Building a strong list of references
Ken Pelczarski | TLT Career Coach January 2015
Having a large number and variety of references can help tell your story.
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WILL YOU NEED REFERENCES DURING your job search? Absolutely! Would you hire a babysitter or contractor at your home without good references? Probably not. The same goes for hiring an employee for your business. It is a tall task to evaluate a job candidate through an interview alone. References are a safeguard and an additional tool used to verify experience and track record.
Most employers check references during the interview process. Three references are often sufficient, although having additional references available can satisfy an employer’s request for specific types or number of references. Having a large number and variety of references also speaks to a person’s organizational skills and ability to build relationships and earn respect from others.
References are particularly important when you have an unusual story to tell. If you were terminated from your last position, it helps tremendously to have others back up your story. If there is a situation involving ethics or your word against another, it is crucial to have strong allies to support you.
WHO ARE YOUR BEST REFERENCES?
The best references are those who (1.) know your experience and accomplishments firsthand, (2.) understand your goals and motivation, (3.) know your character, style and personality and (4.) know the overall kind of employee you have been. Choose references who will not only verify your background and answer questions but will go out of their way to highly recommend you.
References ideally will have been associated with you during the past 10 to 15 years. They can include current and past superiors, coworkers, subordinates, customers and fellow volunteers. Friends and family are not commonly used as business references unless they know your work.
Although a variety of references is good, be sure to include a superior or two on your list since this is the most preferred type of reference by employers. Superiors monitor and review your work on a regular basis and can comment on your capabilities, motivation, reliability, flexibility, team orientation and overall manageability. Coworkers can comment on much of the same, but they have not been officially responsible for evaluating your performance. Subordinates can offer a unique perspective on your skill set and can especially comment on your management style.
Customer references are frequently requested by employers, particularly for sales and customer support roles. A close customer likely knows your selling style, listening skills and problem-solving abilities as well as anybody.
Volunteering for a technical society such as STLE is widely respected, and references from this setting can be of great value to an employer as well. Fellow volunteers can attest to your industry dedication, leadership abilities, creativity, problem-solving and project management skills.
WHEN ARE REFERENCES BEING CHECKED?
Employers may check references at any stage of the interview process. They often speak with industry professionals that do not appear on your reference list and will sometimes do so prior to an official job opening. This is why it is critical to maintain your industry reputation by (1.) not burning bridges, (2.) departing companies in good standing, (3.) being a team player and (4.) giving 100 percent effort through your last day on the job. In addition, be careful about what you post on social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, blogs and LinkedIn. Employers may reject candidates even before an interview based on unprofessional posted material.
When you are being considered for a job opportunity, be ready with references from the start of the application process. Employers may check references before talking with you directly to determine if it is worth the time and expense to interview you. Employers also often check references in the middle of the interview process to determine if it’s worthwhile to go to the next step. They may also have a concern about you to examine further, or they may be trying to differentiate you from another strong candidate.
The most common time for checking references is at the conclusion of the interview process as part of an official background check. Be sure to ask employers how many and what types of references they would like to check. If a recruiter is representing you, provide the same reference information to the recruiter since employers often ask them to check references and give a written report.
FORMS OF REFERENCES
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Oral. This is the most common way for an employer to check references and also the biggest potential for a reference to be caught off guard. An outstanding reference may become an average reference if he/she receives a phone call without prior knowledge of the company identity and type of position. Alert and prepare your references as early in the process as possible.
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Letter of recommendation. Politely request a letter of recommendation from all references. There are numerous advantages to a written letter: (1.) A reference has time to organize thoughts and better convey your skill set and strengths. (2.) A reference will not need to remember everything from 10 to 15 years ago or more if it is already in writing. (3.) An employer will be impressed that a reference is willing to take the time to write a letter. (4.) An employer will be impressed with your organizational skills. (5.) You will always have this letter available and the reference may not need to be called. (6.) You can still use this reference if the person’s contact information is lost.
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LinkedIn recommendations and endorsements. A high percentage of employers utilize LinkedIn as a tool to recruit candidates and evaluate their capabilities, accomplishments and general industry standing. When viewing your LinkedIn profile, employers are likely to read individual recommendations and look at the number and types of endorsements you have received. Request recommendations and endorsements from your connections, and return the favor to others if warranted.
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Commendation letter. This is sort of a mini reference and should be part of your portfolio. Letters from customers or company management commending your performance on a project will impress an employer; these letters are unsolicited and show examples of success in specific work situations.
COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR REFERENCES
Consistent and timely communication with your references is key for them to be prepared and motivated to say positive things about you in your job search.
For individuals you worked with in past years, keep in touch at least annually to update each other on career developments. I’ve seen many instances where an excellent reference could not be located, so be sure to ask your reference to update you on changes in contact information.
For all individuals on your reference list that you have worked with to the present day, inform them when you begin actively job searching and when it is likely that a prospective employer will be checking references.
When you begin a job search, your references can be a big asset by providing you with ideas and direction as well as job leads. During the process of interviewing for a desirable position, inform your references of the company and type of position you are pursuing. Tell your references you want them to be truthful. You can still coach them, however, on what to emphasize in their reference based on the skill set, strengths and characteristics the employer is looking to hire.
Whether or not you receive a job offer, don’t forget to thank references for taking the time to recommend you and promote your skill set.
The best way to build a strong reference list is to earn it through experience and accomplishments, solid work ethic, passion for your work, being a team player and going the extra mile. Be proactive with requests for recommendations. Work constantly on establishing and cultivating mutually beneficial relationships with your references and entire professional network.
Don’t let your experience and success lose their luster. Maintain a strong reference list!
Ken Pelczarski is owner and founder of Pelichem Associates, a Chicago-based search firm established in 1985 and specializing in the lubricants industry. You can reach Ken at (630) 960-1940 or at pelichem@aol.com.