References are an important part of the hiring process. Reference checks help hiring managers better understand your skills, experience and qualifications. They help hiring managers determine if you're a good fit for the job.
You don't need to list references on your resume or write “references available upon request.” It’s assumed that you'll provide this information when asked. But you do need to think carefully about who you choose and give them the information they need to be a good reference.
Here are some things to consider when selecting references:
Choose people who have worked closely with you.
Select people who can vouch for your work ethic, experience and character. Ideally, you'll want to ask previous supervisors, managers or coworkers. If you have little to no work experience, teachers, coaches or mentors can serve as references. And of course, you’ll want to choose people who can speak positively about you and your work.
Prepare your references.
Don’t make references ask you for the information they need to do it. Send them a copy of your resume and tell them about the job you're applying for, your accomplishments, and the skills you want them to focus on during the conversation. Give your references time to prepare.
Thank your references.
Whether it's a phone call, email or in-person, thank them for their time. They'll appreciate the gesture and may be willing to refer again in the future.
It's beneficial to your job search to have solid references that can comment on your skills and qualifications. Remember: the stronger your reference, the more likely you are to get the job you want.
— Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works. Learn more about how they can help by visiting westmiworks.org or your local service center.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Employment Expertise: Tips for choosing your references