A Point of Reference

If you are job hunting, you have to anticipate that at some point in the process you will be asked to supply professional and even a few personal references. These references are usually contacted by a hiring manager, human resources person, or third party as part of your background check. Our recruiters may also call your references, and can help you choose which ones you want to pass on to the hiring company.

Plan to supply at least three professional references. All of them should be individuals you worked closely with, and at least one of them should be a previous manager or supervisor. Once you choose who will best represent your capabilities and character, make a list of their: full names, titles, phone numbers (work and home or cell) and e-mail addresses. Keep the list handy and bring it with you to your interviews.   

Be sure that you call the references you’ve chosen ahead of time so they know you are job hunting. That way they won’t be caught off guard when they do get a call, and they will be prepared to respond without hesitation to questions about their experiences working with you. Many candidates also ask that their references inform them when a company does contact them for a reference.