About Career Blog

References 101

When selecting references, there are many things to consider in order to wow prospective employers.  One of the most simple, yet often overlooked tips to follow is to provide multiple references.   Remember that one is the loneliest number and you should have a few options listed!  Not only will that make you look like you have plenty of people to say great things about you, but it can also help to cover all aspects of your work experience and personal ethics.

Another tip is to keep in mind that the relationships you have or have had with your references should not be affected based on your job search outcome.  Just because you may not be selected for a position, don't blame your references or question them on what they said.  The information they provide is confidential for a reason and that secrecy should be honored.

Finally, when selecting your references be sure to LET THEM KNOW!  There is nothing worse than finding out when your phone rings that someone has listed you as a reference on their superior skills.  Have the common courtesy to inform them about the company and job you're looking into for employment.

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Posted by Amanda on 3/05/2009 08:58:00 PM
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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!

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Posted by Seymour Jobs on 3/02/2009 09:18:00 AM
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Would You Hire Yourself?

It’s time for a little introspection. What kind of person do you think you are? What are your strengths and weaknesses? What opinions do others hold of you? Is your personality tailored to your aspirations, or are you measuring up a bit short?

If after doing this you find yourself ready to take on the real world, stop reading this and go for it! I’ll be here to back you up. If not, relax… you’re still young and nobody’s perfect. However, there’s no time like the present to enhance your personal resume and to get yourself prepped for success. The following are questions likely to be asked by a prospective employer. More importantly, these are the questions that you should be prepared to ask yourself first.

What are your ambitions?
Speaking clearly about your career aspirations is an important skill to learn. If you can’t articulate what they are and the reasons behind them, set aside some time to formulate an answer. A frivolous response won’t cut it – think long and hard about what you want to do and why. If nothing comes to mind, it might be time re-evaluate your goals.
What have you accomplished? Determination means very little in the absence of evidence. What have you done to prove that you’re willing and able to succeed? A strong, extensive resume or portfolio is a must. Volunteer, enroll in classes, take a part-time job in the your industry of choice; do whatever it takes to build-up a body of work strong enough to support the claims made in your resume.

Who are your references?
Ability does not go unrecognized. Ever hear the metaphor, Birds of a feather flock together? Movers and shakers associate with other movers and shakers. References with legitimate business connections (preferably outside of your immediate family and circle of friends) will score you major points on your resume. Professors and former employers/co-workers are a good place to start – if you’re not sure whether they’ll put in a good word for you, get out there and ask!

How long do you tend to keep jobs?
A checkered job history cannot be explained away easily. Employers look for dedication and stability, because hiring is costly; they’ll want to make sure that you’ll stick around. Unless you work freelance, month-long stints with a company aren’t very meaningful. Make a commitment and stick to it if you want to prove your worth and improve your job prospects.

How well do you think you’d interview?
Do you see yourself coolly breezing through your interviewer’s questions or are you freezing up and biting your tongue? Identify how best to play up your strengths and improve your weaknesses when under pressure. If you’re the nervous type, practice in front of a mirror or an impartial observer (professors and classmates are good for this). Practice makes perfect, and after a few trial runs, your confidence will explode!

Once you’ve fired off a resume or two, try to get inside your prospective employers’ heads. Work out some specific questions that you think that they’d ask and see if you’re ready to tackle them. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again! Give these suggestions a shot and you’re certain to find an employer willing to give you a shot. Happy hunting!

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Posted by Seymour Jobs on 11/14/2008 11:21:00 AM
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