Headhunters' Tips For Getting Great References

The right references can propel you up the career ladder quickly while the wrong ones can sink your chances of getting your dream job. Headhunters will tell you that no matter how impressive your resume is or how well the interview went; just one mediocre reference can destroy your momentum and result in potential employers relegating you to their file of also-rans. To ensure that they give a glowing report on your past work, including the crucial specifics that employers are looking for, follow these valuable suggestions from experienced job headhunters.

Choose Variety And Choose Wisely

It's best to choose references that will offer a variety of perspectives about your work, so pick recent contacts that know about your work but who aren't necessarily all working at the same level. A boss or supervisor, a peer and a vendor or customer who has established a working rapport with you would be a great mix. Talk to each individual to gauge how enthusiastically they will respond; if you sense that they are hesitant to commit or would rather not do you the favor, move on. It may be better to find a less recent reference who will be your cheerleader than to provide potential employers with a lukewarm reference.

Headhunters Remind You To Keep In Touch

Asking someone for a reference in today's litigious working environment is an imposition even for close co-workers and associates, so don't list individuals as references until you've asked them and gotten their approval. You should also give them a heads up whenever you know that a company will be giving them a call so that they aren't blindsided. To ensure a glowing reference, make sure the people you use feel appreciated. In other words, keep in touch with them even when you aren't actively looking for work or consulting with headhunters. This will also keep you in the front of their minds in the event an opportunity opens up elsewhere. Let them know that you're willing to reciprocate when the time comes (unless you aren't, in which case it may be best to find an alternative reference).

Briefly Review Your Work With Them

Legitimate headhunters will tell you that you can't legally ask your references what they will say about you or suggest what you want the employers to hear, but you can jog their memories and nudge them in the right direction. How? Simply by reviewing with them a few projects you worked on together or any problems you helped solve. Stick with basic facts and simply refresh their memories with a brief timeline and avoid self-praise. Let them remember your contributions on their own.

Have A Few Back-Up References

Times change, people move on and if you haven't stayed in touch, one of your top references may have moved on. Headhunters will tell you that some companies may have a policy in place that doesn't allow recommendations beyond confirming when you worked there. For whatever reason, be sure you have a few alternate sources you can use in case your top choices aren't all available or don't return phone calls.

By making sure your references are current and keeping in touch with them, you can be confident that you'll get positive feedback with specific examples of your contributions that can be instrumental in getting you the next great career opportunity.