High 5 Weekly Career Transitions Roundup: How to Always Be Ready for a Great New Job

This is our weekly roundup of some of the best career-related articles, interviews, blogs, etc., we've read during the week. We share them so you have some great resources to prepare you for the coming week. Enjoy!

• How to Always Be Ready for a Great New Job: "Stay in touch with the folks you will rely on to vouch for you when the time comes to change jobs. It's much easier to update a warm relationship than to try and jump start a cold one."

• How to Make Your Workplace Joyful: "I actually think it's easier to have an extraordinary workplace culture in a smaller organization, simply because you touch your people more. As the leader of the organization, you're in touch with your people that much more."

• 9 Things Successful People Never Do in the Morning: "Successful people never find themselves getting distracted by the television or decide to watch just one show. Instead, they dive right into the tasks they want to tackle for the day."

• 20 Secrets to Avoiding Burnout: "Go to bed an extra hour early or go to a movie. Do things you haven't had time for. Go for a run. It's about allowing yourself to focus on yourself outside of work."
• How to Help Millennials Overcome Failure: "Help them to view failure as a toll booth instead of a roadblock. With a tollbooth, a price must be paid to move forward."

5 Ways to Prepare for Your Career While in College

It's never too early to begin to think about your future career while in college and there are steps you can take to put yourself in a good position once you complete school and start the job search.

Here are five steps to take while in college to get a head start on the job hunt:

1. Work and work hard. While in college you want to be sure to work a part-time job, do excellent work, and learn as much as you can. This will provide you with a positive reference and recommendation when applying for jobs after graduation.

2. Become fluent in a second language. The world is getting small and more and more companies are going global. Being fluent in a second language provides you with an advantage over other candidates who only speak English.

3. Volunteer. Get out there and support a cause by volunteering your time. You will demonstrate initiative, learn new skills, widen your network, and add another reference for when the job search happens.

4. Travel widely. Take advantage of study-abroad opportunities whenever possible. Studying in another country provides you with experiences you'll never forget, friends you'll take with through life, and also helps you get immersed in another language.

5. Be friendly and get social. The friends you make in college often become your best friends throughout your life. Be kind, make friends, and you'll end up with a large and supportive network.

High 5 Weekly Career Transitions Roundup: 6 Ways to Conquer Self-Doubt

This is our weekly roundup of some of the best career-related articles, interviews, blogs, etc., we've read during the week. We share them so you have some great resources to prepare you for the coming week. Enjoy!

© Bellemedia | Stock Free Images & Dreamstime Stock Photos

• 6 Ways to Conquer Self-Doubt: "No matter how you may feel on a given day, believe that you are a professional with a contribution to make."


• How to Get the Most Out of Your References: "Your references can't help you if they aren't in the loop. Once you have received the green light that it is okay to use your reference you need to prep them."


• 5 tips to Accept Constructive Criticism: "Demonstrate with your words and manner that you’re sincerely open to feedback, and people will tell you what you really need to know."


• 30 Second Habits to Boost Your Career and Finances: "As soon as you pour that cup of morning joe, pinpoint your top three—and only three—most crucial to-dos for the day."


• 4 Ways to Satisfy (and Retain) Millennial Employees: "If the employee is working every weekend, it’s time for a bonus. If you really can’t afford a pay increase, look for other ways of rewarding their efforts."

High 5 Weekly Career Transitions Roundup: Battle Uncertainty

This is our weekly roundup of some of the best career-related articles, interviews, blogs, etc., we've read during the week. We share them so you have some great resources to prepare you for the coming week. Enjoy!

© Bellemedia | Stock Free Images & Dreamstime Stock Photos

• The Most Certain Ways to Battle Uncertainty: "Whether you’re starting a company and can’t see exactly what lies ahead, or you’re working for an organization where everything seems a bit shaky, we’ve rounded up some great resources that, with certainty, will help you deal with uncertainty."


• Here's What You Should Put In The Subject Line Of Work Emails : "The email subject line--a field that confuses many people--is the first thing that recipients see and therefore the most important part of an effective work email. Here are some tips for what to write."


• How to Land the Perfect Reference Letter: " Here’s how to pick the ideal references to write a glowing testament to your skills."


• The Road Traveled Alone: How Millennials Can Find Motivation In Challenging Environments: "What do you do when you need that extra, strategic support and it’s not something you can reach out and grab in your immediate environment? Try these four steps."


• How to Write the Perfect Networking Follow Up Email: "Being one of the few who consistently follow up with new contacts after a networking event will make you standout among the majority of networkers."

Are References Even Necessary in Today's Job Market?

I must admit, before I started this recent interview process I would have answered this question differently. I know many companies are very careful about what they will and will not say in a reference check, so my first inclination would have been to say that references were quickly becoming a thing of the past.

However, as I conducted research I found that many companies are still using the reference check process as a screening tool. Most recently, I found a study that was published by CareerBuilder. In this study, based on a survey of almost 2,500 hiring managers and HR professionals as well as almost 4,000 job seekers, I found some interesting statistics:

• 80% of employers said they do contact a candidate's references and 16% of them contact references before they even call the candidate for the first interview
• 69% of the hiring decision makers said they have changed their mind about a candidate based on what they learned in the reference check
• Of these wishy-washy hiring managers, 47% changed their mind in a negative way and 23% felt more favorably after talking to the candidate's references
• Almost 30% of employers reported finding a falsified reference on an application
• 15% of candidates admitted that they did not talk to their references to ask their permission or even inform them they listed them as a reference

So what have we learned from this study?

• References do matter and employers are still checking them. In fact, my references were requested to provide written answers to a series of four questions today.
• References can sway the opinion of a hiring manager both positively and negatively. Therefore, we should select "coachable" references that you can talk with regarding the upcoming reference call.
• Never lie on an application. They may not catch you right away, but there is always a chance the truth will come out at some point - and then it is too late.
• Always ask your references for permission - BEFORE you list them as a reference. Also, always give them fair warning of who might be calling and what they will be asking about.

Top Five Myths about References

Myths exist in nearly every aspect of the job search process, from creating a resume, writing a cover letter, or taking part in an interview. The same can be said about the process of choosing job references, or those who can speak about you as a professional. Read - and heed - the top five myths about references below. 

Anyone can be a reference: There are some job candidates who believe that anyone can be a reference: a friend, a neighbor, or a family member. What these candidates fail to realize is that the quality of the reference matters significantly. A reference should be able to speak directly to you as a professional, not in any other role. Ensure that the references you choose can do so.

A reference will always have positive things to say: Candidates may assume that anyone that they have worked with will give them a glowing reference. Not so. Simply working with someone doesn't mean that they will give you a positive reference. When you are reaching out to solicit references, ask that person if they can give you a positive reference. A response of 'no' doesn't necessarily mean that you were a poor worker (though it could be educational for you to find out why they cannot). Ensure that your references will be able to support your candidacy.

You should only have three references: The standard is to provide three references to speak to your work habits and ability to perform in a potential position. However, consider providing a fourth or a fifth unless specifically asked not to. Providing more than three shows confidence that you have more than three people who can speak highly about you. It also will give the potential employer options for who they want to contact.

You can't direct your references: When you contact someone to be your reference, be sure to send her a copy of the position description and to remind her of certain projects or work that you did together that will reflect positively on your candidacy. Such pre-preparation will give your references something of substance to discuss, making them more comfortable and more effective for you when contacted by a potential employer.

You don't need to tell your reference they are being references: Nothing frustrates a reference more than not being forewarned that they will be contacted by a potential employer. Everyone who you give as a reference should know beforehand that they could potentially be contacted. If you do not direct your references as to what you want them to say about you, they should - at the very least - know that they could be contacted so they are not taken by surprise.

What myths about references have you uncovered? Comment about them below!

Six Steps to a Well-Rounded References Strategy

Six Steps to a Well-Rounded References Strategy

There are books abound on how to prepare a "knock 'em dead" resume or how to interview with finesse. You are not likely, however, to find a book on creating a strategy around references at your local book retailer. A strong candidate knows the power of a solid reference and will create a strategy to make the most of these relationships. Follow the steps below to create on for yourself:

1. Choose the right references: Optimal references are people who have direct experience working with you. They can speak to your work habits, interpersonal skills, accomplishments, and team-orientation. Supervisors are ideal, as are coworkers with which you have had direct contact. The longer you have performed work for or with these individuals the better.

2. Get permission: Contact all of your references to obtain permission for you to use them as references. Briefly update them on the jobs for which you are applying.

3. Create a bank of references: Most applicants stop after obtaining three references; do not do this. Instead, obtain a "bank" of references: around six to ten people. Creating a bank will help you with the following step.

4. Match your references to the position: When you are applying for positions, scrutinize the position descriptions to determine what knowledge, skills, and abilities the organization is looking for. Based upon this information, choose references that can best speak to your qualifications for the position. For example, if the position seems more technology heavy, be sure to include a reference that has worked with you on a technology-oriented project.

5. Prep your references: If you are contacted for an interview, contact all of the references that you listed for that position to notify them that they may be contacted. Send them the name of the company as well as a copy of the position description so they know for what you are applying and answer any questions that they may have.

6. Send thank you notes: The graciousness of your references should be paid back. Send them a thank you note for agreeing to be a reference and for helping you further your career. 

Strategic Selection of References

You crafted a targeted resume that got you a job interview. The hiring manager was impressed with your skills and the company is interested in making you a job offer. Don’t let negative references stand in the way of that offer.

Employers will expect you to provide references. You don’t want to get knocked out of the running for the job opportunity by your references. One bad or even sub-par reference can determine if you get the job offer or receive a rejection letter.

Creating the Reference List
In the past, job seekers were encouraged to include “References Available Upon Request” on their resume. This is no longer necessary. However, it is expected that you will provide a reference list at the interview. When creating the reference list, be sure to include the name of the reference, your relationship (i.e. former supervisor), his/her job title, company name, company address, phone number, and e-mail address.

Double check all phone numbers, e-mail addresses, and physical addresses for accuracy. Don’t forget to include your own name and contact information. This ensures that the employer will be able to contact you if your reference list accidentally gets separated from your resume.

Deciding What Types of References to Use
There are two types of references: professional and personal (also known as character) references. Professional references include former supervisors, co-workers, subordinates, customers/clients, professors, and contacts from work-related associations or community organizations. Personal references include friends who know you well and can speak to your work ethic and character.

Deciding Who Will be on the Reference List
Typically, employers expect you to provide them with three or four professional references and one personal reference. When choosing references, stay away from political or religious affiliations unless they are relevant to the position for which you’re applying.

Think strategically when choosing your references. You should only choose references who will provide positive and relevant information about you. References should confirm and elaborate on the details of your resume as well as offer positive feedback about your skills, work ethic, job performance, education, and accomplishments.

Use Strategy When Selecting References

Today, we’ll focus on the strategy of selecting the right mix of references. For other, more general information about professional references, check out our past Daily Leap blog entries.

Professional Context

First, consider the information your references can provide about you from a professional context. What do they know of your qualifications and working style in various circumstances? For example, have they worked with you in a large organization or a small start-up environment? Is it someone you’ve worked with on multiple projects or just one significant project? Do they have years of experience working with you or just a few months? Were there special circumstances that warrant mentioning a particular reference, for example, did you work together during a particularly challenging downsizing?

Required Skills

Make sure you use a mix of references who can speak to the skills required for the type of job you’re pursuing. It is not necessary that all your references can speak to all your skills; however, you should have at least one reference who can speak to several. Include others who are familiar with your most critical skills. For example, if you’re pursuing a management position, include at least two references who can talk positively about your leadership abilities.

Roles and Timespan

Be sure to include both managers and colleagues as references and, if applicable, at least one reference who reported to you. Provide a combination of references from your current and past work history, but if much time has elapsed, select people you still maintain some level of contact with.

Interpersonal Skills

Make sure you select references that can interact well in a telephone conversation or e-mail. Although a particular reference might hold you in high regard, if he/she doesn’t communicate well, that person will not be the best reference.