The Proper Care and Feeding of References

In my book, I talk about how to use references to your best advantage. Here, I just want to talk a little bit about who you should approach and why. 

We all appreciate reviews on products before we buy them and movies before we see them. So it’s not so surprising that strong recommendations can also play a significant role in convincing an employer that the person they are interviewing offers exceptional value.

For many people, references are an afterthought in the job search process. Are you one of those who doesn’t think about them until the day before a big interview? What are you waiting for? Ringing up an old colleague the night before your interview almost guarantees disaster. What if the individual has moved on and you don’t have their recent information? What if they are not-so-inclined to sing your praises and you need to find someone else? That’s not something you want to deal with at the last minute.

Whether you are in the midst of a job search or comfortably installed in your dream job, it’s important that you have a short list of solid go-to people who are happy to tell the world about your dedication, professionalism, teamwork, intellect, resourcefulness, attitude, and passion.

Pick people who can help tell your story to a future meployer. Who might you approach?

• A supervisorat your current or a previous job (depending on your circumstance)
• A high-level executive who directly knows your work - this is important. Don't approach someone who can't really comment on your accomplishments. It might backfire on you.
• A co-worker you have worked closely with on key projects
• A professional from another company you may have teamed with on work
• A colleague in your industry whom you have known for a long time
• An academic advisor or college professor
• An individual who has worked with you on volunteer projects
• A coach (from the softball team, the chess club or some other pursuit that complements your work life).

Don’t be timid or lazy about references. Reach out now. If you are shy, you might need to go out of your comfort zone. Ask people if they would be willing to support you. Tell folks you would be honored by this--because it's true. If you don’t have direct dealings with your references currently, make an effort to stay in touch by checking in quarterly or at least twice a year with an email, phone call or a handwritten note. Connect with them via social media. Make a point to let them know how you are doing and find out what they are working on (you never know if they may have a good contact for your job search). Be interesting. Be interested. These relationships are important and need to be cultivated in a deliberate and thoughtful way or they will no longer be relevant.

Finally, are you a good reference for someone else? There isn’t a greater professional compliment you can pay a colleague than to offer to be a reference for them. It’s something that can truly make an impact on someone else’s career path.  Share your support and see that positive act come back to you in other ways.