Quality of references

Leca,

• Only ask people to be references if you think they will provide a good one. 
• Keep them up to date with your job hunting activities and warn them whenever you have an interview to ensure that they're still happy to provide a reference and to tell them why you're applying for that job 
• Perhaps give them a preview of the points you're going to use in your close so they'll have some ideas about what to put in a reference and remind them of things that might have slipped their mind.  I'm not suggesting writing the reference for them, but if I'm providing a reference for someone and they say "I think I'd be really good in this job because it's similar to what I did on XYZ project" then there's a good chance that when I'm writing their reference I'm going to be thinking about how well they did on XYZ project, which I might have forgotten.
• Have multiple references.  This means that you can pick and choose so that you match the reference to the job.  If you worked for me as a project planner but going for a job as a business analyst I might not be the best reference for that post, someone you worked for as a business analyst would be good for that job but not so good if you're going for a project planning/management role.  It also means that the same people aren't being hit for references all the time (which may cause annoyance and poor references, refusal to supply a reference or a request from them that you stop using them) and that if they do ask you to stop using them or just drop off the radar you have others who can be brought online.

I'm sure there's more in the Interviewing series, buy that and listen to the relevant casts.

Stephen

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Skype: stephenbooth_uk

DiSC: 6137

Experience is how you avoid failure, failure is what gives you experience.

I'll concur with Stephen in keeping your references up to date. I add that it does not take much to assist your reference provide a great review of your work.

Even a short email message reminding your reference of three signficant accomplishments or points on why you are a great fit for the position goes a long way. When I am a reference I ask for a copy of your resume, the position description, and the email with three accomplishments/points relating to the position--It works wonders for the quality of the refernce call when it comes!

That said, if there are special circumstances to your work history you must have frank conversations with the people who are your references. Be honest  with them and I hope they will be honest with you. This conversation gives you a bead on what they may say about you.

Leca,

you have some good advice here. The podcast on references is in the Career Tools section here: http://www.manager-tools.com/2008/07/sharing-your-references.

Here's some more advice from my experience:

*Don't choose referees in wildly different timezones to your hiring manager. I get very grouchy when I have to do references at 6am to get someone in New Zealand or Australia.
*Similarly, don't choose referees who are not available during working hours (I find retired people are often excellent choices!)
*Don't choose people who are bad at returning your messages and emails. They are even less likely to return mine.

Wendii

Didn't expect to have go so deep into the thread to find a referral to our cast on this, quite specific on how to choose and manage and communicate with one's references.  All good guidance here, though!