How and when to Ask for a Professsional Reference

References from a previous job are a critical component to getting just about any job these days. A carefully crafted resume will land you the interview, and presenting yourself well at the interview may put you in strong contention for the job, but if you don't have strong references from past employers, you likely won't get that job. Following these steps should help you ensure that you have solid, positive references at the ready - always ask politely for people to be a reference, make sure they will offer you a positive reference, inform your reference when they may be imminently contacted to provide the referral for you, and keep track of your reference.

Let's face it, you no longer work at your previous place of employment because you either quit or were fired. Chances are if you were fired you don't want to list a contact there as a reference, however if the circumstances for your firing were out of your control - maybe the company downsized your department, or moved headquarters to New Jersey. But even if you were fired, you may ask a supervisor or manager if they will be a reference for you, but make sure they will give you a positive referral. It is extremely important NOT to list someone as a reference unless you're sure they are going to give you a positive reference.

If you voluntarily left the company, it should be a simpler task to have your previous boss be a reference for you, provided you left on good terms. When asking the person, ask politely and thank them for the time it will take for them to offer their recommendation of you. Almost all references these days are performed over the telephone (and sometimes e-mail), so your previous boss or supervisor shouldn't have to be stuck with the onerous task of writing a letter. As you finish your term of employment with the company, ask at least one (preferably two) supervisors/managers if they would kindly be a reference for you.

Most importantly, when you apply for a job and list your references, you must call or e-mail each person immediately to let them know they may be getting a call form a perspective employer asking for a reference for you. It's as easy as leaving this message on their voicemail:

"Hello Susan, this is John Smith, I worked for you at Company X. I just wanted to let you know that I recently applied for a job at ABC Corp and a representative of their company may be calling you for a professional reference. I just wanted to give you as heads up. Thank you very much, and I hope this message finds you well."

It's always a good idea to keep track of the persons you plan to use as a reference. Like everyone else, supervisors and managers move around too. It's your responsibility to keep track of their current contact information so they can be contacted on your behalf. Utilize Microsoft Outlook or a similar program, or have a day planner with the contact information of your references stored in it. It's always a good idea to check in with your old supervisors or managers, not only to maintain contact with them as a reference, but to stay connected with them as a networking contact.

Please keep in mind that many companies are conscientious of the information the dismiss. Here in California many employers are advised by their legal department to only answer two questions - When did the individual work here? and Are they eligible for rehire?, so getting a reference may be more difficult than you think.

Remember, ask politely for people to be a reference, make sure they will offer you a positive reference, inform your reference that they may be imminently contacted, and keep track of your references if they should move from job to job. These steps should help you ensure that you always have a positive reference to help you land your dream job.