By: J. Mason
Online Career Tips Staff
Listing things like “references available upon request” are unneccessary, and wise advice suggests removing this from your resume. It’s a bit of a redundant phrase, but references are still needed for your prep work in the interviewing and job search process.
As you work you gain contacts along the way. You know the phrase to not “burn bridges”. If you’ve had a bad past with a co-worker, try your best to be friendly around the office. While you can’t win everyone over, you will know who “has your back”. These are the people you’ll want to consider as your references.
[related: Avoiding Office Gossip]
A reference should be someone who thinks highly of you. This is someone who might write a recommendation for you on LinkedIn, or sing your praises to other members of the department without being asked. Another person to consider is one who is familiar with your work and can think fast on their feet. Since an interviewer can send curve balls by way of a preliminary screening, you’ll want to be sure this person is comfortable answering tough questions.
Now, before you go listing your work “fan club” make sure to ask their permission first. It’s like listing people on emergency contact forms, you want to make sure they’re comfortable helping out and know you’re not trying to impose. Also offer to write them a recommendation, or if they’re a close friend take them out to lunch if they did come in contact with a potential employer.
[related: Let Your Value Shine]
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