Referees

The first rule about putting down somebody as a referee is to MAKE SURE YOU ASK THEM FIRST! Never specify a referee without first contacting them to ask permission. For a start, it's bad manners, not to mention that this tactic could go disastrously wrong. They might feel annoyed at being taken for granted and their reference could reflect this.

Try to have a referee for each work situation in your C.V. When you have completed your CV, contact each of these referees, asking their permission and cooperation. Go over your CV with them and discuss the kind of recommendation they will give you. The best referees are people who will discuss you factually, and back up all your achievements. Don't use people you only know fleetingly.

Keep your referees up to date on your search progress, and at the same time you can go over the elements of any new job you are going for.

When dealing with references and referees, keep in mind the following:

• Choose people who are going to give you a good reference - take no risks.
• Make sure your referees are available when they need to be. There's no point giving a potential employer the name of a referee who has just headed out on a month long holiday.
• When talking to a referee from a previous job, your prospective employer may want to know the circumstances of your departure. Work this out with your referee in advance. Typical reasons are: management change, closure of a department, or relocation.
• Your referee will probably be asked to talk about your strengths and weaknesses. Discuss with them beforehand what you might think these may be.
• A referee can be asked how you might fit into a new organisation. One of the most frequently asked questions is 'Would you rehire this person?'
• If you have had a managerial position, you may want to include a few references from people who worked for you, as they will be able to give a different perspective of your skills and leadership abilities.
• You will also need some personal character testimonials. Pick people you can count on and who know you well enough to support your application. Make sure that they have a responsible job of their own (doctor, teacher, bank manager, solicitor), as this could help add weight to their reference.
• After an interview, you should be quick to tell your referees to expect a call.
• Some interviewers may ask for references at the end of your interview, so be prepared. Carry your referees list with you at all times!

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