Using Personal and Professional References

If you're searching for a job, you're likely so consumed with writing the perfect resume and cover letter that you may have overlooked your personal and professional references. You may not even know that there is a difference between the two. When creating your resume and attending job interviews, it's essential to know the difference and how to use them as it could be the deciding factor.

Professional References

Professional references should be sought by people you've worked with before that can vouch for your exceptional work habits. It's always a good idea to have a reference from your previous employer before you leave. Ask someone you've worked closely with that you know will give you a glowing review.

Approach the person you would like to receive a reference from and ask them in a professional manner if they would feel comfortable writing a reference for you. Be prepared for them to say no. It would be a rare occasion that you would feel someone knows you well enough to give you a great reference and they would choose to decline, but be aware if you sense any hesitation. You should probably ask someone else if they seem uncomfortable in doing so.

It's always a great idea to take the work out of the reference for the person writing it. You can guide them by providing the following:

• Provide them with your resume
• Describe the job you're seeking or provide them with the ad you found for it, any challenges the job may present and how you will work through them
• Outline why you are the best candidate
• Ask them to tell you if they are contacted by a potential employer

When a potential employer checks professional references, they are usually looking for any inconsistencies in your resume or interview. Salary.com suggests that a prospective employer may ask your references about the following:

• Your tardiness
• How you work with co-workers
• Your attitude
• Your weaknesses
• Your competencies

When preparing your letters of reference, try to make them as specific as possible. Have the people writing the letters address them to the appropriate person at your potential employer. Generic letters are ok, but not preferred. You should never list professional references on your resume, but rather bring the letters with you to an interview.

Personal References

A personal reference is someone that can attest to your personal character. When choosing a personal reference, it's perfectly acceptable to choose friends; after all, these are the people that know you best. Be sure to ask to use them as a reference BEFORE you include them on your resume. There is nothing worse than a friend or acquaintance receiving an unexpected phone call from a potential employer asking about you. As with professional references, it's a great idea to prep those giving you a personal references as to your strengths so that they may be prepared if/when a call comes in.

When including personal references on your resume, include the following:

• Your reference's name
• Their professional title (if impressive)
• Their address
• Their phone number

In choosing personal references, you should always use your most professional acquaintances as their behavior will actually reflect upon you. If you're best friend uses bad grammar and isn't particularly articulate, it's likely your potential employer will imagine the old adage, "birds of a feather, flock together". Even though poor grammar isn't any indication of a person's character, you want to be sure to give the right impression.

Personal and professional references can really help you in finding the ideal job. They speak volumes about you and the job you can perform, so be sure to take delicate care with them. Always have them ready before submitting your resume to a potential employer and always ask the people you're intending on using. Update them as you move through your career to reflect how you've evolved. Use these tips for using references and you'll get it right every time.