Tips to choose the best references for your resume
It is only in the recruiting phase where your resume and interview experience will carry you too far. On the other side, the professional references you provide could make or break your shot when you get the offer. A strong reference may imply you’re the job’s frontrunner, while a poor one sabotages all of your efforts.
What is the easiest way to select references for your resume — with so much on the line? Below are a few tips provided by the best executive resume writers to ensure you put the best foot forward:
Ask your current boss
If you want to hold your job search under wraps perhaps this is not the best way. You don’t want the source of income to be jeopardized. So if your present boss learns you’re searching for a new position and you’re in a good relationship, then go ahead and ask them to act as a reference.
Ask your past bosses
If you can’t ask your current boss or you don’t want to talk about it, then contact former employers. Let them know you’re applying for a new job confidentially and inquire if they’d be willing to give a reference.
Ask current and former colleagues
While ensuring that you include several employees on your resume reference list is extremely essential, it is also crucial that you have one or two colleagues. After all, these are the people with whom you have worked and who knows best your attitude, work ethic, and abilities. Just make sure you ask people you know who will keep quiet about your job search.
Ask fellow volunteers
If you work for an organization or participate on a non-profit board, your manager or fellow volunteers may also be asked to act as a reference. Again, when it comes to references, the employers and managers bear the most weight. But having a fellow volunteer who can relate about your service can make you stick out from a recruiting manager and demonstrate your willingness to give back.
Ask someone who works at the company
If you are interviewing at a certain company where you know someone, ask them to act as a reference. Also if they are in a totally different department, they will be something of a reference character that can go a long way toward bringing the recruiting manager peace of mind about hiring you.
Prepare your references
Let them know more about the position, the company, and why you are a good fit once someone decides to act as a reference for you. Recall previous projects, accomplishments, and awards that would be helpful to bring up.
Consider different references for different jobs
On your side, this will require more time and effort. Yet if you tailor your resume reference list to the job it may well be worth it. You can then demonstrate your interaction with other practitioners speaking about your related background and skills that are most relevant to you.
Be a reference when someone else asks
Be open to serving as a reference for someone else in the future. Even if it requires precious time out of your day, it would positively affect your career and help in the long run to strengthen your relationship with them.
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