Reference Format
It is a good idea to create a separate document which includes a list of people that have agreed to speak to your prospective employers who support you.
Make sure that your reference page matches the same style and format as your resume.
You want to include the names of your references as well as full contact information (including job title, employer, business address, email, phone number). The more information you give, the better that reference appears.
It also is a good idea to list a comment on how this person knows you. Such as business colleague, long time acquaintanceship, etc...
What do you think would look better?
How Many References Should You Have?
Ideally you would like to have 3 to 4 references for an employer. If you are seeking a higher level position, this might require more references (around 7 to 10). Make sure to list your BEST references only. It is up to you to list people who will speak highly of you, and also have a higher position or education title.
It is generally a good idea to list your strongest reference first.
How To Choose Your References
Your references should know you very well and be able to speak highly of you. Do not give a reference from a former boss or supervisor in which you left on bad terms... not a good idea.
Instead, pick someone whom you have worked closely with. If it is your first "real" job, and you are unsure who to pick, you might want to ask a professor.
Always remember that professional references are preferred over personal references. Sometimes, with new employees seeking their first job, they might not have 4 professional references. In this case maybe ask a friends parents to speak highly of you. Odds are that they might have a higher level position and can give your references a credibility boost.
Reference Relationships
Another good reason why you should never "burn any bridges". You never know when that supervisor, manager or co-worker that you could not stand to be around might come in handy. I had a supervisor of mine at a previous position that I could not stand, but I bit my lip knowing that his reference would come in handy some day. Which it did.
Once you selected your references, it is a good idea to contact them and let them know that a telephone call might be coming from your potential employer. This way your references are expecting the call and it does not come as a surprise.
Also, just because nobody has contacted them in a week, does not mean that the employer has forgotten about you and moved on. So be sure to remind your references that a phone call might still be on its way.
Submitting References
Unless your application or employer is asking for references up front, it is generally best practice to wait until further notice before submitting them.
Thank Your References
Remember, your references are doing YOU a favor by speaking highly of you. They are playing a major role in the hiring process, so you want to follow up with a thank you.
Here are some good tips on how to follow up:
Thank you cards Phone calls Holiday cards An email is not personal and I do not recommend it. It is better to get on the phone or send an actual thank you card then a simple email or Facebook message. A little effort goes a long way.
It is a good idea to create a separate document which includes a list of people that have agreed to speak to your prospective employers who support you.
Make sure that your reference page matches the same style and format as your resume.
You want to include the names of your references as well as full contact information (including job title, employer, business address, email, phone number). The more information you give, the better that reference appears.
It also is a good idea to list a comment on how this person knows you. Such as business colleague, long time acquaintanceship, etc...
What do you think would look better?
How Many References Should You Have?
Ideally you would like to have 3 to 4 references for an employer. If you are seeking a higher level position, this might require more references (around 7 to 10). Make sure to list your BEST references only. It is up to you to list people who will speak highly of you, and also have a higher position or education title.
It is generally a good idea to list your strongest reference first.
How To Choose Your References
Your references should know you very well and be able to speak highly of you. Do not give a reference from a former boss or supervisor in which you left on bad terms... not a good idea.
Instead, pick someone whom you have worked closely with. If it is your first "real" job, and you are unsure who to pick, you might want to ask a professor.
Always remember that professional references are preferred over personal references. Sometimes, with new employees seeking their first job, they might not have 4 professional references. In this case maybe ask a friends parents to speak highly of you. Odds are that they might have a higher level position and can give your references a credibility boost.
Reference Relationships
Another good reason why you should never "burn any bridges". You never know when that supervisor, manager or co-worker that you could not stand to be around might come in handy. I had a supervisor of mine at a previous position that I could not stand, but I bit my lip knowing that his reference would come in handy some day. Which it did.
Once you selected your references, it is a good idea to contact them and let them know that a telephone call might be coming from your potential employer. This way your references are expecting the call and it does not come as a surprise.
Also, just because nobody has contacted them in a week, does not mean that the employer has forgotten about you and moved on. So be sure to remind your references that a phone call might still be on its way.
Submitting References
Unless your application or employer is asking for references up front, it is generally best practice to wait until further notice before submitting them.
Thank Your References
Remember, your references are doing YOU a favor by speaking highly of you. They are playing a major role in the hiring process, so you want to follow up with a thank you.
Here are some good tips on how to follow up:
Thank you cards Phone calls Holiday cards An email is not personal and I do not recommend it. It is better to get on the phone or send an actual thank you card then a simple email or Facebook message. A little effort goes a long way.
Searching for a Singapore job, you can always check out the updated jobs in Singapore job bank WDA where thousands of jobs are available.
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