References are an important part of any job application.You need to give at least three references from people who know you.Pick strong references and type up a list with each reference's contact information.If you are asked to provide a reference, you should focus on being accurate.
Step 1: Make sure to identify relevant references.
The names of people who can speak highly of you are what you want to give a potential employer.Your references need to give you relevant information.The head of your department should not be put down as a reference simply because of their title.People who worked for former bosses and colleagues make good references.You can ask volunteer directors, faith leaders, or even professors if you are fresh out of school.You might not want to use former supervisors.Explain to the hiring manager why.You might not have gotten along with your older supervisor.Provide the name of the person you worked with.
Step 2: Permission to use someone as a reference is required.
If you want to put them down as a reference, call them or stop in.Check if they can give you a strong reference.Some people are afraid to say no.They should be removed from your list.If you need a written reference, ask ahead of time.Give at least two weeks notice.
Step 3: Provide your reference with helpful information.
You should give them information about the job you are applying for as well as an updated resume.If you have a copy of the job description, share it as well.If the reference needs more information, ask.If you haven't worked for them in a while, they might need to be reminded of important projects you worked on.
Step 4: You should format your document.
You need to type up your reference list.Open a blank word processing document.It should be the same style as your cover letter and resume.You should have the same information at the top of the page.Please include your name, address, and contact information.The cover letter can be deleted.
Step 5: Information is needed for each reference.
You need at least three references from your most recent job.If the hiring manager cannot reach all of your references, you might want to include more.Name title company email address phone number a short description of your relationship should be included.
Step 6: The paper is high quality.
Print your resume on the same paper.If you want to make copies for an interview, use ivory or white paper.There could be more than one person looking at the list.
Step 7: You can submit your references.
You don't need to send your reference list with your CV or resume.You shouldn't write "References upon request" on your resume.Hold onto your references and give them to your interviewerYou need to submit references ahead of time in some fields.If references must be submitted before the interview, check the job advertisement.
Step 8: You can ask for recommendations on LinkedIn.
Click on the More icon to go to your profile page.You can request recommendations from three different connections at the same time.You can get an unlimited number of recommendations.
Step 9: You should check with your company.
Many companies have strict policies when it comes to references.If you can give one, you need to know ahead of time.Ask about Human Resources.You should give a reference in your own capacity if the company policy prohibits it.You won't use the company's letterhead.
Step 10: Ask about it.
If you need any information from the candidate, ask if you can write a reference.They can give you a new resume.They might draw your attention to a project they are proud of.Make sure you check the deadline.Don't delay with your references.You can start early and think about what you want to say in your letter.The type of reference should be identified.You could be giving an employment letter or a character reference for someone.These are somewhat different.Who will receive the letter?The requester may want a generic letter or they may need it for a specific job.
Step 11: Look at the person's performance.
Remember the person's strengths and weaknesses.They should take another look at any completed projects and their performance reviews.You should tell the requester if you realize you can't give a strong reference.
Step 12: Your reference letter needs to be formatted.
The reference letter should be a standard business letter.Leave room at the top of the first page for it to be printed on company letterhead.They don't need to be on letterhead.The letter should be addressed to the requester.You can use "To Whom It May Concern" if it's a generic letter.
Step 13: Do you have a relationship with the candidate?
You need to know how you know the candidate in the first paragraph.You might have been someone's direct supervisor.Inform the person if you no longer work with them.You can write, "I enthusiastically recommend Ellie Smith for the position of project manager."The four years I supervised her at the Department of Health and Human Services, she impressed me with her commitment and problem-solving skills.She has not worked for me in two years, but I still remember her positive impact.
Step 14: Do you have exceptional skills?
A positive reference needs to be concrete.To hire a great person, you need to know their skills.You might have to come up with some ideas on your part.The person pulled through for you at times.What skills did they use?Employers are looking to hire people with good communication skills.You should mention how well the person writes and speaks.If you are writing a character reference, it is a good idea to identify trait rather than skills.You might have been asked to write a reference letter for a friend who is looking to adopt.You can highlight their patience, comfort with children, and stability in this situation.
Step 15: Provide examples.
Your reference is not a string of conclusions.You should support your statements with more detail.It is okay to say, "Terri is a tremendous worker," but it is better to explain why you think she is dedicated.It's possible to write something like this aboutTerri.When her co-worker went on maternity leave, she did the work of two people.She stayed late most days of the week.For example, when a client needed an emergency presentation, she was able to pull it together in about a week.It's possible that you're excited to help someone.It is important that your glowing recommendation is factual.It's important to back up everything you say with evidence.
Step 16: Take your reference letter into account.
Thoroughly review the candidate and recommend them for the job.The hiring manager can call you with follow-up questions if you include your phone number or email.
Step 17: Reconsider your letter.
A poorly written letter is not good for you or the candidate.If you want to analyze the letter afresh, put it aside for a few days.If necessary, rewrite awkward sentences and provide more detail.It is a good idea to proofread it to make sure it is spelled correctly.Ask someone else to read the letter.A second set of eyes can see small things.Print the letter off and then sign it.You should hold onto a copy of your records.
Step 18: You can give an oral reference.
A letter is often not needed.The hiring manager will call if the candidate puts your name down on a list.You need to review the person's resume and performance evaluations.Say so if the manager asks something you don't know.When you don't have access to that information, you might be asked about the person's salary.Some hiring managers might try to get information they don't need.They might ask about the candidate's religion.You should not answer the questions since they are illegal.In a telephone call, you are likely to be asked about a person's weaknesses.The person has worked to correct something.You can say, "Terri didn't have a lot of experience working with spreadsheets when she started, but she took several courses."
Step 19: Try to avoid giving a negative reference.
Try to decline if you can't give someone a positive reference.This can be difficult.It is difficult to let someone know that you don't think they are a good employee.Don't be too busy.You can apologize, but you can't handle a reference right now.If you're asked to write a reference, this is a good excuse.If the person no longer works for you, it's a good idea to remind them that recent employers would make better references.You can say, "I'm sorry, I can't give you a positive reference, John" or something to that effect.This shows the person that you should not be put down as a reference.
Step 20: Provide basic information.
Basic information can always be provided.The easiest way to protect yourself from a lawsuit is with this information.You agree to only give the job titles dates of employment final salary.
Step 21: You should consult with an attorney.
Negative reviews can cost someone a job, and some employers have been sued for defamation.A false statement that harms someone's reputation is defamation.If an employee asks for a reference, you should meet with your lawyer.If your business does not have a lawyer, you can get a referral from your local bar association.There is a lawyer who specializes in labor and employment.Discuss your options with the lawyer.Depending on the law in your area, your options will be limited.
Step 22: Be accurate.
Being accurate is a defense to defamation.If there are notes about the employee's bad behavior, look through the performance reviews and personnel file.You can use this evidence to back up what you are writing.The hiring manager has a right to an accurate reference.You could be sued if you commit a misrepresentation.It is not possible to claim an employee was a supervisor when she wasn't.
Step 23: The candidate should sign a release.
You can protect yourself by requiring the candidate to sign a release of liability.You can find samples online.The person agrees not to hold you responsible if they don't get the job.The key language in a release is "I hereby release ABC Corporation, and its employees and officers, from any claims, damages, or liabilities of any kind that may directly or indirectly result from the release, use or disclosure of such information by any person or party."
Step 24: A company reference policy should be drafted.
Employees should be aware of your reference policy.You can draft one and publish it in your handbook or manual.A company policy can only be created if the person signs a waiver form.Discuss the ideal policy with a labor and employment lawyer.You might want references to come from one person in Human Resources.You can track reference requests if this person enters them in a log.