Your job application needs to be a negativity-free zone!
Asking permission is a great opportunity to pass on a copy of your current resume. Not only might they give you some valuable feedback, you never know where that kind of networking can lead.
Remember, if you sought permission some time ago, but are stepping back into the job seeking arena, it is best to give your references a heads up that you are beginning to search again.
Maintaining good communication with your references will not only ensure that you have their most current contact details, it may also prompt them to keep an eye out for job openings for you.
4. Here’s what contact information you will need:
It is vital that the contact information you provide for your references is current and correct.
You will need to provide:
Name:
Title/job description:
Company name:
Company website:
Email address:
Best contact number:
Relationship to you:
5. While not a part of your resume, it should still look like it is
Ensuring your resume, cover letter and job reference page are all on the same letterhead, with the same font and format is going to look good to any potential employer who has gathered them together.
If you’re feeling unsure about any aspect of applying for that dream job, Open Colleges has complied a comprehensive guide to help you out. It covers everything from putting together a great resume right through to succeeding at that nerve–racking interview.