Picture this: You just finished an interview and returned home super excited about how well it went! You surprised yourself by being so confident and answering your likely employer’s tricky questions intelligently!
You are just about to begin celebrating an excellent day when suddenly you receive an email from your prospective employer asking you to forward a couple of references.
Well, the interview went well enough, but how do you go about getting your references? You haven’t been in touch with your previous employers in a while, and some jobs may not have ended well!
In this article, we examine why prospective employers may request references. How do you approach your previous employer for a reference, and what exactly should you include in that reference letter? Let’s examine these questions quickly.
Why Do Employers Ask for References?
When an employer asks for references, it is usually a good sign, but it does not guarantee that you will get the job.
The employer may be impressed by your interview and wants to make sure his impression is accurate by getting an opinion from your previous employers.
Also, many applicants may have been shortlisted after the interview, and the next process of elimination involves going through references to finalize the most deserving candidate for the job.
In some establishments, asking for references is just a normal hiring procedure.
Apply For References
You should have about three good references ready to submit to your prospective employer.
Ensure the references have the right address and contact information, as the information on the letter may be verified during recruiting.
The letter will also contain your date of joining and leaving the company, position, skills, and qualities.
You can look here at what a good reference letter should look like. Here are some people you can contact for reference letters.
Also Read: Preparing for a Second Interview – Everything to Know Beforehand
Your Previous Employer
You can contact your previous employer and ask for a reference letter. Talk about your interests in the job you are applying for and how important his reference will be for you to land the job.
Tell him how much you will appreciate this gesture. Be polite and present your request in the best manner.
Managers and Co-workers
If you cannot get a reference directly from your boss, you can always try to get references from managers or co-workers at your previous placement.
Someone in a high position in the company is considered more credible as a reference source.
A Volunteer Organization
You may have volunteered in the past for an organization that is well-known for the work they do.
A reference letter stating that you volunteered with them and how you helped in their projects can make a big difference in showing you in the right light.
Your Teacher or College Professor
You can contact a teacher from school or a professor from your university requesting a reference letter.
The letter can state how well you did in class and how involved you were in school projects, as well as give information about your skills and qualities.
The Bottom Line
Being asked for a reference letter does not guarantee that the employer is about to make you an offer. But you can be more hopeful that he is enquiring further about you because you have made a good impression.
You should always keep some solid references handy, highlighting your talents, skills, and capabilities written by credible sources to help secure your desired job. Even in trying times, you can land a job.