Reference Checks after Job Offers 3 Ways to Kiss a Job Offer Goodbye

Reference Checks after Job Offers 3 Ways to Kiss a Job Offer GoodbyeReference Checks after Job Offers 3 Ways to Kiss a Job Offer GoodbyeDont let a bad reference destroy your chances of landing the perfect job.Picture this You submit your application for a job and actually get a call back. You prepare for the interview and ace not one, but two rounds The employer tells you that youre one of the final candidates, and then asks for your references. You scribble down some names and phone numbers on the sheet, already mentally preparing for salary negotiations. And then you never hear back.Thats what happened to John Harrison* when he interviewed for a position at news station W-CTS* in 2012. One of Johns references, news anchor Nancy Kay*, is a friend of mine. She saw my article on choosing your references and called me with this story. According to Nancy, this is how the reference call wentW-CTS nachrichten Manager Hello Ms. Kay. Im Janice* from News Station W-CTS. John Harrison is appl ying for a job at this station and listed you as a reference.Nancy Kay Im really sorry but I wouldnt be a good a reference for him. Last time I spoke to him welches in 2010.W-CTS News Manager Oh my. Okay. Wow. Yes, that wouldnt be helpful. Im really sorry to bother you. Are you still the morning anchor at W-AFC in Florida?Nancy Kay (chuckling) No, I left that job in 2010 while John was still an intern there.W-CTS News Manager Oh dear I am really sorry to have bothered you. I cant believe he put you down as a reference, never told you, and listed you with the wrong job. And he was applying for a job that requires a lot of fact-checking What a waste of our time.Dont let this happen to you Avoid these three mistakes when creating a list of references so you dont sabotage your job offer.Mistake 1 The Random ReferenceChoose references from your professional life (i.e., leave your mom off the list). Think about former supervisors, colleagues, or people youve mentored or managed over the y ears. If your recent employer has a strict no-reference policy, consider vendors, customers, or former employees of the company you worked with. If youre new to the workforce, look to relevant professors, your advisors, or people you worked with during internships.Mistake 2 A Shot from the DarkA reference is only good if they know who are you are and are willing to be your advocate. That means staying in touch with these people even if its only through a LinkedIn connection and the Happy Holidays e-card you send each December. Before you scribble anyones name down during an interview, reach out to each person via email or over the phone and get their permission to use them as a reference. Also, find out what contact information they prefer you to use.Mistake 3 The Call Without WarningYou never want your reference to be caught off guard by a call from a prospective employer. Always give your references a heads up that someone might call, and send them a copy of your most up-to-date resume. Let them know what job youre interviewing for and what skills or abilities youre hoping they can highlight based on how you worked with them.When you properly choose and prepare your references, you can only improve your chances of landing a job. Overlook them, and you could end up like John. Learn from his mistakes so you can avoid this blunder in your own job search.*Names have been changed to protect the identities of those involved. But I assure you, the story is real.