Executive Transition – References Overview & Checklist

Top 10 Mistakes Executives Make When Searching for a Job

#9 Not having the right references in place.

Overview

References can validate or discredit claims you make to the employer during the job search process. They should be your champions, so choose them wisely. Start thinking about references well in advance of when you’ll need them and make sure you have multiple people from which to choose. In fact, you should be thinking about future references even in your current job. Maintaining good working relationships and committing to good performance in any job is good practice for many reasons, but it also helps when you need to call on people as references for future opportunities. While job searching, the further along you get in the process for a specific role, the clearer it should become who you want as your references. A direct supervisor is likely the most critical one the employer wants to contact. Peers and subordinates are also relevant and can provide good insights, but people to whom you reported directly are definitely the most important.

Coaching

Chances are that the individuals you select will have good things to say about you. However, this isn’t always the case! It’s up to you to investigate in advance whether your references could positively support your candidacy. At the same time, you don’t want them to paint an unrealistically glowing picture of you. When considering your references, be sure to select credible, balanced and relevant ones. Credibility suggests they will be able to support you without being overly effusive. Balance suggests that any one individual will be able to speak to both your strengths and weaknesses, and collectively, your references will provide the employer with a broad picture of your capabilities and accomplishments. Relevance refers to selecting references that can speak to your skills and performance as they relate to the specific organization and role for which you’re a candidate. Don’t leave anything up to chance – make sure you assess your selected references for credibility, balance and relevance before submitting their names and contact info to the employer.

Dos & Don’ts

• Keep your reference list current and accurate by staying in regular contact with them, especially during your job search.

• Don’t provide the employer with names and contact information without having prior conversations with your references to alert them in advance of who will be contacting them and why.

© 2011 Bill Holland All Rights Reserved.