Character Reference

References are an important part of the job hiring process. If the interviewer starts contacting your references it usually means they are considering you for the short list or even the job. That is why it is so important that you know what your references are going to say about you. You cannot just assume that they will give you a good review.

You should never use a person as a reference unless you first get permission. If a person is willing to be your reference, then ask him/her what his/her views are of you and your work history. You may think that there were no problems at your last place of work but your former supervisor or boss might be of a different mindset. Remember, you do not have to use this person as a reference if they give you less than a glowing endorsement.

The first step in selecting your reference is to make a list of suitable people. After you have selected these people, contact them and see if they are willing to be a reference. You must make sure that their contact information has not changed. Are they still working for the same company? Do they have the same contact number? If a person has moved on to another company, you may still use him/her for a reference as long as you can locate this person and ask his/her permission.

You must not assume that a person will remember you or the work you did for them and it is okay to remind them. Ask them if they are comfortable providing you with a favourable reference and if there is any feedback they have for you. If you are comfortable talking to this person you can flat out ask how they felt about your time working with them and what they would say about you if someone called to ask. If, however, you do not know this person very well, it might be better not to be so forward.

You do not need to provide a former supervisor or boss as a reference. You are free to use other employees who hold a supervisory position. Don't forget the people you have worked with on projects. They are also well suited to serve as references. If you are applying for your first job and you have no references, you will have to settle for personal references. These should be non-family members who can vouch for your good character.

Getting a job is never easy and you should be fully prepared with a quality resume, good references and knowledge of how to give a great interview. Learn how you can put all these together at http://www.seeking-employment.com.

One of the most common forms of background check performed by companies hiring new employees is the reference check. They typically request that candidates provide them with three names of previous bosses. If you don't have three former bosses, then provide co-workers, teachers, college professors and/or professional colleagues as character references.

The first thing you should do is develop your list of potential references and then contact each one. Explain that you're applying for a job, describe the type of work and the company, and ask if they would feel comfortable giving you a good recommendation. If they have any hesitation, do not include them as a reference. You goal is to have three strong references who can help you land the job.

Be sure to verify their contact information.

Don't list these references on your resume, but have them handy during an interview. Put the names, titles, phone numbers, mailing addresses andemail addresses of your references on a single sheet of paper and take it to your interview.

After the interview, if this seems like a job you'd enjoy, go ahead and hand them this list of references along with any other "leave-behind" materials that are appropriate, such as a portfolio with samples of your work (this depends on the type of job, of course).

Here's a step most people forget -- after you land the job, contact your references, tell them what happened, and thank them for their help!

Bonnie Lowe is author of the popular Job Interview Success System and free information-packed ezine, "Career-Life Times." Find those and other powerful career-building resources and tips at her website: http://www.best-interview-strategies.com.