There are several tools you’ll need for an effective job search. Of course, you know about your resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn, but what about those other documents? In this case I’m talking about references. Knowing how to choose references and whom to ask to be on your short list can make a huge difference in the outcome of your search.
Why You Need References
As you move through the job-search process, you’ll share information about yourself with employers. They want to learn more about you, naturally, and you’ll provide that on your resume, LinkedIn profile, and in interviews. In addition to the direct questions they’ll ask you—and the answers you’ll provide—employers like to learn about you from people you know professionally. These references are a powerful addition to your toolbox, whether they share information directly or through letters of recommendation.
How to Choose References
As you choose references to include in your search, you don’t want to leave any aspect of that choice to chance. This is your job search, and you must orchestrate every part of it. That means you need to be diligent about the people on that list.
I suggest three people for your reference list. These should represent a well-rounded view of your professional background. Look at your past and choose people from these categories:
- People you have supervised
- People who have supervised you
- Colleagues
- Clients
- Vendors
- Teachers or professors
- Community leaders
Only move into the last two options if you’re a new graduate as the others are a much better representation of your professional capabilities.
Create a list of references that includes each person’s:
- Name
- Phone number
- Email address
- How you know them
I use the same header that’s on the resume, replace the resume title with “Professional References,” and then space the references out across the page. (Obviously, remove your resume information and create a new document: Your Name – References.)
Prep Your References for Success
Not everyone is accustomed to providing references, so it’s in your best interest to prep those people. Part of knowing how to choose references is about educating them on how they can best support you. You’ll want to make their job as easy as possible. Some ways to do that include:
- Share your resume. We tend to know people in certain situations but not necessarily their work history. By providing your resume to your references, you’ll give them insight into what you’ve done throughout your career and how you will add value moving forward.
- Share the job description. Knowing about you is a large part of prepping your references, but it’s beneficial if they know what you’re looking for as well. If you’re able to share the job description with them, that’s ideal, but even the job title and what you’ll be doing, in more general terms, is helpful.
- Provide talking points. It’s okay to tell your references what you want them to say about you! Offer a list of accomplishments or talents you’d like them to emphasize, such as how you’ve added value to previous companies or shown strong leadership or collaborative skills. Help them to help you.
- Give them a heads-up. Of course, you want to ask people to be references for you first, before you add their names to your list. Then, keep them in the conversation. Let them know when you interview, with whom you spoke, and what company it was so they’ll be ready to answer the phone with, “Sam? Of course! I’d love to talk to you about him!”
Letters of Recommendation Are Passé; Send People to LinkedIn Instead!
While your resume is the basis of your LinkedIn profile, that profile can offer so much more! Now, your profile is a professional portfolio where you can showcase your work and capture letters of recommendation. Instead of handing out sheets of paper with traditional letters, you can steer potential employers to LinkedIn where they can see all your recommendations in one place.
Here’s the deal: If you’re not asking for LinkedIn recommendations, you’re missing out. When a hiring manager or recruiter checks your LinkedIn profile (and trust me, they will), seeing glowing recommendations from past colleagues, supervisors, or clients can solidify your awesomeness.
Unfortunately, most people won’t just write you a recommendation “because.” You have to ask them. On LinkedIn, they must be your first-level connection. Once you go to that person’s profile, click on MORE under their header and then click on REQUEST A RECOMMENDATION. A box will pop up that allows you to share the relationship you had with that person and in what position you worked at the time (including school). There’s an autopopulated section to ask for the recommendation or (better choice) put in your own note.
Leveraging References in Your Job Search
There’s a difference between knowing how to choose references and knowing how to use references in your job search. Once you have them at the ready, there is a strategy for using them. My favorite—and what I feel is the most effective—approach is to leverage your references during the interview process. Don’t pull them out too early, though; they’re best used as a presumptive close during your final interview, usually with the hiring manager.
Here’s what I suggest: After meeting with the hiring manager, say something like,
“Thank you so much for your time today. I’m going to leave my list of recommendations for you. They are ready to take your call, and I look forward to the next steps.”
For an in-person interview, have your references printed out to leave behind. When your interview is virtual, just include them in your post-interview follow-up email. Either way, this approach indicates your confidence and eagerness to move forward while also reinforcing the credibility of your references.
Are You Ready to Choose (and Use) References?
References and letters of recommendation are powerful tools that can significantly boost your chance of landing an interview or job offer. By carefully selecting the right references, prepping them for success, implementing recommendations on LinkedIn, and strategically leveraging your references in the job-search process, you’re giving yourself a strong competitive edge.
As you continue to navigate your job search, don’t overlook the value that comes from others advocating for your success. And remember, the more proactive and strategic you are with your references and recommendations, the more they can help you land your next opportunity.
Most job seekers have no idea if their resume is working or getting lost in the abyss. Your Career Advocate writes resumes that get through ATS systems and into the hands of hiring managers, and provides tools and education to leverage that resume, resulting in more interviews and job offers. Learn about how we can work together here.