Picking the right references can be the key to getting the job you want. It's best to choose references who will give a diverse range of information about you and your work history, highlighting your strengths and experience.
Instructions
1. Realize that most employers will ask for at least 3 references. It's best to choose 5 potential references to be sure that at least 3 will be available to answer questions about you when contacted by an employer.
2. Use your highest ranking past supervisor as a reference. A supervisor or manager you have worked with in the past is a great choice for a reference, as this person is likely to have worked closely with you and know the details of your position. In cases where you are keeping your job search confidential, it's acceptable to pick a supervisor, manager or co-worker in a different department of the company at which you currently work.
3. Consider past or current clients or vendors as references. Even if a person has not worked directly at the same company with you, regular interactions between you and a customer are good opportunities to elicit feedback on your job performance. Ask consistent clients or vendors if they would be willing to discuss your skills with a potential employer.
4. Leave off family members on your list of references. Employers are likely to consider a reference from someone personally close to you as biased and could dismiss your application altogether. Co-workers or other acquaintances with which you are friendly through work or school are acceptable to pick.
5. Ask a former professor or sports coach to be your reference if you are a recent college graduate stretching for references. Students tend to have a little more flexibility with employers when providing references, due to limited work experience. Still, if you have worked during school or participated in any volunteer programs or internships, you should definitely ask someone from one of these groups to act as a reference.
6. Make sure you have the necessary contact information for each of the references you pick. This should include phone numbers, email addresses and street addresses of employment, as well as current job titles.
Tags: have worked, acceptable pick, best choose, clients vendors, supervisor manager