Guest Author - Gwendolyn Thompson
A solid list of references who will give a strong recommendation for you when contacted should be your goal when choosing someone to be a reference. Keep in mind that employers want to contact and communicate with your references. They are not interested in reading recommendation letters.
There are four key elements you should follow when asking someone permission to reference for you:
*Always request their permission and let them know why they were chosen
*Ask them if they have any advice to give you regarding your career
*Listen carefully to their answers to determine if they will be a good reference
*Verify their contact information and write it down
Make contact with the person that you wish to reference for you and meet with them. Let them know why you wish for them to reference for you and ask their permission to list them as your reference. Give them a current copy of your resume and briefly go over it with them.
Discuss your career choice and let them know what employers may be contacting them. Ask them if they have any advice for you regarding your career and jobs that you have applied for. This will allow them to take interest in helping with your future and allow them to feel appreciated.
Listen to the answers that the person gives you. If they respond quickly and respond positively to you with interest then they would probably make a good reference. You want someone who will make an outstanding enthusiastic response. If they are hesitant and have little to say then they may not reference well.
Go over their preferred contact information with them and ask them what their title and company names are. Ask them for the correct spelling of their name and let them know that you want to be correct with their contact information. Request the phone number and e-mail address that they prefer you use.
Include your reference in completing the information that will be used on your reference page. Make them feel that they are important in attributing to your future. Always thank them and keep in contact regularly to keep your reference page updated. References can become outdated just like a resume does.
