Why Your Mom Shouldn't Be a Professional Reference
Yes, it’s true… when selecting a job reference; you definitely want someone who will sing your praises to a potential employer! Who better to do the job than your dear old mom… dad… or even your favorite Aunt Sue?Here’s the catch: you may be every bit as wonderful as your mom claims but let’s face it; she’s your mom and she’s biologically-obligated to feel that way! Same goes for any family member, college roommate or best friend. While they could give you a great reference, employers really don’t want to know that you are a true friend, a reliable designated driver or that you always make your bed!
What you really want in a reference is someone who can account for your work-related qualities. Of course your first choice should be past and present employers since they can account for reliability, initiative, time management and your ability to work with others. Remember that even if your job experience was not career-related, it is still valuable! So, go ahead and ask the director of the camp where you worked last summer, the manager of the restaurant where you worked during college, or the head lifeguard at local pool where you worked in high school—they’re all are great resources!
Ok, so the store you worked at every summer closed down and you didn’t “friend” your old manager on Facebook. Where else can you find a reference? Teachers or college professors can be great references. They have worked closely with you and know about your academic ability, productivity, and timeliness. Others, such as advisors, group leaders and coaches, can also provide information about you, which could be relevant to a potential employer. So, take some time to really think about people who have worked, coached or taught you in the past. Those are the people who are able to offer a good picture of who you are to a potential employer.
Once you have a list of people who you want to represent you, it is important to make sure you ask them if they would be willing to be a reference. Once they have agreed, keep them up-to-date about your job search, provide them with your current resume, the names of the companies you are seeking employment, the types of jobs you are applying for and if possible, even the job descriptions. This type of information will help prepare them to give you the best recommendation possible. And, although they may not know you as well as your mother—they will still be able to give you the glowing reference that you need to get the job. Good luck!
Labels: interview preparation, jobs after college, references, resume tips
Posted by Seymour Jobs on 3/02/2009 09:18:00 AM
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2 Comments:
I always wondered what to do if my past supervisor was no longer at the company. I know for a fact that my old manager is no longer at my old job and I always wondered what happens when a new job calls an old one. Would they just read them my employee file and verify the dates I worked there? Should I keep writing down the old manager even though I know she no longer works there?
The best approach in such cases would be giving references of the people you have worked with and are friends with. If your previous boss and you did not share good working relationships, he/she can ruin your chances of a new job. So, select your references carefully