References Matter- Must Know Reference Prep Sheet so YOU get the JOB!

Funny reference story first. 😂So.... I was teaching an in person job readiness bootcamp class and one of the students asked me if I could be her reference for the job. Now the backstory.
➡️The first session, she didn't show up. No calls, no emails, nothing. 🤷‍♀️
➡️The second session, she was late. 😔
➡️And the very third time I met her, she asked me to serve as her reference. Seriously? I barely knew her and CLEARLY, she did not understand the impression she was making. 😉

Of course, you are selecting references that know you professionally, and can speak highly of you.

Here are a few tips to make sure your references sing your praises, because employers often ask references A LOT of questions.

✅Get permission from your references before listing them.
✅Ask which phone number and email address they want you to provide.
✅COACH your references. Let them know EXACTLY what you want them to talk about and which skills and accomplishments of yours they should focus on.
✅Share the job posting with your references. Let them see exactly what is required in the job you are hoping to get. This will help them understand what to highlight.
✅Give your references the heads up after you have provided their contact information to the potential employer, so they know to be on the lookout.
✅Please thank your references. They are doing something for YOU, and often times the discussion can be as much as 20 minutes. Show your overwhelming gratitude. We all know how difficult an interview can be, and they are going on one on your behalf!
✅A batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies or muffins make a great thank you. 🍪