Do your references work for you?
Do you know what your references say about your work?
References can make or break a job offer. Your prospective employer wants to talk to your references. You know they will say good things about your work and integrity, but will they talk about those things which will land the job?
An excellent job search requires that your references are primed and ready to relate what the new employer most wants to know in a compelling way. Teach them what to say.
Ok, so you are reluctant to tell the CEO how to talk. There are ways to suggest proper patter than aren’t strictly telling.
Just ask: Ask your references to comment on any area where the employer has doubts. If they are unsure how your skill set or management style will scale to a larger organization, ask your reference what they think. Once they say what you feel the employer needs to hear, just say it. “Employer x will probably be relieved to hear you say that.”
Ask your references, “If you hired me today, what are the three reasons you would do so?” This helps focus the answers and gives you opportunity to discuss with, “That was a satisfying project because xxx.”
If they don’t cover what you feel the prospective employer wants to hear, ask, “When I negotiated the technology transfer with xxx, there were serious objections which I worked on and created buy-in so we could go forward. Is that something you think a prospective employer would like to know?”
Still not sure they will say what a specific employer will ask? Try, “Was there one thing in particular that caused you to promote me?” or give me x project, or award or anything relevant to the next job.
If you feel comfortable with a bit more proactive stance, “XYZ company’s highest priority for this job is collaboration. What examples would you offer to prove to them I am a great collaborator?”
Notice you asked for an example. The gold standard in references is real world examples to which the new employer can relate. When your references mention a characteristic, always ask them to elaborate with an example.
Intangibles like integrity, work ethic and leadership are only relevant if they can be backed up with examples; examples that have results. Lower turnover, faster new client acquisition or other high priority success.
If you prime your references, you increase your chance of being hired. High probability your competition is not doing it and most people simply don’t know how to give a good reference. Further, most people don’t know how to ask the right questions to get references. So, take matters in your own hands. Land that job because your references truly were excellent.
Themocracy
I certainly understand why you’d say that. Each reference has a huge amount of info they could share. By coaching them on what will be of most interest to your prospective employer, you make the reference experience more effective. And your prospective employer gets what they need. It is more than a courtesy, it just makes good sense.
..if we have to coach our references, what is the point to have references in the first place? it doesn’t make any sense..
[...] 64. Rita Ashley, Career Coach – Rita Ashley is a “technology recruiting veteran” and is “armed with an insider’s view of how hiring gets done.” Ashley’s expertise is in technology, counseling, psychology, and education, and previously worked with investors, executives, and hiring authorities. Her advice is not only directed towards young professionals looking for employment, but individuals over 45 as well. Recommended posts: “Is ageism hurting your job search?” and “Do your references work for you?” [...]