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Part
5: ADDITIONAL POINTS ON REFERENCES
1)
Potential employers do not consider letters of reference
(collected from former employers) to be very valuable.
2) Do what you can to prepare
your references --especially a former manager. Even though well
intentioned, your former manager may be unskilled at handling
a clever telephone inquiry. What you want is a balanced and fair
appraisal from your former manager, assessing the overall service
you rendered to your former company.
3)
Handling inquiries by search professionals. Your references may
be contacted by professionals from an executive search firm. These
people are expert at shaping questions that will uncover inconsistencies
and weaknesses. By thoroughly grooming your references, you will
minimize negative comments and give them the ammunition needed
to boost you toward your new position.
4)
Do not offer references until requested. When you are asked, determine
the number and type of references required (e.g., managers, peers,
subordinates) and be prepared to deliver, fax or mail your list
within the next 24 hours.
5)
Once someone asks for your reference list, phone your references
as soon as possible. Inform them of the nature of the position
for which you are being considered, and how well you think you
fit. This will give them time to think about what to say in support
of your efforts. Thank them for their help and ask them to call
you to let you know the results.
6) Let your references know
you appreciate their help and support. Effective references can
be a bonus in your search, so let them know you appreciate their
assistance, and offer to return the favor if an opportunity arises.
Be sure to keep them informed of your progress --you will want
to keep the contact alive and well for the future.
SUMMARY
A
well-founded reference strategy is an important part of your employment
campaign. References have the potential to make or break a positive
interview process. To utilize them most effectively, you need
to:
Identify the best reference prospects for the positions you are
interviewing for.
Know what needs to be included in a reference statement.
Understand the importance of when and how to involve references.
Prepare a concise, cohesive draft of a reference statement that
you can discuss with your references.
Coach references on what to say and how to say it.
Maintain contact with your references to determine what has taken
place in the interview process and what was discussed. Keep them
informed about the results of your search.
Express appreciation for their help and offer help in return.
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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