If possible, you should call your references before your job interview. You want to make sure that they are available and willing. And that you have their correct contact info.

Also, you might get a feel for how positive they’ll be — and if needed decide to maybe leave that one out.

Now I know not everyone is easily reached by phone. Or you may not feel comfortable doing that. But then they may not be easy to reach for reference checking either.

Not a great thing to count on someone who can’t be reached. Or seems hesitant in any way. So an extra “ducks in a row” check ahead of time is just a smart thing to do.

But can’t I do this by email? It’s easier.

Of course. If you feel more comfortable approaching them via email — and really don’t want to call your references — then you should do what feels right for you. Only you know what kind of relationship you have. And email does make it easier for them to respond when it’s more convenient for them.

But easier doesn’t always mean best. So if you can get yourself to make the call, by all means do so. And if they’re busy, they can always call you back — again when more convenient. Just give them the best phone number and times to reach you for sure, so they won’t be burdened with chasing you down.

What else happens when you call your references

Quite simply put, every time you connect with someone it’s an opportunity to reaffirm and hopefully strengthen your relationship. And a strong relationship can also be a strong link in your network.

As opposed to email, where inboxes may overflow and feel like a burden, the one-to-one connection of a call also lets you catch up on them if they have time. Of course, you want to respect their time if they seem busy. But even a few minutes can warm up a connection.

Another big plus of speaking with them is that you can fill them in on the job and remind them (not too obviously) of why you and this job are such a good match. That may help them help you when they actually give the reference.

A few more thoughts

When you call your references before an interview, you not only make sure they aren’t caught off guard, you are giving them time to prepare. Getting a surprise reference check call from a potential employer can throw a person off guard. And that can affect the quality of the reference they provide.

Again, networking relationships are a two-way street. And shouldn’t be just about when you need them. So if this can be the beginning of more regular contacts that can be a good thing for you both. I found quite a few jobs from out-of-the-blue calls from former bosses and coworkers who needed help. Ones I stayed in touch with over the years!

More posts to help

Job References: Sample Reference Page (with Notes)

What Does It Mean If a Job Is Checking Your References?

Job References: What If Former Bosses Don’t Work There Any More

They Want Supervisor References. Are These OK?

 

Start Building Networking Connections That Last

Why Networking Matters So Darn Much

8 Ways To Lose a Potential Networking Contact

What Is LinkedIn & How Can It Help Me?

 

What Is Networking or Social Networking?

Why Does It Take So Long After Your Interview?

After the Job Interview: Why Haven’t They Called Me Yet?

12 Ways to Stay Sane After a Job Interview

 

From the very first glimpse of your resume and beyond, impressions happen at every stage of the interview process. And that includes the reference list you give / send to the employer. So here’s an example I created of a sample reference page you can use as a template for your own references sheet.

Sample Reference Page

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Professional References

[Read more…]

Hi Ronnie Ann! I have a question about supervisor references. Finally the company I’ve been interviewing with called to request references. While the position is at a lower level than my former position, it is for a company I’m eager to work with, in an area that really interests me.

They have requested references from two supervisors plus one other source. I have no problem getting three or four great references from the people I’ve worked with. But getting multiple supervisor references might be tricky.

I was with my past company for almost a decade. For half of that time, I was in a high-level managerial position, reporting directly to the President, the owner of the company. This person, despite being very intelligent, was often unstable and manipulative. And at times bordering on abusive.

While HR was aware of these issues, there was nothing that could be done about it. Finally, I couldn’t take it any more. The stressful effect of my boss’ wild mood swings and screaming sessions was the key reason I chose to leave an otherwise great company. Although I have been careful not to mention this in any hiring situations.

As such, I don’t really want to use her as a reference if I can avoid it.

And so other supervisor references are needed!

I have included on my list one person who was my manager during my early years with the company, who is still there in a different capacity and would have no problem discussing my growth and contributions to the company.

Would it be feasible to also include someone who was in charge of a cross-departmental team that I was on more recently, even though technically I was at a higher job level than she was? She did manage and coordinate a number of efforts that I contributed to.

My only other option for actual supervisor references would be to call the person who managed me 10 years ago. I still keep in contact with him occasionally. But he doesn’t really have a sense of what I’m capable of now, so not sure that works.

What are your thoughts?

N.W.

***

And here’s my reply…

Hi N.W.!

First, congratulations on being it this enviable position. Clearly you impressed the new company enough to be asked for supervisor references. I love it when people who write me have already figured out the answer. As in your case.

The good news is that most places (except totally inflexible ones you probably wouldn’t want to work for anyway) do understand. They realize you can’t always find the exact supervisor references, especially in a case where you are taking a lower level position for the growth potential. And they also know that not every boss is an angel.

The former manager is a solid reference. Especially since he’s still there and can offer relevant references. And definitely include the person who managed the cross-departmental team, since even if you were technically higher up, technically she managed you. She’s a fine reference and can give recent feedback and legitimately comment on your ability to work with others, take direction, and also act autonomously within the team effort.

I think these are both good references. They asked for people who know you in a supervisory capacity and these both qualify. You might want to add notes on your reference list, describing the relationship under each name you provide. I always appreciate getting something like that when I do reference checks.

Most companies will understand sticky situations

Assuming the reason that some supervisor references aren’t available is clear enough, you should be fine. I only push further if I get suspicious and need to dig deeper. And for the cross-departmental person, just explain that she managed you. No need to explain exact titles and hierarchy. The reference checker can ask her that later if they want.

Hopefully these supervisory references plus your other reference(s) will be enough. Most times that would satisfy any reference checker. No need to add a potential landmine if you don’t need to.

What if they insist on less friendly supervisor references?

Of course, if they insist on talking to your former boss (and I kind of doubt they will), you let the new company know they weren’t thrilled you left, but will gladly provide the reference. And then you call your former boss and have the most pleasant chat you can manage, letting them know that you provided his/her name for a new job.

Odds are this won’t happen. But if it does and they provides less than favorable feedback, it still might not be a deal breaker. Most reference checkers look at the whole package, including the other references and how well they seem to know you and your work. I always did.

Still, the references you suggested should do the trick. Definitely go that route and see what happens.

Good luck getting though this part of the process. And good luck in the new job!

~ Ronnie Ann

[Post updated 2020]

⇒  EXTRA:  Job References: Sample Reference Page (with Notes)

 

About the author…

Ronnie Ann, founder of Work Coach Cafe and Work To The Wise, bases her real-world advice on her many years as an organizational consultant where she helped interview and hire people, added to a certificate from NYU in Career Planning & Development and her own adventures as a serial job seeker.

More posts to help

What Does It Mean If a Job Is Checking Your References?

Job References: What If Former Bosses Don’t Work There Any More

Why You Should CALL Your References

How to Tell If a Job Interview Went Well

 

What Is a Reference Checker?

Why Does It Take So Long After Your Interview?

After the Job Interview: Why Haven’t They Called Me Yet?

12 Ways to Stay Sane After a Job Interview

 

Stuck in the Waiting Game After 2nd Interview

They Reposted the Job. Should I Kiss It Good-Bye?

After an Interview: Weekly Follow Up Calls and Emails

 

Hi Ronnie Ann. I am a Preschool teacher wanting to return to work. Unfortunately, the places I have been employed have a huge employee turnover rate. So my former bosses don’t work there anymore. In fact, NONE of my previous directors or co-workers are currently employed at those places.

How do I handle this lack of good references on job applications? I don’t have a problem with prospective employers contacting previous employment places. But there is no one currently employed who knows me. And definitely no previous boss.

It looks pretty bad on applications if I mark “No. May not contact.” Even part-time for summer jobs I had, either the former supervisor is no longer around, the company changed names, or the company is no longer in existence.

Please, I need your expert help. I don’t want to lose any possible job opportunities due to this. And I have an excellent work history. In all cases, I left positions for good reasons, including an unforeseen medical issue, pregnancy, moved or needed full-time hours.

Thanks for your time and advice.

~ TB

***

If former bosses don’t work at former jobs…

Hi TB!

First … don’t worry. There’s usually a way around a situation like this. [Read more…]