Your resume and interview skills can only take you so far in the hiring process. The professional references you give, on the other hand, can make or break your shot at getting the offer. A strong reference can mean you\u2019re the frontrunner for the job, while a weaker one will sabotage all your efforts.<\/p>\r\n
With so much on the line, what\u2019s the best way to choose references<\/a> for your resume? To ensure you\u2019re putting your best foot forward, here are some tips:<\/p>\r\n If you\u2019re trying to keep your job search under wraps, then this isn\u2019t the right approach to take. You don\u2019t want to jeopardize your source of income. However, if your current manager knows you\u2019re searching for a new job and you have a good relationship, then go ahead and ask them to serve as a reference.<\/p>\r\n If you can\u2019t ask your current boss because you don\u2019t want them to know, then reach out to past managers. Let them know you\u2019re confidentially searching for a new position and ask if they\u2019d be willing to give a reference.<\/p>\r\n While it\u2019s critically important to make sure you include several managers on your resume reference list, it\u2019s also important to include a colleague or two. After all, these are the people you\u2019ve worked alongside and best know your attitude, work ethic and abilities. Just make sure you\u2019re asking people you trust who will keep your search quiet.<\/p>\r\n If you volunteer for a charity or serve on a non-profit board, you can also ask your manager or fellow volunteers to serve as a reference. Again, employers and managers hold the most weight when it comes to references. But including one fellow volunteer who can speak to your volunteerism will help you stand out to a hiring manager and showcase your willingness to give back.<\/p>\r\n If you\u2019re interviewing for a job at a certain company where you know someone, ask them to serve as a reference. Even if they\u2019re in a totally different department, they can be more of a character reference and will go a long way in giving the hiring manager peace of mind about hiring you.<\/p>\r\n Once someone agrees to serve as a reference for you, let them know more about the position, the company and why you\u2019re a good fit. Also, remind them of past projects, accomplishments and accolades that could be helpful to bring up.<\/p>\r\n This will take more time and effort on your part. But it can be well worth it when you tailor your resume reference list to the job. You\u2019re then able to highlight the experience you have that\u2019s most relevant with other professionals speaking to your related background and abilities.<\/p>\r\n In the future, be open to serving as a reference for someone else. Even if it takes valuable time out of your day, it will make a big impact on their career and help to fortify your relationship with them in the long run.<\/p>\r\n ResumeSpice is here for you with professional resume writers<\/a> who can help you create a resume that packs a punch and stands out to hiring managers. If you\u2019re ready to learn more, call 832.930.7378 <\/strong>or contact us<\/a> online.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Your resume and interview skills can only take you so far in the hiring process. The professional references you give, on the other hand, can make or break your shot at getting the offer. A strong reference can mean you\u2019re the frontrunner for the job, while a weaker one will sabotage all your efforts.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1900,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[66],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-18459","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-job-search-tips"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\tTip #1: Ask your current boss.<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
Tip #2: Ask your past bosses.<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
Tip #3: Ask current and former colleagues.<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
Tip #4: Ask fellow volunteers.<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
Tip #5: Ask someone who works at the company.<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
Tip #6: Prepare your references. <\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
Tip #7: Consider different references for different jobs.<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
Tip #8: Be a reference when someone else asks.<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
Need more help writing your resume and landing a new job?<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n