If you’re looking for a job, you will need to have references to give a prospective employer. Many employers will ask for them in the first interview, but sometimes you’ll be surprised if they don’t. That might mean that they’re not very interested, however, it could also mean they’re going to use their intuition or they’re going to ask for references further into the process.
Whatever their modus operandi, you need to be prepared to have a list of job references before you go on a job interview. Make a list of three or four professionals who can speak knowledgeably — and positively — about your skills, accomplishments and work ethic.
Ideally, they would be former supervisors, along with perhaps one peer. Ideally, if you leave a job on good terms, your former supervisor or boss will be willing to give you a glowing letter of reference for you to use. If you’re very early in your career so that you don’t have that many professional references, you could ask a professor or two and perhaps another professional you know, such as your clergyperson or a family friend, for example. Contact each of those people to ask permission to use them as a reference and get all of their contact information. Tell them about the type of position you are or will be interviewing for so they will be able to give a good reference.
Print out these people’s names and contact information on the same kind of paper as your resume. You will bring this reference sheet along with extra copies of your resume when you go to an interview. Now you’re ready!
For more information about references, be sure to contact a career consultant such as Judi Lansky.
