Need a Reference Check?
I have been visiting Yahoo Answers for the last week. While visiting there I have found there are lots of people with lots of questions about interviewing and the hiring process. Here is another question I answered that was voted as the best answer. I have added some additional information for my readers here at Interview Chatter!
Question:
On a job application, what type of references can I list if they cannot be related to me? The application states that I cannot list references that are related to me…”Give name, address, and telephone number of 3 references that you have known for at least one year WHO ARE NOT RELATED to you.” Does this include my mother-in-law, my husband’s aunts and uncles? Can I include them even though they are not related to me by blood?
My Answer:
Not related to you would mean anyone in your family, which includes your extended family. Make sure that you contact your references prior to giving their name and telephone out to a potential employer. I believe it is important to get their support before they receive a call asking about your qualifications.
Here is what they are looking for:
1. Previous employers, like a boss who is willing to give you a reference.
2. Professional references - people you have worked with at a previous job.
3. Your pastor at your church
4. Your neighbor
5. A friend
Keep in mind, the people or person you select must meet the requirements given, “known you for at least one year and who are not related to you.” Also, assist your references with talking points about you. Especially a persona reference. If they are not aware of everything you are capable of doing, it is important to spend some time coaching them so that they can give you the best reference they can give.
As always, let me take this opportunity to remind you that integrity is of the utmost importance. By coaching I am by no means suggesting you find people to lie for you. If they don’t know you well enough to speak highly of you on their own, they are probably not a good choice.
Tags: 3_references, employers, hiring, interview, interview_chatter, previous_employers, Reference_Check, types_of_reference_checks, willing_to_give_you_a_referenceRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Q & A
3 opinions for Need a Reference Check?
Reference Check
Jul 6, 2007 at 8:59 pm
If you need to check your references, AllisonTaylor.com will give you an independent, third-party reference report to see what your references are saying about you.
Darlene McDaniel
Jul 6, 2007 at 11:01 pm
I would like to hear more about what you offer.
3 Common Mistakes - Reference Check
Jul 8, 2007 at 10:03 pm
[…] 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 […]
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