When you reach out to a former manager, peer or direct report and ask them to be a reference, you might first ask yourself if you are truly the person you want them to convey to a potential employer.
Do you have a strong work ethic? Do you handle obstacles head-on? Are you a good communicator? These are a few of the questions that a potential employer may ask of your reference. To ensure they answer those questions the way you want them to, here are a few pointers to keep in mind:
Work Ethic. It used to be that being the first one in and the last one out meant you had a strong work ethic. While it is important to go the extra mile, it is also important to be consistent, reliable and timely. Having a good work ethic means consistently producing high quality work that is accurate and on time. It also means having a sense of ownership and pride in your work; if you care about what you do, you will care about the way you do it.
Overcoming Obstacles. Having the ability to solve budget problems, or suggest ways to improve efficiency aren’t the only factors in overcoming obstacles. Being in uncomfortable situations and addressing the issue is also a testament of your ability to face challenges head-on. There can be peaks and valleys in one’s career; keep in mind that how you solve the issues at the bottom is just as important as how you address them at the top.
Strong Communication. Communication is not just about being clear, concise and articulate; it is also about being emotionally intelligent. If your reference says you can communicate with all levels (peers, direct reports or senior management) it means you are able to adjust your communication style based on your audience.
When possible, choose references who can represent a 360-degree view of your employment; this would include managers, clients, direct reports and peers. As a courtesy, always remember to contact your references to let them know they may be receiving a reference call. If you keep these tips in mind, you can be sure you will receive a shining reference and be one step closer to a new career opportunity
Meridia, a Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette company, is Atlantic Canada’s leading contingency recruitment firm that is focused on providing high quality, fast turnaround recruitment for professional and technical positions.
Want to be a candidate? Go to www.meridiarecruitment.ca and register today!
