Asking for a job reference isn’t just a matter of “Hey, boss [or former colleague], can you say nice things about me for this new gig?”
Instead, while it’s not really difficult, there are a few ins and outs to asking for — and receiving — good references.
Here area few tips:
- First of all, you must ask. Don’t assume someone will be happy to give you a reference. In fact, if you ask someone to give you a reference and he says, “sure,” don’t assume it will be a “good” reference. You don’t want to be the pharmacy school applicant looking for a reference to a pharmacy program who asks a professor for a reference and who (this is a true story) later finds out the professor was “happy” to give a reference because he truly thought the student should never become a pharmacist — and said so bluntly in his “reference” letter. (The applicant was not accepted into the pharmacy program.)
- So be sure to make sure your former boss, colleague, professor etc. will be giving you a good reference. In fact, if you think someone won’t give you a positive referral, don’t ask that person. A neutral reference is as bad as a bad one; if someone can’t give you a positive reference, don’t use him as a reference.
- In addition, don’t ask friends and relatives for references. These carry no weight with employers and possibly can hurt your candidacy, especially if you have no references from someone who knows you in professional capacity. If you’re just starting out and have to “real” job references, ask teachers, professors, pastors, etc. if they will vouch/write a reference for you. Anyone who can testify to your work ethic, honesty, etc. is a good person to use as a reference.
- It’s best if the reference write her own letter of reference, but if you feel she’s very busy, offer to write it yourself, and then send her a copy for her approval and/or signature.
- Never forge or fake a reference. Many employers will call the person whom you list as a reference. If you fake the reference, chances are almost 100 percent you won’t get the job — and you’ll lose your “reference’s” respect and the chance of ever receiving a positive reference from her.
- Many employers don’t even want letters of reference anymore; employers today want names and contact information so that they may call or e-mail your reference for details. You’ll therefore want to have your references lined up and prepared. Let them know if you’ve reached the reference-checking point of your job search and be sure to tell them who may calling and when. They’ll be better prepared to give you an outstanding review as a result.
If you live in Winnipeg, Manitoba area and are looking for the next great job to add to your resume, contact Pinnacle Recruiting and Human Capital Solutions. Whether you’re looking for temporary or full-time work, we can place you on some terrific work assignments with some of Winnipeg’s best employers. We look forward to hearing from you.
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