Strong References

Your resume got you the interview and your interviewing skills made you the hiring manager's top choice. But you have one last hurdle left: The reference check. This step in the hiring process can mean the difference between an offer and a rejection letter

The Resume:Don't list your references on your resume since space is at a premium. Employers will assume you can provide them upon request.

For some types of jobs you may be asked to complete a job application in which case there will be a place for including references. So, be sure to bring a list of your references. Confirm all information, such as name, title, phone number and e-mail address, before providing it to a prospective employer.

Your Friend Are Not Your Best References:Avoid using friends and family as references as well as people who have known you less than one year. Former managers, clients and colleagues make the best references, because they have first-hand knowledge of your job performance. If you're new to the workforce, you may want to ask a professor or teacher to serve as a reference.

Prepare Your Refences:Make sure you've asked permission before listing someone as a reference and when you expect an employer to check your references, it's a good idea to call the people you've listed and forewarn them. The element of surprise will not work to your advantage. Allow them time to think about what they'll say. You can further prepare them by describing the position and pointing out your relevant experience and skills.

Check Your References Yourself"No matter how carefully you choose your references, there's no way to guarantee what they'll say.

The best way to avoid a bad reference: Don't ask people to give references unless you're certain they'll have good things to say. However, if you suspect a reference is giving inaccurate information about you to a prospective employer, you can have a reference-checking service investigate for you.

A letter of reference is a powerful tool, especially in a tough job market. Supervisors move on - They change jobs and cities. But, a good letter of reference lives on in your portfolio - regardless of what happens to your former bosses.

The ideal time to ask an employer to write a letter of reference is after you've given notice that you're leaving. If you ask for the letter before you're ready to move on, your employer may suspect that you're looking for a new job. Wait too long after you're gone, and the employer may not remember enough to put together a convincing letter. But since resignations are a delicate matter, it is best to wait a couple of days after giving notice to request the letter.

Lay Offs:Get a letter of reference so that you can prove to a potential employer that you were laid off as a result of the slumping economy and not performance issues.

If you've been laid off, but did not get a letter of reference, contact the Human Resources department of your former employer and request one.

When Supervisors Say 'No'Some companies have policies which prohibit letters of reference. Sometimes, however, job performance may be an issue. If this is the case, don't spend your time forcing the issue. Find the person who can unequivocally recommend you.

My name is Vanessa May. I am a HR writer and aspiring blogger. I am writing articles about professional resume service. I am pleased to share them with you!