Author: Peggy McKee
Author Website: http://www.career-confidential.com

References are so often an afterthought, but they shouldn’t be. The people you will rely on for a great job reference should be on your mind at least once a month, even if you are not currently looking for a job. A great reference can make a huge difference in the success of your job search. For instance, I once had a great candidate that my client company was not excited about. The candidate perceived that there was a roadblock and had one of his references call me to proactively tell me about this candidate. That is impressive. And that is what gets you the job.

What not to do:

1. Don’t give me (the recruiter) or your potential employer a reference who can hardly remember you, or who can’t be relied on to call back.

2. Don’t give me your college roommate. I want a work reference…a relevant reference…a GREAT reference.

What to do for a great reference:

1. Make certain that your reference can see you in the job that you are looking to get….(I had one lady tell me that all she could say about my sales candidate was that she was very good in her laboratory – very meticulous). Great. That same lady could have said that the candidate showed a lot of leadership, was very persuasive and thrived in interactive meetings. What a difference that would have made.

2. Prepare your references: “Hey, Joe, So-and-so may call. This is the type of job that I am pursuing, so this is what they’re looking for. This is very important to me. Please call me once you have talked with the reference checker, and thanks for all your help.” Asking them to call you will make the reference more responsive to the “reference call” and then he will give you a heads up about how the process is moving. Remind your reference of what amazing things (specifically) you did for the reference when you worked there. Help their memory along….

3. Collect references throughout your career.
* Stay in touch. You can’t expect to get the incredible reference that you are looking for if the reference has not heard from you in 5 years. This is all part of the networking process. Every 4-5 months, drop them an email or call. Ask them if there is anything that you can do for them…..Help others, they will definitely help you!
* Before you exit a company, ask your current boss for her personal email and phone number. Stress that you want to stay in touch and could you use her for a reference in the future. Then stay in touch.
* When someone who can speak to your skill sets announces that they are leaving for greener pastures…ask them if you can have their personal email and phone number. Explain that you really enjoyed working with them and you want to keep in touch.
* Link up with old contacts and get new contacts on LinkedIn. Create a great LinkedIn profile and join sales groups. Participate in discussions. Collect these references.

Article courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap, a content exchange service sponsored by CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students looking for internships and recent graduates searching for entry level jobs and other career opportunities.

By: Nicole Hitch

It is amazing how many people I have spoken with lately that are looking for work and somehow still think that by purely looking though employment opportunities on job boards and applying online with a generic resume is going to land them their next dream job.  This topic has been in the news, in many blogs, on the radio and all over various newspapers and magazines, yet so many have not yet gotten the picture.  Job seekers… you must do better than that!

Think outside the box and get creative!  Put yourself in the hiring manager’s shoes with 500 resumes in front of you and one opening, what would get your attention and make you want to learn more about the person in the resume?  Or if you are going to a job fair or career forum, what will set you apart from everyone else there?  What will get you noticed (in a positive way)?

Based on my observations and experiences here are a few thoughts for job seekers. ..

• When applying for jobs, tailor your resume for each job you are applying to!  Don’t just put together a general resume with your jobs in chronological order and brief descriptions of your experience…  Your resume is basically your print ad; you need to make it jump out of the pile.  The front page should be a basic “Cliffs Notes” of what you bring to the table for that specific position/company.

• Follow up!!!!!  If you apply online, follow up with a phone call to make sure they got your completed application and show your interest.  Mail your cover letter and application to the company as well as apply online.  Go in person to hand deliver your cover letter and resume.   Kevin Donlin had a great idea on KARE-11 that has also worked for some; mail your resume in a Thank You note, thanking the manager for taking the time to read your resume.  The point is DO more and think outside the box!

• If you are going to a job fair or career forum, put your professional picture on your resume.  The recruiters there see tons of people and it may be one more thing to help them remember you.

• I should not have to say this, but if you are going to a job fair, career forum, or going to hand in your resume in person dress professionally!!!  You never know who you will meet and you don’t get a second chance at a first impression!

If you want to hear more of my ideas on this topic, please feel free to e-mail me at nhitch@bluewaveprofessionals.com I am also sure there are many more wonderful and creative ideas out there and I would love to hear them and would welcome any discussion, questions or am here to collaborate with to come up with more great ideas.