Referees - How to maximise your success!!

As you get closer to interview or job offer stage it's likely you will be asked to supply names and contact details of referees who can comment on your previous work performance and/or provide a snapshot of you as an employee!

Why employers do it?

If we understand past behaviour is usually a good indicator of how we might behave in the future, then it's reasonable that employers will want information on our previous performance. Other reasons include determining how accurately have you portrayed yourself; will you fit into the organisation/how well did you fit at your last workplace?

Additionally employers often need to cover themselves legally and have a responsibility to ensure you have appropriate qualifications and training (if relevant) for the role.

So how do you select an appropriate referee?

It's important you select people who know you well and can speak knowledgeably about your skills, experience and personal attributes. No doubt your mates would do a good job talking about your personal attributes but unfortunately this won't cut it with prospective employers!!!

The best referees to have are - the person you directly reported to in your most recent place of employment (if they are not included be prepared to be asked why they have been omitted), and other people from your most recent place of employment - ideally more senior to yourself who could comment on you professionally.

Other prospective referees to consider are project leaders you reported to, team members you worked with on a particular project, key customers, suppliers and perhaps employees who reported to you as they can comment on your management style.

Also consider who in your network might be able to act as referee. For example, you may have someone in your network that has known you in a professional capacity and could confidently speak about your skills and experience.

Get permission

In order to make referees work for you it's wise to develop a reference strategy. Don't assume your former boss will be happy to field reference calls - get their permission.

If possible meet with them to briefly outline your job search target and provide them with a copy of your resume to remind them of your background skills and experience.

It's also good to get agreement on why you left the organisation, your strengths/weaknesses and, what you achieved during your time with them.

To include or not to include?

Conventional wisdom dictates that it's probably best to omit referees names and contact details from your resume unless it's specifically stated that they be included. The rationale here is you will need to decide which of your referees is most appropriate for the particular role you are applying for and that your referees will not be unnecessarily interrupted unless another company is seriously considering you for a role.

Not including referee name and contact details ensures they will not inadvertently be included on the networking or marketing lists of others!!

Instead at the end of the resume state "Appropriate referees available upon request", and then once invited to an interview prepare a separate sheet detailing referees if asked for this information.

Lastly, remember each time you attend an interview and are asked for referee information you will need to give your referee a courtesy call to let them know to expect a call and then later follow up with them to let them know the outcome - it makes good networking sense!!!