How to Choose References Based on Job Requirements

Choose references based on the job's requirements and your past experiences. Some references might attest to your technical skills, and others can attest for your teamwork. Select references that can offer direct examples. Here's how.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Professional reference
• Personal reference
• Details of job duties
• Past work reviews

1. Match the skills you need for your current interview with an appropriate reference. You can accomplish this by reviewing the requirements and details about the industry and selecting co-workers from past jobs who can attest to your exemplary performance in these areas.
2. Contact a co-worker who completed a past project with you that relates to the new job search and ask the person for a reference. You may need to remind him about the task you have in mind and discuss the skills you need for the new position.
3. Send a description of the job you want discussed in your reference. This will help the reference person learn details you want highlighted. If the reference can offer relevant examples of your past work, she will be a more useful resource for your job search.
4. Choose a supervisor for a reference if you are applying for a high-level position, such as director of marketing. A reference from an administrator holds more weight than one from a clerk or a friend. A past supervisor can describe your leadership strengths and advancement milestones.
5. List an associate you've dealt with as a reference if you want to highlight your communications and outreach skills. For a job in community relations, a reference who works for a town organization will come across stronger than a co-worker. This will show successful public relations, interpersonal and business communication skills.
6. Call on a middle manager to discuss your technical skills. A first-tier manager is a good source for a job reference if you want to stress your performance abilities like computer skills, customer service and administrative duties.
7. Choose your character reference based on the number of years you have known someone. Some jobs require personal references from people you have known for more than five years. A good choice for this category is a neighbor or a former co-worker who is now a close friend.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep copies of your work reviews from each job. This will help you remember which tasks you completed and who can verify specifics about your work performance.

Who Can Help:

• Learn more today about America's leading online University
• Flexible Scheduling, Online Programs, Get Info Now