Ensuring Your References Will Help You
RODGER Gilpin, a partner at Gilpin Executive Search gives his advice on choosing references.
When filling out application forms, people tend to focus more on previous experience, skills and qualifications, but spend little time deciding who their references should be.
Many employers consider reference checks an important part of their due diligence before offering employment.
WHO SHOULD I INCLUDE?
The most important people to include are former managers, project leaders or team colleagues that you worked on important projects with.
You should also consider key customers or perhaps outside business people who are aware of your expertise.
Personal references are a big no-no.
Always ask permission before using someone as a reference and once you have it ensure the details you have are correct — providing incorrect details is a major mistake.
DEVELOPING YOUR REFERENCE STRATEGY:
Do what you can to prepare your referees — even your greatest supporters will not necessarily promote you in the most positive way, simply because they don’t know how.
You may need to coach them and supply them with required data.
The referee will be asked to confirm parts of your application so it is important that they have a copy of your CV, and let them know what areas of expertise to emphasise.
Finally, thank them for their support — their words could make or break your career.