How to Ensure Your References Are a Positive Part of the Job Interview Process

The current job market situation can put companies in the driver's seat. Companies may have tens or even hundreds of job applicants, for one position. This situation increases the importance of taking every chance to stand out from the crowd. One way to ensure a good impression is the quality of your references. Fortunately, preparing quality references does not require a rocket scientist.

Decide on your references before entering the interview. In the past, companies asked for references on their job applications. An increasing number of companies have changed to requesting references during the interview. When you arrive at the interview, you should be prepared to provide a list of references. Providing references is more than just making a list of previous employers.

It is important to know what a potential reference will say. Lawyers are taught never to ask a witness a question unless they know the answer. This rule translates very well to providing references. Do not provide any reference that you do not know what they will say.

Do not rely on your memory. Not every person will remember an event the same way. Just like our world view, our memories are effected by our own personality, education, and experiences. For instance, an optimistic person tends to focus on the good things. While you may remember a previous job fondly, your previous boss or coworkers may not. This can be especially true if your leaving was used to cover up other staff's failings. You would be surprised how often lower managers will use this to cover their own butt.

Touch base with potential references. You should contact each potential reference. This process allows you to ensure they are still at the same company, make sure you have their current phone number, check their current address. These contacts will help whittle down your list of potential references.

Do not assume the potential reference will remember you. People are very busy. Even if you were close with a coworker, they may not immediately remember you. Some people are just very bad at names. For these people, they remember people more off of their face. Over the phone, they cannot see your face. Do not take this as a personal blow. Simply offer some facts to jog their memory.

Get permission to use them as a reference. If the potential reference cannot provide a positive reference, this gives them a chance to gracefully say no. Again, do not take this as a personal slap. Remember, everyone remembers situations differently. Take this opportunity to gracefully thank them and go to the next person on the list. If you are comfortable, you can even ask how they remember your time together and if they can provide any additional feedback.

You do not have to provide your direct supervisor or immediate boss. Some situations are adversarial, no matter what you do. When providing a reference list, you can use any supervisor in the company. Potential reputable references can include coworkers with whom you worked closely and/or other supervisors that supervised you on a specific project.

References can be an important part of the job interview process. Before providing references you should contact them, get permission to use them as references, and ensure that they can provide a positive reference. Keep in mind that you do not have to use a past immediate supervisor. Other supervisors, with whom you worked can prove just as beneficial and appropriate. These tools can help ensure that your references help you to stand out among the crowd.