Adding References to Your Résumé
Gain Insight from Carol Sand MAP Houston
Your employment references can get you a new job, or ruin your shot at a promotion or career opportunity in Houston. Always use caution when adding or removing names from your résumé. Keep in mind that references tell a story about your past work in a specific job, including the duties that you performed in that position. Far too many assume that the references they used in the past will remain viable in the future. Every time you send out a copy of your résumé, read through your reference list.
Who to Add?
Adding a new reference to your résumé is one of the more difficult tasks that you face when searching for a new job. Your references must represent people that you worked with in the past who know what you are like on the job. Look for people that you had a good working relationship with in the past, as well as people willing to speak up on your behalf.
Ask Before You Add
Always ask an individual before you add his or her name to your professional references. Even though you had a good working relationship there is no guarantee that the person will give you a good reference. You might have upset someone when you left a job abruptly or one who didn’t get your job when you left. That person might take his frustration out on you when asked about your performance.
Talking to your references is always helpful, even if you have used that person in the past. You might find that an old co-worker changed her number or that your former boss moved to a different company. If you apply for a job and the interviewer cannot reach your references, you might lose out on a good position.
Employers or Co-Workers
When you apply for jobs in Houston, you must choose between listing co-workers or supervisors at past jobs. A supervisor with an impressive title is only helpful if that person remembers your work. In many cases, co-workers are a better choice because they spent more time with you on a daily basis. Those people know more about you than your supervisors.
Customize for Different Positions
If you have several references available, it is a good idea to change the reference listing occasionally for different positions. This is especially helpful if you apply for several positions at once, because it keeps your references from repeating the same information.
You can use a personal reference on your résumé, especially if you have known this person for many years. If you do add a personal reference, make sure that you only add one. Your other references must have experience working with you, or managing you. Employers want to know how you act at work, not how you act at home.
Get Resume Help
Carol Sand MAP provides the type of help that Houston job seekers need. As a member of the MAP career management counseling organization, she has experience helping famous celebrities to entry-level workers.
Contact Carol Sand MAP Houston Texas for services including image consulting and career coaching. Her services can help you get the perfect job.