Employment Reference Letters

While it is a good idea to have them, it is also a better idea to know how and when to use them!

References are a necessary part of the job search process but may be more necessary and more appropriate later rather than sooner.

There are several reasons why Employment References are misunderstood, misused and somewhat less effective than intended.

First, let’s distinguish between the 1.) List of Names one often sees under a heading of "References" on a resume and 2.) Letters of Reference.  They are two different elements of a job search and therefore it stands to reason that they would have differences in the way and the reasons why we use them.

Take the List of Names first.  In the job market picture today, it is just simply too pre-mature to assume that any employer getting 100’s if not 1000’s of resumes will actually take the time to call 3 references on all or even ANY of those job seekers.  A list of names starts to look like a “name dropping” issue now.  Also consider that you have such limited space to “sell” yourself, do you really want to use that valuable space for material that you could provide later?

The biggest oversight that occurs is the common line of:

“References Available Upon Request”.

Never use this line.  It is absolutely unnecessary. Employers know that if you are on their “short list” for interviews that they will eventually need a reference check and they will ask for names to contact if you are in the final running.  Some employers will only check references AFTER the interview on the top one or two candidates.

There is one possible exclusion to this school of thought.  If you have a good acquaintance or relationship with someone who actually works for the company you’re applying with, you may want to use that one name as an “Inside Reference”.  It’s easy for the hiring manager to casually check it out and it advertises that you possibly know a little bit about the company.  

Next, consider the Letters of Reference.   This is a highly recommended method of getting past the whole “reference section” on the resume.  Almost all employers will want to do a reference check.  If you already have letters from previous employers, co-workers, professors etc. you’ve just saved the hiring manager a lot of work.  Letters on company letterhead carry a lot more weight than a phone conversation.  Some employers will never make those calls if they have letters.  It also makes you look very thoughtful, detail oriented and self directed to know that they will need them and have them ready when they ask.

Sometimes the folks you want letters from are just too busy to write it themselves and may ask you to write something - after all, you know your skills better than anyone - and they'll sign it.  Be careful here. You may need to do this but be factual and honest.  There is help for writing reference letters and you may wish to study up a bit.  One good source is E-How.com.  About.com also has good help available.