Challenge
So, a job seeker asked, “How should I format and present my list of references.
Response
Personal branding should be front of mind as you build your job search strategy. So, formatting your job search process documents is a very important part of that. The great news is that it does not have to consume much time. You accomplish this goal by focusing on 1) Consistency, 2) Business Appropriateness, 3) Identification, and 4) Timing.
Consistency Explained
First, make maintaining consistency one of your goals. This is how you build your personal brand. So, start by using the same header and font for your reference page that you use for your resume and cover letter.
Business Appropriate References
You should not dismiss the importance of who you ask to provide a reference for you. This means that they should be individuals who have supervised you or worked with you as a colleague. The individuals whom you ask for a reference should have first-hand knowledge of the quality of your work. They should also be prepared to describe, for the employer, examples of your work quality.
Make certain that your email address in your header is business-appropriate…preferably consisting of your first name and last name, and maybe your middle initial if you have a very common name. So, first name.lastname@email service provider is the most highly-recommended format.
Also, your references should be business-appropriate as well.
Identify Your References
Next, make certain that, when you format your reference list, include how you and each person is connected professionally. For example, after you list each reference’s name, current organization/professional affiliation, and contact information, include a line titled “Relationship.” After that, indicate if that reference is a current or former manager, mentor, coach, current or former colleague, teacher, professor, fellow professional organization member, etc. This will give your new employer some context regarding your professional relationships. I recommend that you provide a list of three to five references and, at most, only one of those should be a personal reference.
Timing is Key
As with everything, timing is key. Know that the appropriate time to share your references is not with your resume. What until the employer lets you know that you are one of their top candidates and that they are ready to check references. You don’t want to risk the chance of a potential employer reaching out to your references before you have informed them. One of the last things that you would want is for the employer to start
Conclusion
There you have it. I hope that the information that I’ve shared with you today is helpful along your job search journey. If so, where ever you’re viewing, do me a favor. Scroll down and leave me a comment, or ask me your very own job search strategy question. Who knows, your questions could be focused as the subject of one of my posts.
As always…
Career Search Success to You. Go Get Your New Job!
