Whether you are currently seeking work or are happily employed, it’s worthwhile to review some of the important factors in securing your next position.   There are hundreds of books and articles about resumes and interviewing, but fine-tuning your ability to produce professional references and recommendations of previous performance deserves some attention, too.

What are most companies seeking when they ask for references?  HR representatives and recruiters are usually seeking an overview of your performance, skills, reliability and trustworthiness.  They are seeking confirmation that you were a good employee and were eligible to be considered for another position at that employer.  Hiring managers who ask for references are usually seeking specific information regarding your technical abilities and performance, and will often call the references themselves.

There are two categories of references.  Written recommendations are quite valuable, as you have the benefit of keeping them within your possession and therefore can provide them to prospective employers as necessary and with little notice.  Make sure they are on company letterhead and are written by former managers.  Even if you have written recommendations you also need verbal references, as many prospective employers will want to speak with your former managers personally.   

The first step in preparing verbal references is to compile a list of former supervisors/managers/senior colleagues with whom you have had direct dealings during your time at each company.  Ensure you contact all the people on this list and obtain their permission to be used as a reference.  You would be amazed at how often candidates provide names and contact information of prior managers who were never informed that they were listed as a reference.  Those reference calls generally don’t go well, as people like to have prior knowledge that they may be contacted regarding your performance. 

Strive to obtain at least 3 supervisor/manager contacts and 1 peer contact who are willing to provide a reference on your behalf.   Provide the references’ full name, title when you worked with them, current company and title if it has changed, and contact information including work phone number and email as well as a cell phone number if possible.   

Keep your written recommendations and list of verbal references readily available, but separate from your resume.  Do not send this information out with your resume!  Protect your references by providing their names and contact information only when you are asked to do so by a prospective employer.  Do your best to have your references contacted only when necessary, as you don’t want them to become irritated with multiple calls.  Finally, when you are hired, send out a quick “Thank You” to your references letting them know you appreciate their time and effort on your behalf.

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