“FINDING REFERENCES THAT
SING YOUR PRAISES”
Written by Debra Williams
Presented by Raynese Richards
INTRODUCTION
 How references can hurt you.
 How references can help you.
 Steps to develop an enthusiastic
panel of supporters.
HOW REFERENCES CAN HURT YOU
“References hurt job seekers more
than they know” says Carolyn Sink
Williams p.1
This is because often times,
• The former supervisor is not part of the
company anymore.
• A former boss may be hesitant to talk
about your work performance.
• Former co-workers may not even
remember who you are.
These scenarios can “kill” a job offer.
 HOW REFERENCES CAN MAKE YOU
•
According to Debra Williams,
references are the only part of
the job seeking process that allow
you to have total control.
•
There are steps that can be taken
to help you gain a very supportive
audience, while giving you that edge
to get the job of your dreams.

STEPS TO DEVELOP AN
ENTHUSIASTIC PANEL OF
SUPPORTERS
Step #1
Assume your references will be checked.
• Know that most companies do check your
references, especially if your one of the
finalists in the selection process.
• “It’s a common misconception that employers
aren’t going to call references.
Step #2
Ask for Permission before listing a
reference.
• It is a standard courtesy to ask your previous
employers permission to become a reference.
By asking for permission you will be able to tell
if your contact would like to serve as a source
of information about you.
• Make sure you seek references that remember
you.
• You may find that some companies prohibit
their departments from providing information
other than your job title and work dates.
Step #3
Make sure your references are
comfortable speaking on your behalf.
• Potential employers can tell whether or
not the person is comfortable talking
about you, by how they state things.
You don’t want someone that is hesitant
and uncomfortable speaking about you.
• If you can not find someone that you
think is comfortable about providing
such information, find a polite way out,
and ask if they would prefer writing a
letter of reference instead.
Step #4
Verify your information.
• Make sure the phone numbers and
contact information for your advocates
are correct.
• You do not want potential employers
calling every name on the list and are
unsuccessful in contacting anyone.
• After you verify the information, present
it in a professional manner as you would
your resume. (letterhead quality paper,
etc.)
Step #5
Coach your references.
• Spend 10-15 minutes talking about to
each person on your reference list.
– Tell them about your job goals, outline the
qualities and skills you have emphasized on
your application and resume.
• Have a back up list of references.
– Mutual contacts.
Step #6
Keep your references informed.
• Keep your references informed about
how your progress is going.
– How well your interview went.
– Tell them about the requirements of each
job.
• Keep in mind that references can be
your best friends, they can provide leads
and encouragement throughout your job
search.
Step #7
Choose references based on job
requirements.
• Example from the article:
You don’t want to submit a resume
designed to promote your marketing
abilities when you are trying to get an
HR position.
• Resumes and references should reflect
the type of job you are trying to obtain.
• Rotate your references as a courtesy,
you do not want five different employers
contacting the same reference every
time.
Step #8
Choose your references based on what
they can say about you, not name
recognition.
• Try to use direct supervisors not the
president of the company. Your
supervisor is more likely to know about
the “true” you.
• “Anyone who doesn’t know about your
job performance and your reputation
isn’t the right one.”
Step #9
Consider a reference check a good sign.
“An employer only will call references if
the candidate is viable. It’s often one of
the last steps before a job offer is
extended.”
Conclusion/Wrap UP
Remember, the reference list is an integral part of the selection
process. Take time to create your reference list. Don’t be one of
those people that lose the best thing that could ever happen to them
because of lousy references.
Questions
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