What are some of the most important things employers require from their candidates?
First-class qualifications? Top-rated analytical skills and communication skills? Or how about new, innovative ideas and a proactive, can-do attitude?
If you’ve guessed any of these, you aren’t entirely wrong. Employers indeed want specialised and skilled people who can contribute creative ideas to generate further revenues.
However, before you step foot through the corporate door, employers have to sift through hundreds or thousands of applicants from the University of the West Indies, Barbados Community College, Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic (SJPP) and the multitude of other educational institutions scattered across Barbados.
What usually separates you from the masses are your work experience and references. Your references are essentially your validation. It says to the hiring personnel that you are who you say you are. It also implies that the information you provided on your resume is accurate.
But what constitutes a glowing reference and how do you go about getting one?
What is a reference?
Quite simply, a reference is provided by a law-abiding, distinguished or professional individual who can vouch for your competency to a prospective employer. References usually come from people who would have worked with you at previous jobs, projects or causes. They essentially tell the recruiters about your strengths and character in a positive light to secure you the position you’re hoping to get.
Who can I use for a reference?
Certain people’s opinions hold more credibility than other where employers are concerned. The most credible sources about a person’s character and work ability comes from past employers. These people, usually former managers can accurately attest to your work ability given that they’ve had the experience of already doing so.
You should, however, ask employers with whom you’ve had at least a cordial working relationship. It is very unlikely that managers with whom you left on bad terms would be readily prepared to give you a positive reference. Also, if you were fired from previous jobs, it would not be wise to consult these employers for references.
The fact that references are so important in securing a position should reinforce that it is always wise to leave your job on good terms with your manager and bridges should not be burned. In an island as Barbados, your former boss may be in your interviewer’s network. As such, former bosses will always play a role in your professional life.
In larger companies, your recruiters may ask for multiple references. You can also ask non-family members such as family doctors, family lawyers, local business owners, former teachers and university professors. Community leaders such as priests or pastors as well as government officials can also act valid candidates to be a reference to you.
You can also ask friends or associates who are professionals or specialists in their respective fields. Ensure that these associates are actively employed and law-abiding citizens when placing them as a reference on your resume.
How do you ask associates for a reference?
The people you ask for references ought to be persons you know for a reasonable period of time and have considerable knowledge of you and your abilities. They should also have reasonable knowledge about your work history, family background and educational qualifications. Once you have identified such persons, asking for a reference should be a simple task given that you are on good terms with them and they are accessible to you.
Reach out via telephone, email or even ask in person if possible when making a request. Let them know the reason for asking them for their assistance – that you may be switching jobs etc., and if they would be able and willing to provide a reference.
How do you ask a former employer for a reference?
With previous employers, you would have to be more formal in your approach. An effective approach if pressed for time would be a telephone call. Indicate that you are considering a work opportunity and you would appreciate a reference to assist in your application. Let them know that you are being interviewed by several companies and whether or not they would be willing to extend such assistance to you.
It is to be expected, with your former boss, you may not be able to reach him/her immediately. Therefore, you can try sending an email with the subject line ‘Requesting a reference’. In drafting your email, you can be more specific and detailed than the telephone conversation.
In the email, explain that you wish to receive a reference from them. Specify to which companies you are interviewing for, so that they are abreast with your job prospects and know which companies they’re likely to receive a phone call from. End the email with an expression of gratitude thanking your former employer for his/her assistance.
Once your former boss has positively responded, you can send a reply email, thanking him/her a final time.
Asking for a Reference Recommended Reading
Reference Letter Template
Download here a Reference Letter sample and write your own. Below is a transcript of the template.
Date
Your name
Your address
Dear ____________(Name of the person you’re requesting the reference from), I hope everything is well with you. I am reaching out to you to enquire if I may ask for your assistance with my job search. I am in the process of attending interviews for several job positions.
As my former manager, I would like to use you as a reference who can attest to my qualifications, skills, and work achievements. Of course, I would advise you when I have given out my resume containing your name and contact information, so you will know when to expect a call. Please let me know if you would be comfortable and willing to provide a reference for me.
If you have any tips or pieces for advice that would help me during my job search, I will truly be grateful. Also, if you are aware of any job vacancies that you think will be a good fit for me please let me know. I would be extremely grateful if you can help me in this regard and share any information you have.
Please let me know if you need any other information from me.
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Sincerely,
(Your name)
Contact Information
