3 Keys for Professional References

    As a hiring manager, interview coach, and mentor, I have had experience working with individuals both professionally and through volunteer work with the MSPH (Mailman School of Public Health) alumni network. Even if a candidate has nerves or isn't quite polished during the interview, the person may have all of the qualifications necessary (and more) for the position. What can either make or break the candidate are their references. Some people don't realize how important great references can be in the selection process. Make sure hiring managers have the name, email and phone number for references. Also, be sure to note the relationship between you and your references. Two to 3 references should be sufficient for most positions. 

 Here are my top 3 keys for references: 

1. ​Prepared: Be sure to notify your references in advance. Prepare them and tell them what you need them to say about your professional experience, personality, and to fill in any gaps you may have had during the interview. There should be two touch points with references. The first is to notify them that you would like to list them as a reference; and the second would be after the interview when a hiring manager will call. So, if a position seems to require late hours or great interpersonal skills, be sure your reference will not say that you're not the type to burn the midnight oil or that you like to isolate yourself or cannot handle yourself with groups. 
2. Polished: Depending on the type of position you are applying for, be sure your references are well-spoken, enthusiastic and polished. In a way, a conversation with a reference is an interview in itself. As a hiring manager, I ask very open ended questions to references and allow them to speak freely about the candidate. I've had conversations with references who were in the middle of work and phones were ringing, ones who did not sound like they knew the candidate very well, and others who could not directly explain how they worked with the candidate. One note, sometimes a reference can be polished and off putting by name dropping, cutting off the conversation and speaking negatively about the candidate. 
3. Reliable: At the point in the interview process when a hiring manager is reference checking, an extensive amount of work has already been done. What can break your chances are if your references aren't reachable and/or do not respond in timely manner, at least 24 hours. Selecting a reference who is high up on the totem pole at your company or their company, but doesn't know you well is a poor choice. That person may speak vaguely of you or be less likely to return phone calls. It's always a better choice to select someone who can speak highly of you. 

To sum things up, do not make the hiring manager work for it. The conversation should be thorough, honest and easy. If you take these 3 steps in working with your references, you'll have a great chance in getting the job! 

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