As part of the job interview process, you will have to provide references.
This article discusses the importance of professional references in the job search process. It provides tips for candidates – What you need to know as a job candidate about the reference list.
Do You Have a Reference List?
This question is asked during the interview process and you need to be prepared.
Working together in a company involves commitment from both the employer and the employee.
To ensure that the company has chosen the right candidate for the job, they would like to know about your background.
However, since the interview is short and they cannot spend a lot of time with every interviewee, some aspects of the interview are scheduled for further interaction.
These aspects include questions about your reference list.
Listing Your References
One should get ready to provide his or her references list upon request during a job interview.
The interviewer typically desires a few references, 2-3 to verify your professional background, if you have been working or even volunteering, and 2-3 to confirm your personal or academic background, especially if you haven’t gained professional experience yet.
1.) Understanding Your Reference List
Your reference list consists of people with whom you have worked or come into professional contact.
There are two types of reference lists: Personal/Educational and professional.
- Educational reference lists include teachers, and university professors, and generally consist of people who can vouch for your suitability for professional life.
- Professional reference lists consist of individuals who know you on a professional level, such as superiors, colleagues, customers, or other professional contacts.
In some rare cases, a personal reference list is requested from a new candidate.
While an experienced professional is asked for a professional reference list. The most commonly requested reference list is the professional reference list.
2.) Professional References
When it comes to professional references, the best names to provide are those of your superiors.
Clearly, select those individuals with whom you had a good relationship and thought well of you. You can include customers, professional colleagues, and service providers as well.
The important qualifications are that they have a good opinion of you, as well as time to speak to an interviewer.
3.) Etiquette for Reference Lists
When filling out your reference list, make sure that the individuals on the list know you on a professional level and are comfortable answering questions about you to the interviewer.
It is important to list the name of a colleague or immediate supervisor who knows you well. However, it is not recommended to tutor them on what to say to the interviewer. While it is acceptable to contact them and let them know they may receive a reference call, refrain from coaching them on how to answer questions.
4.) Tips for Checking References
It is best to check with those you plan to list as references.
Do they have time to speak to your prospective employer? Will they portray you in a favorable light? Do not take the answers to these questions for granted. Make the call and ask. Be sure to thank them for their time.
You may even want to call to thank them after you are hired – a gift would not be out of place either.
5.) Friends and Colleagues as References
Your references should be as professional as possible.
Listing a friend as a professional reference is not the best idea. If the interviewer knows that the reference is your friend, he or she will take the information with a ‘grain of salt’.
Annoyance may be the result as well, if you do not specify that this reference is also a friend or relative. It is best to let the interviewer know of your relationship, to avoid an appearance of deception or subterfuge.
Stating that this person is a professional as well as personal reference is fine. However, you should provide strictly professional references as well.
6.) Preparing Your References
In some cases, if you are close with the reference giver, and suspect that they are not accustomed to this role, you may want to prepare them and explain what they should emphasize and what is not necessary.
Do such preparations carefully, you do not want to anger or alienate your reference giver!
Gauge your relationship and their ability carefully and proceed cautiously.
7.) Questions Asked During Reference Check
The questions asked in the reference will be asked both of a professional level as well as a personal manner.
These questions will be aimed at finding out how competently you performed your day-to-day work, including assessing your skills, professionalism, and your relationship with direct managers and co-workers.
8.) Objective Information
The hiring manager (or the interviewer) will try to determine whether the person answering the questions is biased to the applicant/candidate concerned or giving truthful and objective information.
Conclusion,
In conclusion, reference lists are essential for a company to determine the right candidate for the job. A candidate should have both Educational and professional reference lists available.
When filling out the reference list, one should ensure that the individuals on the list are comfortable answering questions and have worked with you professionally.
Remember not to tutor them on what to say, but do inform them of the possibility of a reference call.