3 Common Mistakes - Reference Check
Yahoo has an article, Reference Rules That Shouldn’t Be Broken. You should take a look. I have listed the Don’ts for your review. I have added coaching tips that will help you avoid some of these common errors.
3 Common Mistakes:
1. Choosing the wrong people - Your relationship “My Best Friend” would be a mistake to avoid.
Coaching Tip: Choose professional references such as coworkers or previous employers, first. People who have worked with you and/or people who have had the opportunity to observe your work. Need a Reference Check? If you do not have professional references, your next set of options are: neighbors or friends who have seen you work.
2. Negative Tone - I call this negative commentary. It amazes me how many people say things like, “You will not get a good reference on me from these folks, I am afraid.” or “People who will talk about me behind my back.”
Coaching Tip: If you have a negative comment about the people you are listing as references, they are the wrong people for you. Every person on your reference list should give you great confidence. They should be people in your “fan club”. People that like you. People that want to support you. People that believe in you and your skills and abilities.
3. Focusing on the funny bone. Jokes do not always come across well on paper.
Coaching Tip: There isn’t a lot to say here. Save the jokes for your friends. Maintain your professionalism throughout the entire interview process.
Final thought: Don’t feel like you have to give your references to prospective employers upfront. It is ok, to get them the names and telephone numbers when 24 hours from the time they request the information. It is VERY important that you contact your references prior to their phone ringing. Talk to your references about the job you are interviewing for. Get them prepared. Don’t script your references, but it is ok to give them talking points that will highlight your skills and abilities.
Tags: coaching_tips, interview, interview_chatter, Interview_mistakes, Need_A_Reference_Check?, Professional_references, Reference_Check, Reference_Rules_that_Shouldnt_Be_BrokenRelated Stories
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