Ready your references

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Dear Joan:
I'm writing my resume after being employed for 12 years. I've often been told to include the phrase, "References provided upon request" on my resume. Do I put that on my resume or should I include references along with the resume? What is the current thinking on this?

Another question I have is whom should I list? Do character references count? Do employers really check references? Aren't companies now just giving "name, rank and serial number" when called for a reference? If I'm employed now, I can't give my current employer without getting into trouble right?

Answer:
You're smart to be concerned about how to manage the reference process. Many job hunters sit back after an interview and just wait. They don't think much about how the reference checking process works. They fail to realize that it is one of the most important tools an employer uses to make the final hiring decision. In fact, many candidates lose the job offer at this point.

Here are some answers to your questions:

·        Whom should I use as a reference?
Always choose someone who has seen some of your best work and who likes and supports you. If that person has high status or holds the same basic title as that of the hiring employer, all the better.

Some people make the mistake of choosing someone because they have high status but they really aren't familiar with the candidate's work. This won't be helpful to the employer and may actually backfire if the reference says, "Well, I really don't know Jim very well." The same thing is true of character references...if they haven't seen your work, their opinion isn't as valuable.

If you got along well with your former bosses, by all means use them as a references. Employers always try to reach your former supervisors, so make it easy for them.

·        What about peers?
You can use peers as references but they are not as credible in the employer's eyes because they tend to assume they are friends and wouldn't be as objective. But, if you didn't get along with your boss, this is an option. However, a better reference might be a high level manager somewhere in the organization who has seen your work.

·        What about colleagues in other companies?
Your counterparts in other organizations may be suitable to list as references. If you belong to a professional organization, there are probably several people with whom you have worked on organization events and who could comment on your skills.

·        What if you don't want to list your current boss?
If you are still employed and don't want your current supervisor to know you are looking for another job, be sure to mention this to the interviewer when you give your reference list. All you have to say is, "My supervisor is unaware that I am looking, so I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't contact her."

If the application asks for your current company and the supervisor's name, include it but write in parenthesis (Please do not contact my current employer.)

·        Where should I list references?
Don't list them by name on your resume. Type the name, title, company, address and phone numbers of each of your references (three is plenty) an a separate sheet of high quality bond paper.

Bring this along to the interview and have it ready. Don't give it to the employer or attach it to the resume unless the interviewer asks you for it.

·        How do I use a reference?
Sparingly and with consideration! Always call potential references to request permission to use their names. Describe the kinds of positions for which you will be applying, send them a copy of your resume and solicit their advice and support. If you involve your references in your job search, they will be well-informed and enthused about you when they are called by a company.

If an employer asks you for your list of references, call your references and warn them that they may be called. Brief them on the specifics of the job, tell them about the company and give them the name of the person who will be calling. It would be wise to refresh their memory about any of the experiences, strengths or skills you possess that make you a good candidate for the job.

·        What kind of information do companies ask for?
Companies have become much more cautious in providing information on a former employee. Even though the law states that any documented performance information signed by the employee can be shared in a reference check, some companies will say little more than, "John Paulson worked here as an accountant from January 1975 to July 1983." Try to provide references that will provide good information. Good employees have nothing to hide.

Do you need answers to tough job hunting questions? Are you looking for some added punch to help you stand out from the crowd? Joan Lloyd’s has developed job hunting tools that can help you to maximize your job search:

Savvy Negotiation Strategies to Get Paid What You’re Worth on a New Job (Detailed, 8-page PDF by email – no shipping charge)
Easy, Step-by-step Guide to Using the Internet to Land a Great Job (Detailed, 10-page PDF by email  – no shipping charge)
The Resume That Opens the Door and the Interview That Gets the Job (Detailed, 37-page PDF by email – no shipping charge)