March 5, 2004, Newsletter Issue #7: Help Your References & Help Yourself

Tip of the Week

Before you even begin your job hunt, list your supervisors from previous jobs. If you’ve been with your current company a long time, these would be bosses that have left the company. Others that you have worked with on a peer level or who have reported to you suffice as well.

Track them down if you don’t know where they are so you don’t have to go hunting for them later (keep track of this information for the future!). When the time comes to provide this information, you’ll have saved yourself time and headache. You’ll also look organized, as most people gather their list at the last minute.

Consider anyone you’ve worked with outside the company. For instance, in construction, this would include subcontractors. If you’re in sales, a select few of your clients. Jot down notes of your accomplishments with them, transactions you want them to highlight, memories of working with them that you can remind them of.

If you’ve done your pre-interview prep homework, this information will be right at your fingertips!

When the time comes to supply a reference list, phone your references. Explain to them that you are in the process of changing jobs and have been asked by a potential employer to provide a list of references. Make sure they are comfortable acting as a reference for you!

If so, share with them what you are applying for, what the position entails, and what the company is looking for. Offer to send your reference a copy of your resume so that your dates of employment are in front of him when the potential employer calls.

Refresh his memory as to some of the highlights of working with him: goals accomplished, problems solved, performance reviews.

Contrary to being assumptive, all of this will be appreciated. He’ll benefit by being prepared for the phone call and will have the relevant information on the tip of his tongue. You’ll benefit because the points your potential employer wants to know will be spoken of. He`ll hear them in a well-prepared and thorough manner, instead of one that`s half-remembered and vague.

Your talents pertaining to the job will be showcased to the fullest by an objective third party. Why? Because you took the time and courtesy to contact, brief, and prep your references assuring that your potential employer hears what he needs to know in order to hire you.

When an employer is looking to make a hiring decision, why not help him make it - in your favor?

Ciao and here`s to your perfect job!
judi perkins
recruiter@intergate.com
203-778-8894
copyright - judi perkins 2004

Have job hunting questions? In a stew about what`s going on? Wondering what`s next? Drop me a line!


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