When it comes to filling out job applications or building a resume, you always want to make sure that you're doing everything that you can to put yourself in a good position for getting hired at the job that you're applying for.
You want to list your skills and experience properly, and you also want to make sure that you take the time to point out why you're the best person for the job.
There are many things that people make mistakes on in their job applications and resumes, but one very critical part that many people overlook is the 'references' section.
Most resume articles will tell you to put 'available on request' on your resume, but this isn't always the best idea.
Some people don't like the hassle of having to ask you for references after they've reviewed your resume, so they will just move on to the next resume that gives the information freely unless you have some major asset that they need.
Give references every time, and make sure that you choose the right references.
When you are applying for a professional job, you need professional references to go with your skills and experience.
Nothing is worse than having years of experience and skills that are sure to amaze even the hardest to impress, and then listing friends or family as references.
Of course your friends and family are going to say good things about you.
They like you, and they have relationships with you that are personal.
Having an employer call your best friend is not a good idea, even though it may seem tempting.
Stick with professional references instead.
What are professional references, though? Anyone who is a work-related acquaintance, and who can vouch for your credibility will be a professional reference.
Old bosses, for example, are a good choice.
If you have a good relationship with them, they will be able to speak highly of your character.
Don't list them as references unless you are on good terms, though.
You should also never list references without asking someone's permission.
It is very unprofessional for you to list someone as a reference without confirming it with them first, because this can negatively impact the review that they give you when the employer calls them.
Use co-workers, people you have worked for, or even your minister or another credible source from your community, who isn't a friend or family member.
References are often more critical to your job than you realize.
Employers want to learn what your working skills and abilities are like, not whether you've got good taste in clothes or movies.
The bottom line? If you really want to give a professional impression, give references and make sure they are as professional as you are.
You want to list your skills and experience properly, and you also want to make sure that you take the time to point out why you're the best person for the job.
There are many things that people make mistakes on in their job applications and resumes, but one very critical part that many people overlook is the 'references' section.
Most resume articles will tell you to put 'available on request' on your resume, but this isn't always the best idea.
Some people don't like the hassle of having to ask you for references after they've reviewed your resume, so they will just move on to the next resume that gives the information freely unless you have some major asset that they need.
Give references every time, and make sure that you choose the right references.
When you are applying for a professional job, you need professional references to go with your skills and experience.
Nothing is worse than having years of experience and skills that are sure to amaze even the hardest to impress, and then listing friends or family as references.
Of course your friends and family are going to say good things about you.
They like you, and they have relationships with you that are personal.
Having an employer call your best friend is not a good idea, even though it may seem tempting.
Stick with professional references instead.
What are professional references, though? Anyone who is a work-related acquaintance, and who can vouch for your credibility will be a professional reference.
Old bosses, for example, are a good choice.
If you have a good relationship with them, they will be able to speak highly of your character.
Don't list them as references unless you are on good terms, though.
You should also never list references without asking someone's permission.
It is very unprofessional for you to list someone as a reference without confirming it with them first, because this can negatively impact the review that they give you when the employer calls them.
Use co-workers, people you have worked for, or even your minister or another credible source from your community, who isn't a friend or family member.
References are often more critical to your job than you realize.
Employers want to learn what your working skills and abilities are like, not whether you've got good taste in clothes or movies.
The bottom line? If you really want to give a professional impression, give references and make sure they are as professional as you are.
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