| Handling References: A Basic Guide |
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You just had a good interview. In fact, it was great! You really connected with the people that you met. You found the practice to be interesting and sophisticated, the setting collegial, and the compensation package first-class. You are one step closer to getting the job of your dreams when you are asked to provide your references. How should you handle this very important step in your job search? The following is a basic guideline aiming to steer you through this sometimes tricky and often overlooked aspect of the job-search process. Usually after a successful interview, you will be asked to provide references. The key to handling this step successfully is to be prepared. One thing you should keep in mind is not to volunteer your references until asked. Therefore, you should not include references on your resume or cover letter unless specifically required by your prospective employer. What exactly are references used for? Reference checks are primarily made to:
One of the key aspects of references is selecting appropriate references. Ideally, you should choose people who know you in a work setting: former employers, partners, judges, clients, and peers. They are your best references. You should also consider well-known political, community, or business leaders; educators; or members of your professional associations. Unless you have already informed your current employer of your intent to leave, do not use current business contacts, co-workers, or peers as references, as they may jeopardize the confidentiality of your job search. Typically, you will be asked for three references. However, you will need to have several more references just in case. You should prepare a reference list using the following format:
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