Employers often want to call a reference person to hear what they think of you. Here are some things to keep in mind when it comes to references.
Choose references carefully
A reference should be someone who knows you well, preferably through work. Your references should, for example, be able to describe what role you have taken in groups, how you have handled challenges and other job situations. Two or three names are usually enough. Customize the choice of people according to the job you are looking for. You can also use, for example, teachers, supervisors or association contacts as references. But never use your friends and relatives, it is perceived as frivolous.
Ask first
Always ask the people you want to refer to if it is possible to use them as references. Also talk about the job you are looking for. Also, ask what they would say about you if an employer calls, so that you are prepared for it. If the person has been a reference before, you can email and “warn” that you are looking for a job again. Also check that contact information and position are still correct.
Have order
Many choose to write “References are provided on request” in their CV. If you go to many interviews, it can be good, so that your reference persons are not called too often. Feel free to write down your references neatly on a piece of paper and bring it to the job interview. Describe what position or relationship each person has with you. Do not forget the contact information! You can also prepare an email with your references, which you can quickly and easily send to the employer after the interview.
Get help from your reference people – and thank them
Get help from your references already when writing your application for inspiration. Call them and ask: How would you describe me? Or try to imagine what your reference thinks about you. You often come up with a lot when you imagine what someone else would have said. See your references as part of your professional network. And don’t forget to thank them for standing up and helping you!
Written grades
Sometimes it is good to be able to show a paper that describes your abilities and work efforts. It can be good if you have worked abroad and the employer can be difficult to get hold of or difficult to understand by phone. Via the written grade, the recruiter can see what the reference person thought anyway.
