There was an article on CNN this morning and although it’s something many job seekers consider, I thought I’d mention it just in case. Sometimes it’s the little things that sabotage your career search, and with so many candidates competing for so few positions, you really can’t be too careful to cover all your bases these days. Namely, who do you have on your reference list?
There are several examples of who NOT to provide to vouche for you, including your Mommy, a college frat house buddy who will gladly tout your beer bong skills, or a former boss who didn’t think too highly of your tendency to nap at your desk (what an asshole). Seriously, you have to consider who you have on that list and make damn sure that everyone on there is prepared to give you a glowing (and enthusiastic) recommendation.
There are also pointers about how to make the most out of this seemingly small step in the job search process, such as keeping in touch with the folks on your list (nothing kills your chances better than one of your references having to wrack his brain to remember who the hell you are) and giving them a heads up to expect a call along with what specific qualities of yours you would like them to emphasize.
I know I’ll get flack for posting something many of you are probably already careful about, but with so many people out of work right now, I thought it would be worth an honorable mention for those who might have overlooked it. Good luck!
I'm curious, has anyone out there in the banking world ever had a reference called when trying to break onto the street? Really? I know I never had to give a list of references to get my job.
Again, worthless. This post belongs on monster.com, not WSO.
"There are several examples of who NOT to provide to vouche for you, including your Mommy, a college frat house buddy who will gladly tout your beer bong skills, or a former boss who didn’t think too highly of your tendency to nap at your desk (what an asshole)."
LOL! you just had me in STITCHES with this sentence! that's 3, maybe 4 jokes in ONE sentence!
I guess this goes along with this post, but I would like to get some input. I am waiting to hear back from a firm (they said they are evaluating candidates and seeing what their exact hiring needs are). While I think they have probably already made their decision since interviews are done and they will know their needs by the end of April, do you think it would be helpful if my MD from my internship last summer (who I have a close relationship with) called them to put in a good word? Or would that just be overkill and annoying?
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Well, this might not be the best example since it was internal move, but the group I'm going to be with this summer definitely called where I am now for some more info. That said, it wasn't a "reference" that I picked out but rather one of circumstance; luckily, my current team is great (and from what I've seen the group where I'm going is as well), so it worked out in my favor.
I had a college professor for who i was a TA as a reference. I was rejected because my profile was too "academic". I later knew that some ex TA, from the same professor, had quit the bank after 3yrs to get a Ph.D, like 2 yrs before i applied.
A personal assistant to GDUB was actually recently accepted to HBS. If I remember correctly he didn't have a college degree and im assuming he got a refferal from dubyah himself.
I've always submitted my resume no more than one page, leaving no room for references. When is the best time to give your references? I had someone tell me its best to extend your resume past one page but I disagree. Is the best time at the interview or what?
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