Handling References

In these contentious times, references have a reputation for telling people things that are not meaningful. But we can always get more out of them as either job seekers or potential employers.

So how important are references?

Many hiring managers do not think these referees are significant as candidates tend to give names they get on really well with. However, they can make a difference in slight cases and occasionally throw up some real surprises. In fact, as candidates you should think of them as "the final hurdle candidates have to clear"

How should we approach references as job seekers?

You need to be able to manage them. DO NOT ever put them on your resume unless they are really respected individuals working with you and recommend them as referees only once the offer has been made. During this stage, make sure you warn your referees beforehand. Call them up and tell them that this organization will be calling them as referees. Inform about the details of the role and share it with them on your achievements. You need to give them information and make it easy for them.

And If I have a bad relationship with my ex-employer. What should I do?

While a lot of people who have this issue give their bosses as a referee anyway, in as much - DO NOT. Give someone else names instead. If your part in a bitter relationship, you may need to explain this and offer other referees who can stand up for your qualities.

What other sources of references?

Recruiters often take soft references. In short, they will ask questions like "Who do you know in that sector who might know of the candidate?"

Social media these days play a bigger role too. LinkedIn for one provides references of a sort, especially if you get the endorsement, recommendations from people like your customers, suppliers, and bosses. That's why my piece of advice is to always get your customers, bosses to write a recommendation for you immediately before you end your working relationship. All the best!

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Hey, thanks for reading this post up to this sentence. Now, I know you're probably wondering, "Why do you post this article?" 

Well, I first started my career journey as a headhunter and the reason why I jumped into recruitment is that I didn't know what I want back then. I thought the best thing to do is to interview thousands of people, understanding their roles and industries. With this exposure, I was able to understand the mind of the recruiters, hiring managers, and years later had the privilege to be in various roles with top global companies.

I am forever grateful to all the people that came into my life and showed me that I have what it takes to pursue my goals. Today, I am on a mission to help driven & ambitious people to get in front of global leaders & world-changing companies.

If you think you have benefited from this sharing, I hope you can pay it forward by sharing this article and connect with me to always inspire each other. Stay tuned for more brewing on #rioslab. God bless!