Job Reference List

When you send in your resume or when you fill out an application, more times than not, they will ask for references. Often times they want both personal as well as professional references (i.e. prior employers). Depending on the company accepting the application, these references can be an important part of your success in receiving the job offer, so it is important that you consider wisely who you list as a reference.

Be sure, before you begin your job search, that you take some steps to prepare a great reference list. If you were not asked to supply references prior to the interview, you may be asked to do so at the interview, so always have them prepared and do not wait until the day of to scramble some names together. Plan ahead, and prepare a focused list so that it will be a more effective tool.

Here are some tips to consider when preparing your list.

• If possible, try to have three to five adequate references that can be directly contacted, and that can provide various different aspects on information about you.

• List people who know your strengths and skill set enough to be able to say positive things, and that have enough detailed information about you to answer other questions that may be asked. Former managers, or close co-workers are better choices than just listing the business and allowing them to contact Human Resources to be told "yeah, he worked here and was rarely out sick."

• Look for people who directly worked with you who can give real meaningful details. You may want to branch out and list some references that are associated with other groups you have worked with, like volunteer organizations, church or charity type groups.

• Find people that have worked enough with you to be able to discuss positive traits of your work ethic, skills, and personality on the job. But most of all, always try to list references that can be directly, and easily contacted. If a potential employer has to go through leaving messages, or trying to track down a manager who is always on the road, etc., it can delay the process, and you may find yourself passed over if someone else has an application that has been completed more rapidly.

• Also, make sure before you list someone as a reference, that you contact them ahead of time and ask them if they are comfortable and familiar enough with you and your work skills to be able to answer potential questions and give valid and positive responses to them. You need to be sure that they are not reluctant to state positive things about you, and if you feel they may be slightly reluctant, it may be better to move on and find a more suitable reference.

Once you have compiled your list of references, it is always a good idea to send a thank you email or letter to those who agreed to be your reference and is also beneficial to send them a copy of your resume so that they can be better acquainted with the information you have provided with the potential employer. You may even wish to ask those references to go ahead and prepare and send to you a recommendation letter that you can submit to the interviewer along with the list of references. It will provide you with a better understanding of how your references will respond about you, and will provide the interviewer with a basic starting point about you.

These are just some of the tips that can be very beneficial in helping you to find and get that job.

Jeff McCormack resides in Virginia Beach, VA. where he works as a web designer by day. In his off time he is a husband, father, and musician. Aside from being a freelance writer for this Customer Service Jobs blog, he also seeks to assist in career choices and information by contributing to other Nexxt blog sites.