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Reference letters can be a handy tool in getting that job - use them wisely and learn how to earn these letters.
When working on your Resume writing, don't forget to think about your references. While I am an advocate of NEVER listing references on your Resume, you must still have a contact list available to hand over at the right time. This week in Career Advice we'll discuss some ways to build up your repetoire of references - and how to ask for a reference letter. Often people only think a boss or manager can give a reference - and while hearing about your work from a boss is significant, you should not forget about getting references from your co-workers. Hopefully you have a good relation with your managers as well as your fellow employees - so getting a good report shouldn't be that difficult. Most people are not afraid to give a reference - but they are afraid to write one - or at least have a lot of trouble trying to write one. So help them out! When you ask for a reference letter - offer to give a sample of previous reference letters. You could even remind the potential referencer of some of your talents or special projects you worked on - that the person might like to mention or talk about in the letter. Ensure that the person is willing to have a potential employer contact them - and find out where. Many people do not want to take a reference call at work; others do not want to be bothered at home. Reference letters also look better on company letterhead - but only if the person writing the reference is willing! Don't just wait until you are leaving a company to ask for reference letters. If a boss is leaving your department - ask him/her at that time for a letter. Ask co-workers after a successful project is completed. Even if later on the person is not willing to be a reference for another job/company, this letter of recommendation shows you have gained the respect of others. And remember - do NOT use these letters and/or any reference without letting the person know who you have sent it to. There is nothing more negative than having a company call one of your references, and to be told that the person is not aware of you sending out his/her name as a reference! By contacting your reference each time you use that reference - you are also keeping up relations as well as potential networking - that person may know of a "perfect" position for you that just opened in a new company! __________________________________________________________________ Copyright October 24, 2006. Paym Bergson and Suite 101. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized use of this material will constitute an infringement of copyright.
The copyright of the article Resume Writing and References in Career Advice is owned by Paym Bergson. Permission to republish Resume Writing and References in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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