When it comes to job applications, we often focus on creating the perfect resume and cover letter that showcases your skills and experience. But there is one factor that is often overlooked and has a big impact in the eyes of potential employers. It’s a recommender. This blog post explores the importance of choosing the right references and offers valuable tips to help you make the most of this often-underestimated aspect of your job application.
Power of reference:
- Letters of recommendation play an important role in the hiring process as they provide employers with insight into your personality, work ethic, and abilities.
- Employers often rely on references to verify the information you provide in your application and to better understand whether you are suitable for the role.
- Choosing the right reference book can have a big impact on your chances of landing your dream job.
Choose your references wisely:
- Just because you know someone doesn’t automatically make them an ideal reference. It’s important to select and consider candidates who have a solid understanding of your skills and the value you can bring to your employer.
- Warning Story: Speaker shares a story about a client whose best friend was found to provide negative information. This example highlights the importance of performing external reference checks to ensure the quality of references.
Ideal number and type of references:
- Aim to provide around 5-7 references, keeping an odd number of references to keep a balanced perspective.
- Consider including a variety of references that showcase different aspects of your professional life, such as bosses, colleagues, subordinates, vendors and suppliers, clients and customers.
Role of external references:
- Having a close friend or someone close to you as a reference is beneficial, but it is important to assess the quality of their reference through an external reference check.
- External references provide an unbiased perspective of your capabilities from the perspective of individuals who have worked closely with you but may not have a personal connection.
Organize and present reference materials.
- Create a pre-filled reference list with name, city, relationship, contact details and other relevant information for easy reference.
- Board members can also serve as valuable witnesses if you have worked closely with them in a professional capacity.
- Avoid mentioning your resume or CV directly as it takes up valuable space. This is better used to highlight your achievements.
- When asked for references, we provide a typed reference list with consistent branding and formatting to ensure a professional presentation.
Careful selection and effective presentation of appropriate references can increase your chances of getting the job you want. Use these tips as a guide to master the art of selecting references and be more competitive in your job search.
