
Some of us have had the opportunity to work with some really wonderful people throughout our jobs/careers. These are the people that have been in the trenches with us day in and day out whether it be a manager or a teammate, or a teacher if just coming out of school. These are the people that we’ve been side by side with when things have been tough, and that you’ve celebrated the wins with. They’re the ones that you always could rely on to cover your shifts, and not just because you covered theirs. Or as managers/teachers, they provided you with the support and encouragement you needed to be successful. But most importantly, they are the people that can speak to your hard work, the quality if your work, your dedication, and all of your other positive working attributes. So when a potential employer asks you for references, these are the people to think of immediately or to have an ongoing list of. On this list, try to have as many prior managers/supervisors as possible, but it’s ok to have teammates that can speak to your performance and work ethic just as well (but maybe refrain from having your “best friend”). Your references should be able to present your best side to a potential employer. And before you send the names over to your potential next employer, make sure that you have given your references the heads up that they may receive a call. As someone that has checked hundreds of references, it can be very frustrating to surprise someone with a reference call or play an endless game of phone tag. Good luck out there!
Great advice, Julie! Candidates should definitely let their references know someone will be calling - it helps speed the process up by DAYS.