Michael’s Career Corner

References; are they really important? February 4, 2010

This is a controversial topic for me.  As a human resource professional the importance of references seems obvious. Employers want to make sure they are hiring the right person for the job.  The process can be expensive and labor-intensive. On the other hand, as a job seeker you want to provide references that will enhance or solidify your value to a prospective employer.   However, with the advent of social media employers are getting smarter at finding references you didn’t provide.

So, what should I do?  Should I prepare a list of references? When should I provide references to a potential employer? Who should I include as references?

While the answer to any of these questions is subject to debate, I think job seekers should prepare a list of professional references as part of your overall package.  Here’s why….

References are not only the list of family, friends and professional colleagues you create.  Also consider your past employers as references.  If you give permission to your prospective employer to contact your past organizations, they become part of your reference package. 

Can this hurt your chances with a company? 

Not only is reference checking a costly labor-intensive process, employers worry about the risk of liability in rejecting a candidate based on poor references.  Some States have Good Samaritan laws to protect employers who provide factual/data supported references regarding crimes or violence in the workplace.  That aside, employers are often not confident in the accuracy or validity of their employee records. To avoid potential liability organizations often only provide dates of employment, and verification that you were in fact employed with that company.  This makes the reference checking process of little value to the hiring process.

Employers are more likely to check the behavioral reference sources like LinkedIn, Facebook, credit history [or] criminal history, than the more subjective references provided by you or your past employer.  Job seekers should be much more careful and deliberate about crafting a virtual professional identity that serves the role of a reference.

Choose the right people!

That all being said, a list of professional references still is a vital part of your overall professional presentation.  When crafting your reference list take the time to thoughtfully choose the right people to vouch for you.  You want people who can speak to your role as a professional, not as a nice neighbor or friend.  The people you include on your reference list should be current, 1-3 years old.  Job seekers should communicate with their references to confirm their willingness to be your reference and alert them that a prospective employer may call.  As you prepare for an interview, you should prepare your references to discuss your specific skills as they relate to the job you are seeking, and be able to express the positive impact you brought to the organization. In a highly competitive job market this can be just the differentiation needed to get you to the short list.

As with resumes, you should create two or three reference lists that reflect your different skills and experiences.  Rarely does one reference set fit all opportunities. 

Wait to provide references until requested.  Your references time is valuable.  You don’t want to burn them out on every opportunity.  Do not send written references.  They are often vague and not directed toward the company or position to which you are applying.  It is better to spend your time with your references preparing them to respond to questions, and sharing relevant information that will land you the job.

So what should I do? 

1. Provide references only when requested by an employer.
2. Carefully consider whom to provide as references for that particular prospective employer.
3. Seek references from people who actually know you and your work.
4. Ask for permission to list them as a reference.
5. Insure they can provide you with a positive reference.
6. Prepare your references; Coach them on who may be calling, and what knowledge, skills or abilities to focus on when talking about you.
7. Provide accurate contact information about your references, and ask your references how they prefer to be contacted (e-mail, phone, etc.).
8. Let your references know what happens to you and the position(s) you applied.
9. Thank your references.

10.  Build your virtual professional presence.  Create or participate in professional blogs; create a Linkedin (or similar application) profile that positively and accurately portrays your knowledge, skills and abilities.

11.  Search yourself! Do an internet search on your name and see what is listed.