You may know a little bit about the best way to provide references to potential employers. But do you know that you should be talking directly with your references as well? Once you’ve applied for a job, give your references a call to talk about your search and how they can best help you. If you have not connected with your references ahead of your job search, here are a few things you can do to make sure they’re ready for the call.
Let them know they’re a reference.
One of the most common mistakes job seekers make is not letting their references know they’ll be contacted. There is simple courtesy in notifying someone that they will get a call, but it also allows you to touch base on a few other issues as well. Before you give someone’s name, talk to them about it.
Share the job description.
When you do, you can share the job description of the job for which you’re applying. This will help them better understand how to frame your experience in terms of what the new employer might be looking for. They can use examples from your work with them to provide a clear picture.
Talk about your latest accomplishments.
What have you been doing since you last worked with your reference? Talk to them a little about what you’ve accomplished in that time frame. This will also help them understand how you’ve grown in the time following your employment with your reference.
Refresh how you worked together.
In some cases, you may also have to provide a little refresher on how you worked together. There are many companies who only confirm dates of employment. This is understandable from a legal standpoint, but if they have more to say, it will be better for your job search. Even if you just send a quick email ahead of your interview, they may be able to elaborate just a little bit more.
Work With a Top Staffing Agency in Dallas TX
Do you want to know more about the best practices for contacting and discussing your search with your references? Contact CornerStone Staffing, now hiring for jobs in Fort Worth TX, today!