Posted

As a serious job seeker, receiving a call to schedule an interview can be very exciting. Once you get past the initial excitement, the worry starts to set in as you prepare for the meeting itself. You may begin thinking about all of the potential interview questions you will be asked, getting a resume printed, and anticipating the big day that could change your career path.

Yet, one thing many candidates never take into account is the fact that you should also prepare your references for the interview they will encounter during the hiring process. Taking this extra step can help you to get a job offer in record time. Let’s take a look at why your references are critical to success and how you can get them ready to make you look your best to the hiring company.

Who Should Your References Be?

References can include a former employer, a former co-worker, current co-workers, mentors, supervisors and even former academic advisors. No matter who you have a relationship with, make sure that you ask for permission first before listing him or her as a reference on a resume. This will ensure that they are not taken by surprise when contacted by a company looking to hire you.

How do You Know if Someone Will be a Good Reference?

Just because you list someone as a reference, it doesn’t guarantee that they will speak highly of you. To avoid making a poor reference choice, speak with them to gauge their interest in helping, as well as to see what they might say about you. In your conversation with them, try to determine if it would benefit you to even list them on the resume. If it seems as if they will speak fondly of you, add them to the resume immediately. If you get the feeling that they wouldn’t be a help in securing the job, thank them for their assistance and look for an alternate reference you could use.

Getting References Ready

Once you hear from your recruiter or the potential employer that they would be conducting reference checks, let your references know immediately. Be sure to communicate when they will be contacted, as well as inform them of the job you applied for. Make sure you tell them the company name, what they are looking for in an ideal candidate, as well as any other information you can think of that will help the reference during the conversation with the employer. This will help them prepare for the phone call they will receive at some point.

It can also be helpful to review potential questions they might be asked. This will help them think about what they want to say, and make sure that they are not caught off guard. Some common questions that references are asked are:

  • How long have you known the candidate?
  • Would you rehire them?
  • What results or accomplishments was the candidate responsible for while employed at your company?
  • Name their strengths and weaknesses.
  • How did they interact with others?
  • Is there anything you know of that would disqualify them from working this job?
  • Is there any other information you can share about the candidate?

Taking the above steps can help your references be ready to speak well of you when the hiring manager contacts them. Use this as a guide for prepping your references and make it easier for a company to hire you for the job.

Are you looking for a job in Southwest Michigan? Wood Staffing can help. As the premier staffing firm in the Michiana area, we work with candidates daily to match them to the perfect position and employer. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in your job search.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *