Have you checked your own references?

By: Martin Buckland

Interesting question? It sure is! Most people assume that the people they have chosen and briefed will provide them with a good reference.

Wrong

From experience, I can say that it's worth having an independent person check the testimonies you provide a potential employer. After all, companies check out potential employees references; why don't you check them first? A poor reference will definitely damage your credibility as a viable candidate. Your reputation is not worth jeopardising; you may be within a short distance of negotiating an offer from your future employer when all your hopes are dashed.

In short, ask a friend or career management professional to call your references and ask the deep questions.

It's only natural that once the word about a bad reference is discovered the client becomes angry, and why not? But this can be avoided by a little work.

There are some tell-tale signs that a reference could provide your future employer with negative comments. If a reference doesn't return two or three calls, or if the comments "Are you sure he listed me as a reference?" "I can only divulge that she worked here," or "check his references very carefully," are heard, you are in trouble.

Pre-employment screening is a major component of the recruitment process. Employers need to know:

• Employment dates and position title.
• Description of your job functions and responsibilities.
• The reason for you leaving; was it voluntary or otherwise?
• Detailed evaluation of your performance; were your accomplishments as described in the résumé true?
• Would they rehire you?

Who should you choose to make this critical judgement about yourself? Think about who you consider will provide you with the ultimate appraisal.

Preferably it should be people who have known you for over a year, and would include the following:

• Former bosses/supervisors
• Colleagues, peers or subordinates
• Clients/customers
• Teachers/Professors
• Industry association contacts and fellow volunteers in your community work.

So check on former bosses, colleagues and even trusted friends and have your references checked. Do not underestimate how powerful references are.

Remember, once you have landed a job, show appreciation! Thank the reference with a personal letter, thank-you card or small gift; you are going to need to use this person sometime in the future! Keep in touch with them as you progress; they will be your best advocate for years to come.

Finally, never list the names of references on a résumé. Don't provide the potential employer with ammunition to stave off an interview. Have references typed up ready to provide at the conclusion of the interview.

Martin is a Master Resume Writer (MRW), Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), Job and Career Transition Coach (JCTC), Certified Employment Interview Professional (CEIP), and Certified Job Search Trainer (CJST).

Martin Buckland is a Career Management Professional based in Oakville, Ontario. President of Elite Resumes, he is certified in resume writing, career coaching, job search strategies and interview coaching and is Canada's only Master Resume Writer. He has extensive knowledge of the best strategies to secure a job most effectively and is well networked with recruiters and human resource professionals across Canada. For more information on his services view www.aneliteresume.com.