How to Confirm Job References Before an Interview

When you're on the job market, presenting yourself in a positive light is a critical step in obtaining the position you want. Laying the groundwork before an interview is as crucial to success as performing well during an interview. Simple preparations, such as getting your resume in order and remembering to confirm your job references, can help in making you look like the professional you are.

Things You'll Need

• List of reference names and contact information

Instructions

1. Update your references when updating your resume. Your references should be able to speak of your current skills and work experience. A 5-year-old letter of recommendation won't hold much weight, nor will a reference from a job unrelated to your current field.

2. Keep your job reference abreast of any changes in your career, education or contact information. If your reference has written you a letter of recommendation, ask him to amend it to reflect these changes before your job interview.

3. Confirm all contact information for your references, including where they are currently working and how to reach them. In fields with high turnover rates it's not always possible to reach a former supervisor. You may need to have an alternative reference available from the same company.

4. Know whether your references want to be contacted at work or home, by phone or by email. When a prospective employer can't get in touch with your references it makes you look unprepared and hurts your chances of getting the job.

5. Determine whether your references are still willing or able to speak on your behalf. Company policies about providing references may have changed since you worked there or a reference may no longer be comfortable recommending you. Confirming this saves you the possibility of receiving a negative reference. It's better to have to find a new job reference than to use a questionable one.

6. Find out for sure what your references will say about you. Have a friend posing as a prospective employer contact them. Alternatively hire a company specializing in employment reference checks. These companies will talk to your references and report back to you, providing you with peace of mind or the knowledge that you need new references.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful when hiring a reference check company via the Internet. Check with the Better Business Bureau to make sure the company is legitimate.