Professional References are Crucial for Employment

Employers examine many elements of a student’s resume, but one aspect of the resume should not be overlooked; references.

“Usually on a resume, it may say ‘references available upon request,’ but I always say go on and have them with tem because if they are going to be that serious about you, they will be calling already," said Brooke Harris, career counselor. “You want to have it all there for them so there is not struggling with leaving messages.

Harris said the number of references is key to getting an interview.

“No more than five no less than three," Harris said. “If a job states they want only three reference, only do three because they will throw you out. That’s just managing the particulars. They don’t care about how many. They just want to see if you can follow their guidelines."

There also are many things students should remember when preparing their resumes. Harris said not to list personal references and, ask your references if they will give a positive referral before putting them on a resume.

Harris said it is also important for prospective employees to write the name they prefer to be called on their resume, so the future employer uses the correct name when they call the references. The people students choose as reference are key.

According to references-ect.com, prospective employees should know their references for at least one year.

“Professional can be an academic adviser, a professor, it could be a coach," Harris said. “Anything like a teacher, but you don’t want all of the same people. You want a good mixture. I always tell someone, if you haven’t had that many jobs, go for one from past employer, one from a coach and one from a teacher. Just give them a variety, show them how developed you are in different areas."

Many students are timid about asking past employers or professors for a reference.

“It’s really easy," Harris said. “Just go up to them and say, ‘I have got several jobs I am applying for. I would really like to use you as a reference. I think we have a great working relationship."

She said some professors will refuse to be a reference, but students should not take it personally.

“Some will flat-out tell you that they will not serve as your reference because they can be liable for everything they say," Harris said.

False information about references could deter from getting a job. Always make sure the resume has the correct information of all references.

“Always ask for the phone number and their e-mail, because you might list the wrong number," Harris said. “Some people do not like to be bothered at home, some would rather not be bothered during the day.

“When you are asking them to be your reference, ask them exactly what address they want down and what contact number or e-mail, that way you don’t bother them at home or at the office when they don’t want to be bothered because they could really leave a bad taste in their mouth, as well."

Some students aren’t sure if they should list all of the jobs they have been precious employed, or if they can chose the jobs they like the most.

“If it was a good experience, that’s fine, but you don’t have to list everyone of them," Harris said.

Some employees are using modern technology to contact references.

“Another trend you might want to mention is that people are sending out postcards," Harris said. “They are also contacting them by e-mail so it’s really important to get their e-mail address with the references."

Said Harris: “If they do have an e-mail, I would list it because they are contacting them."