Requesting a Reference
June 8, 2011
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References are invaluable in this job market. Employers listen to the opinions of those who know their prospective employees in order to gain insight into who they are as people, both personally and professionally. These references are important regardless of one’s educational background, whether that be from a traditional university or online school. The importance is best illustrated by the fact that several different services have been created which are based on the idea of a reference. LinkedIn, a website in which every contact is a perpetual endorsement, is a prime example of the “modified” reference. Headhunters are similar, given they exploit their contacts as a way to give the client more opportunities, thereby endorsing them. Overall however, the best reference comes from someone who has worked with the employee who can testify to their character, performance, and overall work ethic.
What is a reference, how does an employee obtain one? A professional reference is a form of communication which properly illustrates the employee’s strengths while highlighting specific positive points in their career. If the person has not worked for many years, then it would be best to get a character reference.
Professional Reference
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Contact: Ask for a reference when leaving a job. Keep all on file until needed. Most employers know what information to include, and since they are doing the employee a favor by writing one, it would be better not to request anything specific and let them determine the contents.
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Author: Often done by a former employer, one that the employee maintained a positive relationship with throughout their time at the company.
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Content: Describes the professional relationship, both the interpersonal on any given day and the professional accomplishments achieved.
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Number: Three references is the general rule. These can be either from the same job, one from each manager or from three different jobs or clients. Either way is a win given most employers love loyalty and performance.
Character Reference
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Contact: The employee should contact the individuals they will use as a reference and ask permission to put their names on the job application. This will prepare them for employer’s phone and enable a good conversation. It is also good manners.
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Author: A friend or former co-worker. Long-time friends are the best, one that the employee has known for over five years. Family should not be a reference because employers view them as biased.
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Content: Describes the personal relationship and the character traits which would be beneficial to the job.
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Number: Three is once again the perfect number, all from different friends and former co-workers.
A good reference can mean getting a job or continuing the search. Once an employer can see the prospective employee has shown themselves to be responsible, successful, and loyal, there is no end to the possible opportunities. A reference is the summary of all needed information about a person, giving insight into every part of their professional life. Asking the right people, both personal and professional, can open the door of opportunity into the wider world.