You have 100% control over WHO you use as a reference, so be warned, never, ever, use the name of a former boss who disliked you or with whom you had conflicts. Find another manager or top executive who will say good things, and use that person as your reference. Use the following steps when preparing your references:
- Check your company policy.
If it's: "no references, only verify dates of employment," ask your boss or former boss if they can be contacted at home for a personal reference. Many will agree, especially for a good worker or someone they have had to lay off.
- Consider other sources for good references.
Look outside your company to a customer you frequently work with or another executive you have worked on joint projects with. Perhaps someone who's worked with you on a volunteer project would be a good choice to use as your reference. They must be able to attest to your work -- so skip social friends - they won't be helpful. It's up to you to provide references that will freely discuss your past performance, so be resourceful.
- Get written documentation.
If a boss is leaving and you've had a positive relationship, ask for a written letter you can keep and use for future opportunities. Great past performance appraisals work too, as do e-mails with glowing praise about a job well done.
- Know, don't guess!
Always ask a person to be a reference before giving out their name, and then send them your updated resume to remind them about how great you were and still are. I warn clients to never underestimate what references will say. If you have any concerns or questions in your mind, here's a good way to alleviate them. Get a friend to pose as a potential employer and call for a reference. Have the friend take notes and report back to you. Strong, glowing feedback is what you need. Now you know exactly what is being said. If it's not positive, find another person and use them as your reference.
Overlooking these steps can cause you to lose a job you are qualified for, want and have worked hard to gain because of negative references.
Robin Ryan has appeared on Oprah, NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw, CNN, CNBC and is considered America's top career coach. She is the best-selling author of: 60 Seconds & You're Hired!; Winning Resumes; Winning Cover Letters, and What to Do with the Rest of Your Life. She's the creator of the highly acclaimed audio training program Interview Advantage and The DreamMaker. Robin's passion is helping people find better jobs which she successfully does through her career counseling practice where she offers individual career coaching and resume writing services. A popular national speaker, Robin has spoken to over a thousand audiences on improving their lives and obtaining greater success. To purchase products or contact Robin visit her Web site at www.robinryan.com.
