Art of Irreverence

Creating A Good Reference List

One of the greatest mysteries associated with applying for a job is how to create a good reference list. Because not every employer even requests this list as a part of the application process, it can often be difficult to know exactly who should be listed and when.

One key to remember is even if you don’t know whether references are necessary, it’s good to think of some people you might want to consider just in case. But that’s just one consideration to make regarding reference lists. Here are a few others that you might want to keep in mind …

Make Your List Employer-Specific

While it’s great to have your list of “reliables” to work with for every job that you apply for, some references are better for some jobs than others. For instance, suppose you’ve held jobs at both a non-profit organization and Fortune 500 company as a mid-level sales rep. Now you’re applying for a job at another non-profit organization in a slightly higher position and would like to use your boss from the Fortune 500 company as your reference because you had a better rapport with him.

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While a reference from a manager at a Fortune 500 company is incredibly impressive, it may be better to use a reference from a member of the non-profit organization you worked for. A reference from the organization would be more employer-specific because he or she can attest to your knowledge of the non-profit world. Of course, when making this choice, it’s good to consider how long you worked for the organization and how much of a contribution you made. If you didn’t make a huge contribution to the organization, or can’t find a good reference, then the Fortune 500 company may work better for you.

Help References Turn Your Negative Points into Positives

On almost any job you’ve held, there is the possibility of you having made a minor – or even major – screw-up. Either that or you may have had a weak trait that seemed to be the underlying theme of your stay at an employer. No matter what your negative point may have been, it’s a good idea to help your reference turn that negative into a positive.

For instance, if you had a problem with being organized at your last employer – and you have listed a reliable reference from this company – it’s good to let that person know that you are now much more organized than when you were employed there. Also, it’s good to remind your reference of any great or memorable accomplishments that they can mention when the hiring manager calls.

Don’t Forget to Obtain Permission

If you’re going to use a person as a reference on your list, it’s important that you obtain permission to use his or her name. This not only makes sure that the person is prepared to make comments about you if asked, but also, it ensures that you don’t request a recommendation from a person who doesn’t think very highly of your work ethic or capabilities.

Once you’ve taken the necessary steps to create a good list, your next step is to begin sending off applications. With any luck, this will help you obtain the job you truly want and deserve.

Source: ArticlesBase.com

Legality Of Bad Job References And How to Overcome Them

Job seekers searching for a new job will have no choice but to go through a reference and background check. Today, employers choose to not only speak with your former employers, but also verify your credit, and conduct a criminal background check depending on the position for which you apply.

When it comes to checking your job references, employers will want to speak with two groups within your previous employer’s organization. First is Human Resources where they can find out about your employment dates, job title, salary, and your attendance.  Second are people who have first hand knowledge of your actual job performance, your ability to communicate, meet deadlines and your interpersonal and leadership skills. Typically, the best people to address these types of qualities are those who have worked with you directly – supervisors, peers and subordinates. But, what are these individuals legally allowed to say?

According to the Webster Dictionary, slander is also known as “oral defamation,” or telling one or more persons an untruth that will harm someone’s reputation. When one person slanders another, there may be legal consequences. However, a  employer saying “he would not re-hire that person, or declare the said person is ineligible for re-hire” is not an attempt to harm someone’s reputation, it’s legal for an employer to provide such a negative reference of a current or past employee as long as the information is factually accurate

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Because many companies are concerned about being dragged into a lawsuit, many employers choose to implement job reference-checking policies, which state that callers must be referred to human resources and that only limited information, such as dates of employment and job titles, will be verified.

The entire concept behind building job references is to provide a list of individuals that can attest to your character and job performance. So, your first step should be to create a list of past supervisors, peers and subordinates who can provide a job reference for you.

When you provide contact information, make sure to include each person’s proper name, job title, organization, and a phone number where they can be reached. E-mail address is another huge plus since many employers find it easier to communicate and get a higher response than by phone. E-mail request for references also provides the perspective employer a more detailed record.

Most employers want to seek out information from past supervisors. So if your reference list includes your mom and some buddies, and maybe a fellow co-worker, understand that most employment verification forms request the supervisors name, title and a contact number to be reached.  After all, everyone knows that the average job seeker is going to provide the names and numbers of those willing to endorse them. So, if you have skeletons in your closet, deal with them before your begin compiling job references.

According to an article by Alison Green, chief of staff for a medium-size nonprofit, you have three options:

Call your bad reference giving ex-boss and negotiate what he or she will say. If you’re concerned your ex-boss is spreading misinformation, go straight to human resources and explain the situation. Advise prospective employers in advance that the reference won’t be flatering, then be prepared to spend half the interview explaining why that is.

The whole concept of good job references is to present yourself in the best light possible. If you can’t offer up a long list of people who are willing to endorse you and all else has failed, you may wish to research some online job reference providers who may be able to help you.

Source: ArticlesBase.com