Ms. Career Girl

Top Menu

  • Home
  • Media
  • About
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise
  • Contact
    • PR and FTC Disclosure
  • Subscribe

Main Menu

  • Home
  • Careers
    • Productivity
    • Career Confessions
    • #SideHustle
    • Job Search Advice
    • Resume Optimization Tool
    • Job Board
  • Lifestyle
    • Life After College
    • Health & Beauty
    • Style
    • Money
    • Travel & Leisure
    • Product Reviews
  • Relationships
    • Dating
    • Marriage
    • Working Moms
  • Specials
    • Real Career Girls
    • Style Your Life
    • Book Club
    • Giveaways
  • Home
  • Media
  • About
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise
  • Contact
    • PR and FTC Disclosure
  • Subscribe

logo

  • Home
  • Careers
    • Productivity
    • Career Confessions
    • #SideHustle
    • Job Search Advice
    • Resume Optimization Tool
    • Job Board
  • Lifestyle
    • Life After College
    • Health & Beauty
    • Style
    • Money
    • Travel & Leisure
    • Product Reviews
  • Relationships
    • Dating
    • Marriage
    • Working Moms
  • Specials
    • Real Career Girls
    • Style Your Life
    • Book Club
    • Giveaways
FeaturedJob SearchNews
Home›Featured›How to Get Good Job References

How to Get Good Job References

By Marne Platt
Dec 2, 2019
12399
0
Share:

Your job references can make the difference.

Most potential employers request job references. While many company HR departments will now only confirm dates of employment, it is still possible to find colleagues who will provide the kind of detailed reference that can make the difference between getting a job offer or being 2nd choice. Select the right people so your reference can put you at the top of the list. Getting a bad job reference can put you at the bottom

Choose people who know and respect your work

It’s tempting to just ask your friends. You know they will say good things about you, right? But what if your friends haven’t worked closely with you in a while? A good hiring manager will ask questions about recent performance, and your reference must be able to give examples. Always chose someone who knows and respects your work from recent experience, even if you aren’t best buddies.

Choose people who sound and appear professional

Your reference reflects your professionalism. Choose people who speak crisply and cogently. Doing so not only means that your job references will sound good; it also subtly implies that you will be completely professional too. We are who we associate with!

glass ceiling

Choose people who are willing

Not everyone is willing to serve as a reference. They may be concerned about company policy, or about being asked if they knew you were looking for another job. Or they might feel that they don’t know your work well enough or could not say 100% positive things about you. Either way, if you ask someone to be your reference and they hesitate, leave them a graceful way out of it. Better to find someone who doesn’t share those doubts.

Give them a heads up

Once you have picked your references, be sure to let them know when they might expect to be contacted and by what company. Consider giving them a few ideas: mention projects that you worked on together, or a compliment that they have paid you. Follow up afterwards by thanking them for supporting you. Don’t ask what they discussed but do listen if they are willing to tell you.

Beyond references

References are only one part of your application: your CV or resume, cover letter, social media profile and interview all contribute to the company’s decision. Stay in contact with the hiring manager and their HR partner, using every opportunity to point out why your skills and personality are the right fit. Choose the right reference to give them one more reason to put you at the top of their list.

Previous Article

Best Tips to Land a Dream Job ...

Next Article

7 Tips to Choosing the Perfect Vacuum ...

0
Shares
  • 0
  • +
  • 0
  • 0
Avatar

Marne Platt

Dr. Marne Platt is the President of Fundamental Capabilities and the author of 3 books (so far): Living Singlish: Your Life, Your Way; Professional Presence; and PREP For Success. Originally a practicing veterinarian, she built a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry. She founded Fundamental Capabilities to ‘pay it forward’ by providing career development workshops and coaching for women. ‘Living Singlish: Your Life, Your Way’ is an ‘older sister in your pocket’ packed full of advice for young women on building their own independent and exciting life. 'Professional Presence' and PREP For Success' help you strengthen your spoken and unspoken communication and leadership presence.

Related articles More from author

  • Credit Card Debt
    FeaturedWork

    Take Advantage of Your Employee Benefits!

    Nov 30, 2013
    By Ms. Career Girl
  • NewsSelfWork

    Confessions of a Former Sub-Prime Lender

    Dec 3, 2008
    By Ms. Career Girl
  • NewsSelfStyleWork

    2009 Grammy Looks

    Feb 8, 2009
    By Ms. Career Girl
  • MoneyNewsSelf

    Obama’s New Stimulus Plan and YOU.

    Feb 18, 2009
    By Ms. Career Girl
  • Career ConfessionsNewsWork

    Have you been burned by social media? Get featured in a national women’s magazine!

    Apr 13, 2009
    By Ms. Career Girl
  • News

    Monday Must-Reads

    Dec 13, 2009
    By Nicole Emerick

  • Career ConfessionsLife After CollegeSelfWork

    A Tale of High Achieving Career Ladies

  • work in sales
    Life After CollegeSelfWork

    Why an entry level sales job is a great way to kickoff your career

  • #SideHustleLife After CollegeSelfWork

    Get a Modern Day Career Path Dream Catcher

Subscribe

Job Search

As seen on

career advice blog badge oriel badge

Featured On

  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Resume Optimization Tool
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
© Copyright 2021 Ms Career Girl