How To Choose The Right Referees For Your Resume?
Are you about to throw your hat in the ring to get your perfect job? If yes, watch out for the right referees. They are of vital importance and can land you in the right job. Even if you have all the right skills that your prospective company needs, all the endeavour will be in vain if your chosen referee is not confident about you. In short, you need to mentor your own referee to make sure that they shine the spotlight on the fact that you are an ideal candidate. Choosing the right referees can make or break your chances of success. Things to consider while choosing the right referees for your resume-
- Should know your work
Find someone who can attest to the way you work and what you are capable of. If a referee knows ins and outs of your work, he would be able to present in the most impressive manner possible. It is recommended to choose a senior rather than a peer. The crux is – choose someone who has worked closely with you. Try to be up-to date while making your choice.
- Should think highly of you
There is no doubt about it. If you will choose someone who thinks good of you or appreciate your capabilities, you surely get success. Choose someone who can give first-hand accounts of the success you had in the past projects and knows your potential.
- Work out the best options
It is wonderful to have lots of options but pick contacts from different spheres of life such as academic, personal and professional. It is advised to stick to professional and academic contacts unless an employer asks for a personal one.
- Tailor your references
Different companies have different requirements for the same designation. The way you tailor your resume to target different companies, give the same level of consideration to your choice of referees. For example – if a job demands to have supervisory skills, select references who can advocate about your management and leadership skills.
- Should be confident
Confidence breeds strength. If your referee is armed with confident tones with impressive vocabulary, they can sell you well. You know you can really spoil things. So choose someone who has good phone manners with good communication skills.
- Brief your referees
Mentoring your referee is an important task you need to take care of. Provide a background on the job you are applying to, which post you are applying for and expected attributes in advance. Also remind them of the great endeavors, accomplishments and projects you have handled so far.
- Provide contact details on request
Potential employers will always want to know who they are contacting. Make sure you provide information about their full names, phone numbers, email addresses, how you know them and how long you have known them. Do not mention all the details on the resume itself. Rather write referees are available upon request.
- Always in gratitude
Gratitude without expressing is similar to wrapping a gift and not giving it away. The same way, write a thank you note and tell them the outcome of the job search.
Reshali Balasubramaniam
Head of HR, HR Counselor and adviser at https://jobpal.lk and EFutureTech Systems. Submit your resume online and be contacted by prospective employers.