How to Choose and Prepare Job References

How to Choose and Prepare Job ReferencesHow to Choose and Prepare Job References6Wouldnt it be wonderful if you could simply submit your resume for a job, go in for a job interview, and get hired on the spot? Unfortunately, thats not how it works. In addition to numerous rounds of job interviews, youll also need to prepare job references who can vouch for your team player mentality and your results-driven work ethic. But there are some definite job reference tips that you should be aware of. Heres what you need to know to choose and prepare job references.Get permission from your references.Before you dash off your job application with a list of names and numbers, you should speak to your references first. If its been some time since you last worked with your previous colleague or boss, he may (or may not) remember you. Also, since asking for a reference is essentially asking for a favor, you need to give your references the option of whether or not they would like to provide one for you. By connecting with them ahead of time, youll know for sure that your references will respond should a hiring manager contact them.Vary your list of references.Lets say that you loved your last job. You got along great with your boss, and your gestalter coworkers are some of your closest friends. While you might be tempted to list all of those people as references, its not a wise decision. Youll need to pick bosses and coworkers from various jobs youve held as your references. By limiting your reference list to just one specific job or time period, it can raise a red flag about your previous work experiences- from your in-office jobs to your work-from-home positions- and about you as a worker.Offer examples of your great work. Sure, you remember that you rocked that marketing presentation, but your former boss may not. So its a good idea to give each of your references some context with which to form their recommendations. Remind each one of the specific things that you did dur ing your time at the company, including any and all highlights. You dont want all of your references to repeat the same information over and over, since that could potentially weaken your job application.Be prepared for non-references to be contacted.The sad truth is that a hiring manager may not stick to the sheet of references youve supplied. After all, he knows that all of these people will most likely give you a glowing recommendation. But what about that former boss you failed to mention on your reference list?During the job interviewing process, your prospective boss may do some research into former bosses or colleagues youve had whom he knows personally and reach out to those people as well. While you cant connect with every colleague and boss youve ever had, its good to keep in mind that this practice is commonly done. That way, you can be mentally prepared should your boss-to-be mention that he connected with a coworker from your past who was not on your reference list.Choo sing the job references youll submit with your application is a strategic part of the job search process. Be sure that youve communicated with your references, and prepare job references for what theyll need to say in buchen to help you secure the job you truly want.Readers, how do you prepare job references? Have you ever had a reference either help you secure a job or, worse, cost you a job? Let us know in the comments section below