Your résumé may land you an interview, but your references can seal the deal.
The reference-checking firm of Allison & Taylor says the strength of your references will separate you from other candidates.
The firm suggests:
Provide the names, current job titles, company affiliations and phone number(s) of your references. If hirers have trouble finding your references, they're likely to move on to the next candidate.
List references only who have agreed to be references and who you know will say positive things about you.
It's OK to use peers or subordinates as references. It's OK, too, to leapfrog over your direct supervisor if someone higher on the corporate ladder will be more complimentary.
Prospective employers frequently encounter supervisors who say they can share only basic "name, rank and serial number" information. Other colleagues may be more likely to speak freely.
Change your references to best fit the exact job you're aiming to get, particularly if you've had a varied career.
As a courtesy, call your references after you've had interviews. Let them know they may hear from potential employers.
Make sure your references agree with the facts you've put on your résumé. If your résumé says you were "office manager" but your former boss describes you as "my secretary," it could give the impression that you were improperly inflating your credentials.
Diane Stafford is the workplace and careers columnist at The Kansas City Star. She can be reached at stafford@kcstar.com.
E-Mail
Print
