References

References

References are probably the most over abused and misunderstood part of the interviewing process. The references that you give out are like printing your own currency, the more you use them the less they buy. Be careful how, when, and where you "use" them.

1. Only supply references if an offer is imminent or dependent upon them.

2. Notify your references that you would like to "use" them, ask their permission. Find out when they would be available.

3. Always rehearse what you would like them to "say" about you. Have a pre-scripted reference done for them, and offer to email it to them. "Just because they are "so busy."

4. Ask them to contact you, if it is not too much trouble, after they have spoken to the interviewer. Ask them to make notes as to what the interviewer asked.

5. Use your references sparingly, rotate your interviewers amongst a small group of them. Keep track how many times that you have asked them for their help.

6. Have a prepared list of references.

Always confirm that if the references are good, what is the next step in the employment process.

Like time, you cannot make more references......Guard Them Zealously!