8 Tips for a Powerful Reference List

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Study the suggestions below before compiling your reference list.

1) Get permission from every person you plan to include in your reference list before you begin. You absolutely want to make sure that your reference is going to be a "good" reference. Employers do check them, that is why they ask for them. References I have called for potential employees in the past have destroyed opportunities for the person to get a position with the organization. I once had a reference of a candidate say to me "I have no idea why they would use me as a reference. They where probably the worst employee we ever had during our 35 years of being in business,"

2) Be sure to write your name and telephone number at the very top of your reference list. If your reference list somehow becomes separated from your resume and application, it can be identified as yours.

3) Choose former bosses, co-workers, professional associates, or people of status in the community who can attest to your professional integrity and effectiveness. That is what employers really care about are people that you have worked with because they are evaluating if they want to work with you through their reference check. And let's face it if you can't have two or three family members and friends say something nice about you, you have bigger issues then finding a job. It also doesn't speak to your abilities as far as being able to fill the open position.

4) Your list can include family, friends, or neighbors who are willing to attest to your character, but use no more than two non-business acquaintances on a reference list of five or more references.

5) List each name on your reference list with an address, phone number, and job title (or descriptive title).

6) Your reference list should be neat, error free, and centered neatly upon the page. Just like your resume format is very important. It shows professionalism and attention to detail.

7) Your reference list should be typed in the same font of your resume.

8) The paper of you reference list should match the paper of your resume.

Bring several copies of your reference list with you to all interviews. Be sure to offer it to the employer at the end of the interview, if he/she hasn't already requested it. Don't, however, pull out your reference list from your briefcase and hand it to the hiring authority without first being asked to do so. Simply alert them to the fact that you have brought a reference list with you and would be happy to let them have one if they would like to see it.

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