At a recent career fair I participated in, I spoke with several job seekers that wisely brought with them their reference sheet. The document is expected to be complete and available when asked for so it is a good idea to make your reference sheet is part of your job search arsenal or portfolio. This simple sheet of paper makes the difference of a first interview leading to the second, and an interview leading to a job offer. When developing your reference sheet, be sure of whose hands you are putting your career into.
Every time you are in the market for a new job it is a good idea to update your reference sheet. Review the list and make sure the contacts are still who you would like to represent you. If the list hasn’t changed, confirm the contact information is still current and accurate. Be respectful of the contacts by giving them a call to inform them of your job search and ask their permission to use them as a reference whether this is the first or third time you’ve used their name. If there are new contacts added to the list make sure to get their permission as well.
It is important to make sure the contacts are willing to provide references and that they know what you want from them. Talk with each one and discuss what you would like revealed by them if they are contacted. It is often helpful to make suggestions for them to use, such as a project you helped with, sales quotas you surpassed, awards you received, programs you put in place or improved, and so on.
Each contact can be used for a different area of experience, which will give employers a thorough understanding of your potential and value. One may discuss your customer service skills while another can recount your leadership or management experience and another can relay your sales, project, or technical expertise. Letting your contacts know what you’d like them to contribute will help them know what to say and not have you guessing at what positive or negative secrets they might reveal.
The actual reference sheet is relatively simple and usually includes 4 to 6 contact names, their current phone numbers and email addresses, and the company and job title when you worked together. The references can be management above you, contemporaries and colleagues, or staff that worked for you. Having a well rounded team of referrals will give employers a good idea of the kind of employee you will be for them.
Finally, make sure you keep the contacts up-to-date on your progress and aware of the outcome on your job search. Try to help them as a reference if at all possible. Don’t forget, when everything is done and you’ve landed that awesome new job, to show your references gratitude with a thank you note or gift of appreciation.
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