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Part
2: THE VALUE OF REFERENCES TO THE INTERVIEWEE
References
provide a final opportunity to sell yourself so you need to be
strategic in your choices.
What
is Your Reference Strategy?
Even your greatest supporters may not necessarily know how to
promote you in the most positive way. Prior to their being contacted
by one of your potential employers, you will need to coach them
and supply them with the necessary information. After, you will
need to solicit feedback from them about the kinds of questions
they were asked by reference checkers, and obtain their reactions
to the answers. Such information could help you land your targeted
position. You cannot leave it to chance. This means you must:
Compile a reference prospect list.
Prepare a reference statement.
Contact the people on the list to seek their agreement.
COMPILE
A REFERENCE PROSPECT LIST/DATABASE.
Since references can be an extremely important element in your
search, it is critical that you select people who are willing
to give you a solid reference. Most of the time you will be asked
to furnish five names --three professional and two personal references.
Select individuals from your reference database who are most likely
to relate well to the specific work situation.
Potential references include:
Former managers
Project
leaders
Colleagues
Customers
Vendors/Suppliers
External business associates
Direct reports
COMPILING
YOUR REFERENCE PROSPECTS LIST
1. Former managers to whom
you directly reported. Also include managers or team leaders where
you may have had a dotted-line responsibility. Include your last
manager, even if he or she has retired or left the company. List
only those for your last 2-3 positions.
2. Project leaders to whom
you reported for the duration of a project.
3. Team colleagues with whom
you worked on major projects.
4. Important customers with
whom you had an excellent business relationship.
5. Vendors or suppliers who
can vouch for your business expertise.
6. Outside business people,
such as members of charitable or service organizations, who have
first-hand knowledge of your expertise.
7. Key individuals who reported
directly to you.
Part
1: VALUE TO THE INTERVIEWER
Part
2: VALUE TO THE INTERVIEWEE
Part
3: GETTING IT ON PAPER
Part
4: PREPARING REFERENCES
Part
5: ADDITIONAL POINTS/SUMMARY
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