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Part
4: PREPARING THOSE WHO WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH A REFERENCE
Prepare
a Draft of a Reference Statement
Compose a statement that your former manager or other
references could comfortably give on your behalf. It should be
in simple, conversational tone, much the way it would sound if
discussed over the telephone. Review the points below to help
create your reference statement.
1.
Credibility
How does your proposed reference know you? Cover such items as
the reporting relationship and the length of time you worked together.
2.
Strengths, Skills, Abilities.
Illustrate them. A description of what you do well, and examples
that . Accomplishments. What were the things you did well for
the company during your tenure? What major contributions did you
make? Look back and net out your key accomplishments.
3.
Personal traits.
Comment on your positive traits, especially those that relate
to your work and your ability to get along with others. Cover
such things as work and management style, degree of rapport with
other employees, integrity and life values.
4.
Areas needing development.
Make sure that your references understand that it is customary
to omit this information unless specifically asked. If something
must be said about your weaknesses, try to agree on a trait(s)
that can be presented along with your efforts at improvement or
the lessons you learned.
5.
Reason for leaving.
This is the "official story." Keep it as simple, direct, positive
and as plausible as possible.
When
you have completed a draft of the reference statement, review
it with each reference. It is preferable to do this in person
so that you can answer questions, listen carefully, and be aware
of any "signals" that there may be an issue or concern.
SAMPLE
REFERENCE STATEMENT DRAFT
Purpose:
For discussion with former manager or other references Remember,
this is a discussion draft or outline. The actual words should
be the words of the person acting as a referral, not yours.
On Credibility
"Chris and I worked together for eight years. Customer-care projects
for the last seven years." or
"Chris was my direct manager for four years. He/she led my customer
service team and was responsible for reorganizing our entire division."
On Contributions
"Chris introduced new techniques in customer service: better control
systems and a process to ensure adequate staffing of major projects."
or
"Chris made important contributions in organizing and managing
projects which dramatically increased customer satisfaction while
saving money and time."
On Personality
"Chris is able to maintain calm in the face of a crisis. And people
respect his or her professional skills and integrity as a manager."
On Weaknesses (if asked)
"Chris had a tendency to become immersed in the details of a project
as the scope increased. He/she often put in 50- and 60-hour weeks."
On Reason for Leaving {if asked of previous
manager)
"As Chris's responsibilities became more focused on routine maintenance
of the department, and opportunities for heading up new projects
decreased, he or she felt it was time to move on."
CONTACT
YOUR REFERENCE PROSPECTS
Once
you have compiled your list, contact the people you have identified
to solicit permission and endorsement. When each agrees to be
a reference, provide him or her with:
-
Details about the position you are seeking
- Information about who will be contacting them and why
- Information about the company with whom you are interviewing
- Questions he or she will likely be asked, and potential responses
In this way, each reference can speak knowledgeably and articulately
about your qualifications for the position, greatly improving
your chances of receiving an offer.
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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