Quiz How to Choose Job References - FlexJobs

Quiz How to Choose Job References - FlexJobs Quiz How to Choose Job References 4In most job searches, there are two primary players on your side- the first is yourself, and the second is your panel of job references. Most of the time, the people you choose as job references are the only other people who speak on your behalf to potential employers, so it’s important to choose job references well. How do you choose job references that will be reliable? Answer the following questions (yes or no) to see if you’ve got the right group of people helping your job search. Quiz: How to Choose Job References For people you’re NOT currently working with: Are you in regular (at least several times a year) contact with the person? Does the potential job reference know what you do in your current job? Have you ever worked closely with them? Were they ever your supervisor or in a position to critique your work? Did you work closely enough with them that they got to know your abilities well? For people you’re currently working with: Are they your current or former manager? If not your manager, are they the same level employee as you? If you supervise them, are they comfortable being a job reference for you? Are they aware of any policies your company has about providing references for current employees? For all potential references: Have you let them know you’re looking for a job? Have you formally asked them to be a job reference for you, and have they said yes? Are they easily reachable by e-mail and phone? Do they have a copy of your current resume? Do they know what types of jobs you’re looking for? Are they aware of your major work accomplishments and the things you most want emphasized in your job search? Does this person want to see you succeed? Can they think on their feet and answer difficult questions about you? Can they speak  easily about your strengths, accomplishments, and areas of expertise? Do you feel confident about this person speaking on your behalf to a potential employer? As you can see, the more “yes” answers you have, the better your references will be. Once you’ve chosen your references, check out these tips to prepare your job references.   Readers, how do you choose job references? Tell us in the comments below!