August 9th, 2007
Do you know what your references will say about you?
I am the President, Founder, Managing Partner and owner of an executive search firm. I am also the only employee but I love saying the rest. An important step in concluding a successful job search is receiving and checking references. As you may know, companies only want the super black. Assume when it comes to us, no stone is left unturned. That is why it is important to manage your references. This process can also apply to a small businessman for whom a reference check may bring in more business. A student will need references to gain acceptance into the college of their choice.
In the past when I needed a reference my process was to find someone I knew who liked me and ask them to serve as a reference for me. I suspect many of you follow the same reference strategy. This is not the best way.
I have been involved with 2 high powered executives that are both male and black. One is at a VP level and the other is a director. These brothers are polished, educated, with 20 plus years of building a business track record of excellent performance. In both situations we have been blind sided by negative references. Do you know what your references will say about you? How have you coached them on what to say? Here are some tips that will help you manage your reference base.
A) Ask for their permission to serve as a positive for you.
B) Send them your resume
C) Ask them what they would say.
D) Tell them what you want them to say and provide them guidance in terms of what you need them to say and how you need it said.
E) Provide them with examples of direct impact where your efforts matched the goals of they hope the hire will bring
F) be sure to thank them .
These steps are taken as a part of your putting together a slate of references.
When it is time for the reference check, touch base again and confirm what they were instructed to say.
Make sure you provide your references with the name and tittles of the person calling, how long this may take
If your situation changes, make to sure to provide the details for your references.
For some references you may want to script the dialog as a service for the reference
I hope this post will help you land your golden opportunity.
