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Choose Your Referees Well

February 11th, 2009

It can be challenging to find your dream job during a recession but it can be near impossible if your references are not up to scratch.

The Creative Group , a specialised staffing service in the USA conducted a survey of 250 advertising and marketing executives. They were asked to describe their most unusual reference checks. Here’s some of the responses they gave:

  • “Someone used her mother as a reference; needless to say, she had not worked anywhere with her mother.”
  • “We learned from the reference that the woman we were interviewing liked to go barefoot all day.”
    “The reference said the prospective employee had difficulty getting to work on time.”
  • “We talked to someone who said the applicant didn’t like the industry in which she was trying to get a job.”
  • “I checked the reference, and the fellow just started laughing. He could not believe that he was a reference.”
  • “The person said the candidate was hyper and off the wall.”
  • “The reference said the candidate fell asleep during work hours.”
  • “According to the reference, the candidate was very insistent on making his own schedule and rules.”
  • “A reference told us the person had 17 pets that he’d need to transport.”
  • “A professor recommended someone who was really smart, but mentioned that the person was never seen wearing anything but flip-flops.”
  • “The reference went on about the candidate’s favourite music, bars, social endeavours, etc.”
  • “The reference had never heard of the person.”
  • “The candidate said she’d worked for a specific agency, and we found out that she didn’t.”
  • “I was told that the candidate didn’t do the work he claimed to do during the interview.”

    • The Creative Group offered these five tips for creating a solid reference list:

      Identify your biggest fans. Always ask permission before using someone as a reference. Pay attention to how quickly and enthusiastically people respond to your request. This “self-reference check” can help you identify the best options.
      Be ready to offer a few extras. When short-staffed, many hiring managers are pressured to move quickly, and if your contacts are unavailable, you may miss out on the job offer. Consider providing more references than are requested.
      Make it easy on the employer. Provide clear contact information, including names, titles, daytime telephone numbers and e-mail addresses, for your references along with a brief explanation of the nature of your relationship with each person. It’s also helpful to note the best times to reach each of your contacts.
      Give references a “heads up.” Each time you submit a reference list to a prospective employer, let your contacts know so they are well-prepared. Provide them with an updated copy of your resume, and describe the company and position you have applied for, as well as the name of the person who might be calling them.
      Express appreciation. Always thank those who agree to speak on your behalf — even if they aren’t contacted by hiring managers. Also, keep them updated on the status of your job search.

    These are all great tips so please don’t get caught out. Your references are every bit as important as your CV so take extra care over who you list as referees and always ensure they are kept up to date on any possible contact with employers.

    If you would like to see more job hunting tips and strategies then get your copy of the newly released book "Get Me Off The Dole ".

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