HOW TO PROVIDE ‘A’ LIST REFERENCES AND GET THAT NEW JOB?

HOW SHOULD I LIST MY REFERENCES ON MY CV? This frequently asked question has applicants in a tail-spin. The topic of referencing causes anxiety to many and can road block a recruiter from getting the desired outcome – that job offer. Hours of precious time are invested to decipher or track down listed references, which can sometimes become disheartening. Rules for referencing seem to be unclear to most, which presents challenges to all parties involved. 

I frequently get asked questions about referencing. In an attempt to give some clear guidelines, I’ve summarised some of these enquiries with answers to help make sense of this grey area in recruitment:

1) Should I give references on my CV?

My answer would be a definite yes. In the current job market employers will not proceed without authenticated references being conducted with previous employers.

It is essential to provide three contactable references that were in a senior position to you and can answer detailed questions on your performance. 

2) Who should I list as a reference?

Job seekers believe they have the luxury to pick and choose their references. Sadly this is not the case. Although they may have a lot of people who know them and who can vouch for their character, these types of references cannot reassure the potential employer of the skills and knowledge necessary to do the job. The reference must be able to confirm an applicant’s ability to perform the responsibilities of the advertised job and endorse their professional integrity.

3) What if I’m a graduate with no previous work experience?

If you have recently graduated and are applying for your first role, references will be tricky. The best advice I can give is to try and apply for vacation internships, part- time work or tutoring while still studying. This at least shows the initiative to gain some experience and earn an income, thus allowing one reference to be provided. Another option is to apply for Learnership Programs after studying to once again provide corporate exposure and a contactable reference. If none of these are viable options try and provide a Professor for a character reference but be sure to have acquired permission before providing contact details.

4) What are the common mistakes job seekers make when referencing?

Applicants don’t see the need to prepare their references in advance. You don’t want your reference to be surprised when a recruiter or potential employer contacts him or her. You might just risk your chance of getting a good review. They might feel angry or embarrassed for being placed in such a compromising position, especially if you are currently employed by or reporting to the referee. Prepare your reference by informing them in advance that you are considering a potential opportunity and make sure to ask if they mind being put down as a reference.

Most importantly, MAKE IT EASY TO CONTACT A REFERENCE. Make sure you list a current phone number and email address. This might take some research on your part, but it’s worth going to the trouble instead of making life difficult for the recruiter or potential employer and alienating them before they have even made the call. Recruiters or ‘Decision Makers’ are extremely busy and time wasted to track down a reference will reflect badly on your part. You can also go the extra mile to have not only the name of the company and job title of the referee when you reported to them but should they have left that company to add the name of their current company and their current job title as well. It will give you more credibility and get you one step closer to getting that desired job.                                                                                                                                

Julia St. Clair is the owner of Insight Connection Recruitment Solutions. She operates a successful boutique consultancy that provides effective, specialist recruitment solutions bespoke to a company's needs. Insight Connection offers permanent, contract and temporary staffing solutions to all their clients.

Website: https://insightconnection.co.za