Choosing References

Choosing References

One of the most overlooked facets of your job search can be your personal and professional references. Choosing the right references for you can almost be an after-thought. But, it shouldn’t be.

A good reference can make or break your candidacy for a new job. Here are a few ideas that will help make your references work for you:

• Get Started Early. Select references who know you well, both professionally and personally. Contact them early in the process, and make sure that they feel comfortable speaking in your behalf.
   
• Make Good Choices. Make sure that your references are well-spoken and can easily detail your best attributes. You want them to be able to explain why you would be a good match for the position.
• Prepare Your References. Send them your résumé and potential job descriptions, and tell them why you want this job and why you would be good at it.
• Keep Them Posted. Let your references know when they might be contacted. They will respond better if they are prepared to speak about you.
• Follow Up. Ask that your references let you know when they have been contacted, and immediately send them a thank-you note. They may have helped you more than you know, and it’s important to show your appreciation.

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