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References

Sooner or later you will be asked to provide references, there is no need to do so before you are asked. Reference checks are made to:

• Ensure that you have told the truth about yourself
• Get a feeling for how you work with others
• Pick up other undisclosed information, whether negative or positive

Many employers are cautious about providing references due to the chances of a lawsuit. Often a company will only provide a job title and dates of employment on paper. However, this does not stop a prospective employer from making an informal telephone call to a referee.

You should quote as referees people who know you in a work setting such as managers, peers or subordinates. Customers and vendors are also good choices. Do not quote neighbours, relatives, doctors etc, unless they are well known community or business leaders. Referees should know you well enough to speak objectively and in some detail about your skills, strengths and personal characteristics.

Help your referees to help you by doing the following:

• Always ask a person to act as a reference for you, before you provide their name to an employer.
• If possible meet with the potential referee to verify the information and ensure that you will get a positive reference
• Provide your referee with a copy of your full CV and if possible your one page CV.
• Call your referee when you give their name to an employer and provide them with details about the prospective position and what you have to offer. Try to share your enthusiasm with them.

If your referee has been contacted by your prospective employer, if possible phone the referee and do the following:

• Thank them for their help.
• If possible also try and find out what types of questions were asked.

However please do not risk offending your referee by being too pushy.