All
you wanted to know about references?
"
A resume can get you a job interview, but the right references
can get you a job"
Not
paying attention to your references in your resume can cost you
your new job.
For
instance, a candidate mentioned the production manager at his
previous place of employment as a contact reference person. When
the candidate’s prospective employer called the production manager
to cross-check the reference, he was told that the information
could not be divulged. The production manager suggested that the
prospective employer contact someone else. The latter was annoyed
- and the candidate was not selected. This is a classic
example of how writing the wrong references can affect your chances
of getting the job.
"In
many cases when job candidates are equally qualified, the right
references would tip the balance in your favor"
Another
example:
- You
and your competitor have been selected as the final candidates
after a rigorous job selection process. In spite of performing
well in the interview you do not get the job. You later get
to know that the other candidate was selected on the basis of
better professional validation provided by a good reference
person mentioned in the resume.
The
reference section in the resume is where the candidate provides
the names and contact details of individuals the prospective employer
can contact for additional information on the candidate.
The
employer requires references to
- Validate
the information provided in the candidate’s resume
- Cross-check
details regarding the character of the candidate
For
each reference, be sure to provide the following information:
- Name
& Designation with Company
- Contact
Address
- Phone
& e-mail ID
|
Some
general guidelines...
Always
remember that the references you give should be persons who know
you professionally, and not relatives or family friends.
- Ensure
that they are informed that they are mentioned as references
in your resume
- Choose
individuals who can and will vouch for you
- Ensure
that the referred person is informed that he will be contacted
- Make
sure the referred person has a copy of the resume
- If
possible, try collecting letters of reference from former employers
and attach them to your resume
