The importance of references

Along with your resume or JIST card and turnaround packet, don’t forget to put together a list of references. When you’re preparing for your job search

Compile a professional looking list of several people who are willing to advocate and or make a recommendation on your behalf. Pick people who have known you for at least three months, but the longer the better.

These references can be a boss you worked for, a supervisor at a volunteer gig (all the more reason to volunteer) or, if you haven’t had a job for a while, you can use a personal reference that knows you well. This person might be a teacher, coach, mentor, religious leader or spiritual advisor, counselor or even the job developer you’re working with.

Before you include them, however, check to see if it’s OK, and ask them the best way for potential employers to contact them. Make sure you get all the relevant info: the person’s name and title, name of the company or organization and its address. Also ask for the reference’s work phone number (or mobile phone if it’s a personal reference) and an email address.

Include a sentence or two on how the reference knows you and maybe some specific information they might be able to share about you.

Find a job reference template online

There are many templates online, but we particularly like the one on the Indeed website. Another good example can be found on the Career Nook website.

Make sure your references have your latest resume or JIST card, so they’ll be up to date on your experience. Also contact them when you go on a job interview, preferably before, in case the hiring manager calls them soon after the interview is over. Let your references know what type of job you’re applying for and where, just as a heads up in case they do get a call.

Have your reference call the hiring manager

Another effective, usually overlooked, method is to have your reference call the hiring manager, preferably before the interview. This can demonstrate initiative on your part and a sincere interest in being offered a job. Your reference could say something like, “I understand that (your name) is coming in for an interview tomorrow (or whenever), and I’d like to highly recommend him. He worked for me on a bathroom remodel, and he’s an excellent carpenter, hard worker and reliable. I highly recommend him.”

Of course what the reference says would be tailored to you and the job you’re applying for, but this can be very effective. Offering your reference specifics for them to include on the call and it would be even better if those specifics can be tailored to that job is a good idea and usually appreciated.

Choosing a good reference or two who can vouch for your abilities might just be the extra thing that will inspire someone to hire you.