3 Tips for Choosing the Best Job References

3 Tips for Choosing the Best Job References 3 Tips for Choosing the Best Job References 24One of the most basic but critical elements of a successful job search is choosing job references- the best people who know your outstanding qualities and who will provide glowing details to prospective employers to help you land the job. Choosing whom to ask for a reference can be a make-or-break deal, and as such, requires thoughtful consideration. Thanks to social media, most of us have extensive networks of so-called “friends” and work acquaintances. But when it comes to picking someone to recommend you for a job, you should be pretty ruthless in culling your list of possible references to those who can offer real “added value” to your job application package. Here are some suggestions for evaluating your job reference options in an easy-to-remember “three Cs” format that sums up the targets for choosing job references: They should be Current, Communicative, and Compelling. Current Make sure that the people you choose as references for your next career move are still a part of your day-to-day life, whether you still work for them or just keep in contact with them even if you dont work together anymore. Staying in touch  with the people who were colleagues in the past can reap great rewards for your future career aspirations. Communicative The people you list as references should be communicative- ideally, they should be willing to respond quickly and positively to requests for contact from your potential employers. Being smart in figuring out your strategy for handling references  can have a huge impact on whether you succeed in finding the job thats best for you. Here are tips on preparing your job references. Compelling What your references say about you should be compelling- more than just the typical, Sally was wonderful to work with. Their recommendations should be the best references you can get:  specific, accurate, and flattering. The remarks from your references should give heft to your application and allow potential employers to learn new details about you that enhance their view of your skills and leave them wanting  to have you on their team. Readers, who do you choose for job references: old bosses, coworkers, friends, networking acquaintances? Leave your tips for choosing job references below!