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References: How to Stand Out from the Competition

by Annette Clemens, Assistant Director

Many job seekers are aware that sometime during the interviewing process, an employer will most likely ask to see a list of references.  Because checking references is a fairly standard part of the job search process, many people overlook the importance of having good ones.  Hopefully, you will understand that “scraping together” any three people to list on a reference sheet is not the approach you want to take when trying to find those who will vouch for your skills and abilities.

Here’s the bottom line; the people you want to have listed as references are people who, when asked about you, will have a non-stop love festival about you.

Sound corny?  It isn’t.  It’s expected.

Remember that employers, aside from reading your resume and sitting an hour or two with you in the course of a job interview, really know very little about you.  People can lie on their resume (of course, CBA students wouldn’t do this!).  We’ve all heard stories also about how employers have interviewed a candidate who sounded great and told them what they wanted to hear, only to find out that the job seeker was completely unreliable.  If there’s one thing employers hate, it’s a person who is all style and no substance.

Checking references is added insurance for the employer.  It fills in some of the gray areas about a person that may not be covered during the course of interviewing.  A reference illuminates the candidate’s skills and abilities, but more importantly, the reference can comment on the person’s character.  That’s the intangible factor about you that often doesn’t get fully disclosed on a job interview.

Additionally, a professional reference’s point-of-view is invaluable precisely because he/she can see you more objectively.  This is why references are required in the first place.  It’s a little like going to a doctor for a second opinion.  The employer will hope to verify all the good things you’ve said about yourself by speaking with someone who knows you well.

So who would be the best person for you as a reference?  Your co-worker?  Your old boss?  Your mother?  Your dog? (if only they could talk!)  Actually, the best references are your professional ones—ideally a former or current supervisor.  This is someone who has seen your work and can comment on it in a professional capacity.  The second best reference would be a co-worker, but you want to avoid people who are more like your “buds”.  If you are more informal with this person, chances are the conversation will come across that way.

After supervisors/co-workers, the best references are from people who have known you over a long period of time.  This can include neighbors, long-time friends of the family, or a clergyman.  Ideally, all of your references, whether they’re professional or personal, should be currently employed (unless they’re retired). 

The other golden rule about soliciting references is this:  ask the person if he/she would serve as your reference *before* you put his/her name down.  Making sure the person is willing will ensure the best possible reference.  Remember that references are people who are squarely in your corner, rooting for you, and doing what they can to make the most of your skills/abilities.  Coach the reference ahead of time.  Alert them to a possible phone call and don’t be afraid to let them know what to highlight.  It will make their endorsement of you that much more effective.

So remember how valuable a good reference is and what it can do for your career.  If the person has known you over a relatively long period of time, can comment on your professionalism, and can vouch for your character, it’ll be tough for the employer to turn you down for the job.  And be sure to thank your references—you never know when you may need their help again.