How to Build a Great Reference List

Knowing how to build a great reference list can literally make or break you when trying to find the job of your dreams. With a carefully crafted reference list you will not only look good to the prospective employer, but you will be letting others sell you too.

A good reference list should have the person’s full name, business they are associated with, address, phone numbers, and e-mail. More than that though you need to know how to build your reference list so that it helps you to stand out from the rest of the crowd. Here are some ways to make sure that your reference list is a great one:

• Get permission: Whoever it is you are planning on using as a reference make sure and call them first and ask them if it is alright for you to use their name. Make sure they will be comfortable with speaking on your behalf. The last thing you want to do is to surprise someone with the fact that you used them as a reference as this could lead to a less than glowing recommendation.

• Choose in a relevant manner: Be sure that the references you are putting down have some sort of relevancy to the job in which you are applying for. For example, if you are trying to get a management position, you will want to put down someone you have managed in the past as well as your previous boss. This way a prospective employer can see that you not only followed orders well, but were also able to dole out authority too.

• Tell the truth: Don’t try to use your friend’s name and fabricate a false company or title just to make yourself look bigger than you are. This can only lead to disaster. The bottom line is, you are either qualified for a position or you are not qualified for a position.

• Small world, huh: You never know who knows who these days so be sure that your references are going to tell the truth about you and their experience with you. You don’t want a reference to say that you worked well with Bob Smith when you really didn’t and then have the prospective employer say, ‘Oh, I know Bob, small world.’ If that happens, Bob will probably get a phone call and you will probably be looking elsewhere for employment.

• Make it ultra easy: Make getting a hold of your references super easy for the prospective employer. Along with all the contact info, maybe include a time of day that it is best to call that specific reference. Nothing is more agitating to a prospective employer than having to chase down your references.

• Don’t use family: Of course your mom and uncle think you would be perfect for the job you are applying for, but unless you actually worked for them in the past don’t use them as a reference. Stick to business related references as this looks much more professional.

In today’s tough job environment you need all the help you can get. When you build a great reference list you not only increase your chances of setting yourself apart for the rest of the applicants, but you increase your chances of landing the job of your dreams by having others sell you too.

Read more career advice articles at JobGoRound.com.