Resume Reviver

Like your resume, you should update your reference list more frequently than only when you are actively looking for a job. The last thing you want is a reference to make this face and act confused when a potential employer calls them. The killer combination is to have references that 1) can vouch for how talented and capable you are in a work setting, 2) feel like they are important to you beyond being on your reference list. It’s not very tough to maintain this level of enthusiasm from your reference list if you follow these tips for maintaining your relationships.

1. At least once a year, review your reference list. Are these 3 to 5 people the very best people to speak to your current skill set? Perhaps a college professor that you did research for was a great reference for your first and second jobs out of college, but now that you’ve completed an advanced degree or have developed a skill set in a particular field, is that professor’s recommendation as helpful as someone else you’ve worked for or with since then? Perhaps a professor from your graduate program or a former supervisor is now a more appropriate choice. Your relationships will change along with your work and education experiences, so an annual review to make sure your references are relevant to your current situation is always a good idea.
2. Send an email at least annually. Write it on your calendar, set up a tickler, rename Presidents’ Day to Check in With Your References Day, whatever. It doesn’t have to be much - just say hello with a few lines about what is new in your professional life and an inquiry about what is new with them. If you come across something that reminds you of that reference, take that as a cue to check in with them. The note will be appreciated and reinforce the relationship.
3. Put them on your annual mailing list. Do you send end-of-the-year cards from your office? Does your family send holiday cards or that letter telling everyone how awesome your year was? Put your references on the list. Again, it will be appreciated.
4. If you are ready to go back into the job market, check in with all references to make sure they are still willing to serve as a strong reference for you. You don’t look good if a potential employer calls a reference that is caught off guard by the call or, worse yet, can’t remember who you are! You want everyone on your list to be happy to give you a strong endorsement, and there’s no better way than to check in with them before you place them in that position. This is also a great opportunity to make sure you have the most current contact information for each of them.
5. If you have been told an employer is going to check your references, or you have a good feeling after an interview, tell your references! Give them a heads up that XYZ Company might be calling them in the next week about you. Give them a link to the company’s website, a copy of the job description, and a copy of your resume so they know all about what you’ve been up to and can vouch for how well you will do in that particular position.
6. Let them know the outcome of each opportunity in which they participated. If you didn’t get the job, send them an email telling them that, and thank them for supporting you. If you did get the job, share the good news and thank them for supporting you! Again, keeping them formed keeps the relationship strong, and displaying gratitude is a sign of strong personality muscles.

If you follow these six steps, you will always have a reference list that feels connected to you, is relevant to your current endeavors and is eager to tell potential employers how amazing you are.

Photo by Kalavinka