Once you've sailed through the interview process and are
under consideration for a job opening, your prospective
employer will almost certainly ask for a list of references.
Reference checking is a way by which future employers can
confirm their favorable impression of you (while making
sure there isn't a dark secret lurking in your employment
record).
If you've always been a great worker and have left earlier
jobs on good terms, you have little to worry about. But
what if you left under bad conditions, or if you don't have
any work references?
Because of today's tight job market and intense competition
for qualified workers, it's possible to get hired with no
references at all--or even with poor references. But why
take the chance? No matter what your situation, here are
some simple ways to make sure your references are stellar:
If You Have Good Work Experience
If You Don't Have Any Related Work Experience
If You Left Previous Jobs Under Bad Circumstances
If You Have Good Work Experience
Before you list a former manager or co-worker as a reference,
call them to ask if it's okay. Tell them how important this
new job opportunity is to you, and ask if they have any
hesitation about referring you. If they do, talk through
their concerns. If they're still less than enthusiastic,
don't list them as a reference; find another co-worker or
manager to use.
If You Don't Have Any Related Work Experience
If you don't have related work experience, stretch a little.
Go back to any and all previous employers, whether it's
the owner of the local ice cream shop or the mother for
whom you babysat in high school. They can vouch for your
work ethic, reliability, and honesty. Personal references--especially
those from teachers--are also valuable. Don't list family
members or friends unless they have a well-respected name
in the industry you're hoping to enter.
If You Left Previous Jobs Under Bad Circumstances
If you suspect you'll get a negative review from a former
employer, you have one of two choices: eliminate them from
your list of references or contact them to sort things out.
Because of concerns about liability, most companies won't
provide subjective information when asked for references;
the most they'll do is confirm the dates of employment,
job title, and salary. But if you want to make sure you're
not being badmouthed, you can contact your previous employer
and explain that you're seeking a new job and that a poor
report could hamper your ability to get the position.
If your contact still isn't willing to give you a neutral
review, your best bet is either to locate a more sympathetic
manager or co-worker at the same company or simply eliminate
that job from your list of reference checks.
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