When you entered this job hunt, you knew you needed a résumé. A cover letter was a very good idea, too, and you got right on it. You may have even considered creating a follow up "Thank you" note for all those interviews (because you are very smart). You may have found yourself sitting at your computer late one night writing the perfect resignation letter (either the most difficult or most fun of compositions), being careful not to burn any bridges. But what about these references? You know you need them. You know that at some point in the interview. | Regarding References By Sue Nowacki and Steve Burt References are often the last tool considered in a job hunt. When you entered this job hunt you knew you needed a resume. A cover letter was a very good idea too and you got right on it. You may have even considered creating a follow up Thank you note for all those interviews because you are very smart . You may have found yourself sitting at your computer late one night writing the perfect resignation letter either the most difficult or most fun of compositions being careful not to burn any bridges. But what about these references You know you need them. You know that at some point in the interview game if the hiring manager is on top of things he or she is going to ask for them. But when And from whom should these referrals come past employers co-workers colleagues mentors professors friends Should they be written or is it better for the hiring manager to speak to the referral on the phone How far back in time can you go with your references before they are considered too old or no longer quite as valid or valuable Your resume may proudly state that you have them available References available but the truth is that statement is as far as many job hunters get before scrambling to put something together at the request of a hiring manager or potential employer at the last minute. When should you begin gathering references You should be gathering these throughout your career life whether you have a current need for them or not. Every time you leave a position for example you should be collecting letters names and contact information from your employer co-workers and clients who would be willing to express either in writing or as a future contact the level of services and work you have provided even if the next job has been secured without them. When you graduate from college getting letters of recommendation from professors and mentors should be one of the first things on your To do list. It may be a couple of years
