What you need to know about your References

Now that you are out of college  and job hunting, local cyber cafes are reaping profits in the form of the number of CVs printed and hours spent scouring job sites while you lose sleep because you can not think of the good skills you have to highlight or even how to write a good curriculum vitae. Notwithstanding, one thing that is often left behind at the foot end of the CV is the reference section.

When an interviewer asks you for a list of references, are you confident about the names you hand over? Do you wonder what kind of questions they might be asked, or whether you’ve picked the right people? I have heard stories of people who just listed the wrong people and who then  gave potential employers bad references. For HRs and hiring people this is a crucial decision maker and all candidates do well to list people who will give an enthusiastic review for you.

Here are some guidelines to writing a good reference section.
What are some questions a recruiter is likely to ask your references (these apply in post graduate study applications)?

• The recruiter will ask the reference how they know you; Is it in a personal or professional capacity.
• What is the quality of your work/ work ethics for example are you always late to class/work? Are you insubordinate? Are you a team player or you have a hard time getting a long with others?
• What are your strengths and sometimes with supporting statements like what exemplary thing have they done and this is why you should strive to be a problem solver in the office rather than a rubble-rouser
• if you were previously employed, they will ask why you left the company

The kind of person you should select as a reference?

• If you've had previous work experience; It's  good practice that  if you list two names at least one should be from your previous organization. If you list 3 references then 2 must be professional references. This is absolutely why you should never burn bridges. If you are making post graduate study application then at least one of your references should be from your lecturers, student society leader.
• Past manager like CEO who does your appraisal is the ideal person or if in a large organization your immediate supervisor should be the call. Please note that the HR is at liberty to call anybody at your previous organization as your reference besides the names listed in your CV. Like in my current organization, I was referred by only one person whom I had never listed in my CV. Do NOT burn bridges at the workplace.( How many times did I warn you?)
• A personal connection who isn't your relative can also be a good reference ( like a co worker) or if you are an active participant in a society or group someone in that capacity can be a reference like a pastor, priest, youth leader etc Ideally someone who can speak for you with enthusiasm.

Things to note:

• Keep in touch with your references at all times.
• Let them know that you will be including them as references so that they are aware of the importance of what they will say and also to think of their experience working with you and be prepared for a call when it comes.
• Beware that some bosses will give bad references to you, ensure to ask them if they received the call and what they might have said. If you are unable to , always revise your contacts to new references.

That's all for now. Courage on.