The do?s and don?ts of choosing referees

[Badshah Mamun]

The do?s and don?ts of choosing referees

When applying for a new position, strategically choosing the right referees requires as much thought as polishing your CV and preparing for that all-important job interview.

What?s more, in today?s competitive market, the outcome of a reference check can make or break your chances of securing your dream job.

So how can you maximise your chances of referee success? Amy Klingel, Division Director of Office Team, gives you the inside track on choosing your next referee:

Don?t: choose your buddies
According to Klingel, it?s always best to choose someone who can discuss your skills and experience in relation to the position you?re applying for. ?Choosing a suitable referee is more than just getting someone to say something nice about you,? she says.

Do: provide a backgrounder
Brief your referee on the position you are applying for, including the qualities and characteristics you feel are essential for the role. It?s also a good idea to forward an updated copy of your CV to remind your referee of your accomplishments that may be of interest to a potential employer.

Don?t: choose a stranger
Ensure your referee is someone you have spoken to recently and with whom you have maintained a good relationship. Including references from your most recent employment can help highlight contemporary experiences in a concise manner.

Do: choose people you?ve worked closely with
A referee will need to demonstrate your strengths and experiences by providing examples of how you have applied your skills within the workplace. Will your referee be able to articulate this?

Don?t: forget to give a heads up
Let your referees know in advance that they may be contacted to allow them ample time to prepare. Apart from being the polite approach, this is also a great way to make sure contact details are correct and to discuss the role you?re applying for. Don?t presume a referee will effortlessly be able provide a captivating reference, especially if they?re caught unprepared.

Do: show your appreciation
Write a thank you note to each of your referees, letting them know the outcome of your job search. This can not only help expand your network, but can increase your job referrals, too.

Published: 22 October 2007

Source: http://content.mycareer.com.au/advice-research/resume/the-dos-and-donts-of-choosing-referees.aspx