Sharing Your References

I think one more point the person might want to consider when picking a reference: Someone who is available. I think this is particularly important in a world where we are dashing from one thing to the next. If the reference can't properly set aside the time, that's not in your best interest as a candidate. Maybe it's a DUH point, but a necessary one.

[...] As a hiring manager, I often find people don’t really know how to prepare their references well. This podcast, from the fine folks at Manager Tools, does a great job of explaining how to recruit, prepare, and share your references. It should be a must for anyone who thinks they’d like to grow into a new job, either in the near or far future. [...]

mstael31:
I used Mike and Mark's guidance to prepare three references yesterday (by the way, great timing guys!).

Each of my references received a one page prep document, along with anohter copy of my resume.

There were common elements (background on the company, my impressions of the hiring manager, and an overview of the job). There was a customized portion for each of the three, where I suggested how my experience with them could be related to the job, and I excerpted bulleted accomplishments from my resume as examples for them.

In each of those cases, the accomplishments were ones that the reference was very familiar with. So yes, in my case, I DID select accomplishments to prep the references based on who the references were.

Think about it this way: you should know what the picture is that you want every reference to draw about you. What the "story" is: that you're energetic, smart, resilient, whatever. And when you select 3 or so references from your list of 6 - 8, you're selecting them because their perspective fits well with this opportunity. Then when you're giving each of them specific suggestions on accomplishments to cover, you're simply helping them tell that story about you. It all fits together!

-Hugh

This cast makes me wonder - would it ever be appropriate to tailor accomplishments based on the references you plan to use? For example, would it make sense to keep more accomplishments from a position 10 years ago if that manager was going to be a reference?

I understand that the accomplishments kept will have more to do with the position's requirements than anything else. Should we strive to connect accomplishments and references as a way to make it easier for the reference to sell your skills?

Thanks for the continued great content !!

--Mark

Can you send me a mail and explain this? I trust you but just can't get it...

Mark

Ok Mark, long term contract, I have achieved a year on year reduction in cost while achieveing a year on year increase in revenue. My no 1 client is OK until he sees my CV. Suddenly he becomes aware his company is suffering from my action. There is a UK saying "selling coal to Newcastle". It is not a good thing if you are the one being sold to.

Scott-

We do, but alas that cast isn't scheduled for a while yet.

Mark

Interesting timing on this. Just today I was asked to WRITE A REFERENCE LETTER for someone who has worked for me. While I've done reference calls, I've never actually written a letter. There are a lot of templates out there. Do you have a recommendation on format and content?

Thanks,
Scott

Sweet! Now fill up that space with an accomplishment or two.

Mark

In the middle of listening to this podcast, I immediately opened my resume and removed the bold and italicized words at the end "References Available Upon Request"

I understand, it is seen as a convention. They do it and not giving them personal references would somehow scratch an otherwise flawless impression. Why "irritate" people when I'm up to getting a job...

Thank you, I like your show. It is entertaining. The tools and concepts you guys provide work and where not applicable, due to various reasons, they offer new insights or perspectives.

M-

Regardless of why they do it - we don't recommend it - they do ask. And saying "I don't understand it" isn't a defense for not giving them.

Personal references are an artifact of the history of references - "who you are" vs. "what you've done".

Mark

Why would someone be interested in contacting "personal references"?
Is it for jobs that are more on the personal than the professional side? ;-)

I'm an international listener from Germany. I would like to understand the (additional) benefits for the applicant and the expectations of the hiring party providing personal references.

M.

Sorry, I still dont get it...

Mark

Mark, I knew that would strike a chord. The client who has to pay an extra 10% to you to get the same product when he finds out you have paid 10% less to provide it could be a little upset. Or a consultant who has his fees reduced by negotiation and sees that your profit has increased.

In the property industry press releases of 'record rents' on a building can embarass the tenant who finds that he has paid more than anyone else.

While this may be commercial reality, I would prefer not to flaunt matters of this nature to a referee who otherwise believes I am doing him a service.

Increasing profits while reducing costs is BAD? Who thinks that and admits it?

Mark

I liked the strategy to fully brief each referee and 'closing the loop'. Less comfortable in sending out my CV to client and consultant referee. Some acomplishments could be mis-construed or badly received. Increasing profits while reducing costs for example.

Also, referees are by default bias, especially personal ones, therefore of limited value?

I would make a point of contacting someone in their previous company.

RGBiv-

I don't recommend it. I'd leave the communication of my management style to my own ability to tailor it to the firm I was communicating with.

Two further comments: 1: what your direct experienced may not be the style you know will work at the new place. His characterization would sound off-key, perhaps.

2. Their perspective from benaeath sounds egalitarian, but few companies evaluate one from below. How accurately would she be able to say how much top level potential you had in a different firm?

Is it a NEVER? No. But very close.

Mark

Is it ever appropriate to use a direct as a reference if the prospective employer is interested in your management style?

When I go into an interview, in addition to copies of my resume for the company, I carry with me three other documents. One is a list of my references, one is a detailed list of my credentials (certification dates), and another is a detailed list of projects that I have worked on (my roll, purpose of project, etc). I only give these out on request or when it seems appropriate.

I don't distinguish between personal and professional references since I have worked with all of my friends in some form or fashion. I simply list their current job titles and don't mention my relation to them. I assume this will come out in the references interview in whatever detail is important to the interviewer.

Andrew-

You COULD say that, but it would only prove that you didn't have them ready. If you're going to interview, have some ready. And keep their contact info in your PDA.

If they do not specify, make all references professional.

Personal references get asked about your work, as well as personal characteristics such as integirty and service and humility...along with your weaknesses...

Mark

Interesting cast and very timely for me.

When asked for references at the end of an interview, would an effective method be to say that you will send the list within 2 days? This will give you time to prepare the references for the call from the interviewing company.

How many references should you supply them with, 2 professional and 1 personal? I also assume it is necessary to clearly state which reference is for what purpose (professional or personal) so that they will be asked appropriate questions.

I understand a professional reference will be asked work specific questions, probably straight off the responsibilities or accomplishments from the resume. What are the most common questions for a personal reference?