How to Deal With Questionable References

So you have made your way through three grueling rounds of interviews, built a fabulous rapport with management and the last thing standing between you and your dream job are the reference checks.  This job is in the bag, right?

It is true that the only thing that hurt more than bad references are the good ones that turn out to be poor.

Do you know exactly what your references will say?

How to Select References

The references you select should be familiar with your achievements, skills and capabilities, and have no hesitation in making strong statements in your favor.  What your references actually may say is important, however, the enthusiasm and conviction they project is just as critical.  Make sure you pick people who present well, and let them know that you have high regard for their opinions, which is why you want to use them.  This will make them want to do their very best for you.

Remember, the references will likely only know a part of your background – feel free to provide them a resume so they can see your other accolades, especially if it has been a few years since you have worked with them.  Take this opportunity to address any concerns that you feel the prospective employer needs alleviated, like your shyness, which does not equivocate to a lack of ability.  After speaking with your reference, it never hurts to send a brief note showing your appreciation and summarizing a few positive things that they can say about you, or prepare them a list of questions that employers might ask and suggest answers for them.

Dealing With the Negative References

Employers have interviewed many people before you, and they will know if you are trying to cover something up.  If you know that the prospective employer is likely to ask you for that reference, be prepared - you will need to address any possible negative references in the interview in complete honesty, and supply an appropriate reason as to why this reference may come back negatively.  Do not be over concerned – often times what ended in a blow out five months ago for reasons no longer remembered by the employer are laughed about in hindsight.  Sometimes they are not.  Be prepared to furnish enough good references to offset this one bad one.

If the interviewer asks to speak with this individual, be sure never to imply negative thoughts, feelings or workplace performance of that individual - always take the high road.  If you are doubtful as to what this reference may say about you, you might enlist the services of a friend to call and do a reference check.  You may find that your concerns are unwarranted, and that your previous employer really thinks highly after realizing how good you were when they are now faced with your underachieving replacement!

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