Most of us don’t think about references until it’s too late. When you’ve been told that the department you’re working for is shutting down, or your company is being bought out by another firm, it’s hardly the optimal time to request a reference from your supervisor. For one thing, his or her mind is not likely to be focusing much on providing YOU with a reference when they feel their own job slipping away.
The fact of the matter is that references will be critical to your future career success and you need them to be as good as possible. A simple one paragraph letter saying that you started with the company in May of 2001, came to work every day and discharged your responsibilities appropriately just isn’t sufficient.
A new employer is going to want to know HOW you performed and WHAT your particular skills are. If they receive a half-hearted letter, they may come to the conclusion that your on-the-job performance was only mediocre and you won’t be selected for that position.
The time to consider asking your manager is BEFORE things reach a critical mass. For instance, after you’ve completed that marketing project or submitted that comprehensive accounting report is a great time to ask for a reference ‘for your file.’ (Make sure that you clarify the fact that you have absolutely no plans of leaving, but that you would simply like to add this to your portfolio for the future.)
One way to encourage your manager to write you the kind of reference you’re looking for is to simply hand him samples of letters you’ve received in the past, along with a bulleted list of your accomplishments to discuss. If it should prove difficult to obtain such a letter from your direct manager, you can also approach clients with whom you have worked directly or even co-workers. However, so there’s no doubt about your abilities, try to get at least one supervisory letter—and on company letterhead if at all possible.
Keep your list of references updated, but NEVER provide their names as a part of your resume. The reason for this is because if the job doesn’t look as though it will become a reality you will have disturbed them for no reason. Instead, wait until you’re asked back for a second interview and then alert them to the fact that you’ve applied for a new position.
In fact, it is absolutely critical that you not use these letters unless and until you have informed the writer of your plans to do so. There’s nothing worse than having a potential boss call a reference only to be told that he or she doesn’t remember writing a letter on your behalf. (If you aren’t that memorable, what kind of an employee do you think you’d make in the eyes of your prospective new boss?)
And, it’s not a bad idea either to keep up with your references: find out how/what THEY’RE doing periodically by inviting them to share breakfast with you. This will give you an opportunity to discuss your current job search. And, they may even know of a position for which you’d be well-suited. (It’s certainly worth the price of an Egg McMuffin to find out!)
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