I don't get along with my boss ... who should I list as a reference?

I was asked this very question a couple of months ago by a very distressed client who felt he was going to be fired soon. This client had no clue who to list as a reference for his current job and was very worried. While situations very from person to person, here were the suggestions I offered to my client (who, by the way, landed a job within 3 weeks of our session):

1. Ask a former boss. This client had been in his current position about 11 years, and he was on his second boss. He got along very well with his first boss, so I suggested he list this person. (For those of you who have had only one boss in your job, then a suggestion would be to list a previous boss from another job.)
2. Ask a coworker. My client had several coworkers who he felt would provide positive references.
3. Ask a colleague in the organization. My client worked with colleagues in other departments, so he chose one who he felt would speak well of his talents.

The above were the three suggestions I provided to my client, but here are some other options to consider:

1. Ask a professional colleague in the community. This is another great source for a reference, if you are involved with community organizations, volunteer groups, etc.
2. If you've been a supervisor, ask one of your subordinates. This may be especially beneficial if you will be supervising a lot of people in your new position.
3. If you're a recent grad, ask a professor.

Remember, if you don't get along with your boss, you are not alone. Hopefully, some of the above suggestions will give you ideas on who to ask to be a reference.

Should I list references on my resume? Three Reasons Why You Should Wait

As I've reviewed resumes throughout the years, I've noticed many include their references on their resumes. But, unless the job posting specifically asks you to list references, here are three important reasons why you should wait:

1. If you are applying for different types of positions (or in different industries), it's best to tailor your references for the type of position for which you are applying. For example, if the job you're applying for requires grant writing, and you wrote a lot of grants in a former position, then it would be important to include a reference who can testify to your grant writing skills.
2. It's important to give your references a heads up so they are not caught off guard, but if you list your references on your resume, you risk the chance of your references being called without you knowing it (or them being prepared).
3. It's also important to tell your references a little bit about the position. Decide what past skills/experiences you feel would be applicable to the new position and coach your references on what skills/experiences you would like them to focus on.

Timing is key when it comes to providing references. Wait until the potential employer asks for them. It will give you more control and will hopefully result in a stronger reference.

References vs. Recommendation Letters

Occasionally, I'm asked, "What is the difference between a reference and a recommendation letter?"

A reference is the name of an individual you provide to a potential employer, and the employer will contact this individual to find out more about your skills and experience if they are considering hiring you.

A recommendation letter is a letter written on your behalf by a former supervisor, business associate, professor, etc. The letter addresses your character, skills, and experience and is not addressed to any specific person or company; therefore, the salutation is generic, such as, To Whom It May Concern. 

Hint: Excerpts from recommendation letters can be placed in cover letters and resumes, and can be a strategic way to set you apart from other candidates.

Should I include recommendation letters with my resume?

I get asked this question often, and unless the job posting specifically requests you to include recommendation letters, then do not submit them.

"So, what should I do with my letters of recommendation?" you might ask. Here are a couple strategies:

1. Include excerpts from your recommendation letters in your resume or cover letter.

For example, "I frequently go above and beyond the call of duty as noted in the following excerpt from a letter of recommendation: Sally often stays late helping others to ensure that our customers' needs are met."

2. Include copies of your recommendation letters in a portfolio.

Bring the portfolio along with you to an interview and include other pieces such as certificates, copy of resume, and perhaps a graph which shows your ability to boosts profits. The key with portfolios, is to present the information at an appropriate time during your interview.

A letter of recommendation can be a great tool in the job search process, and through the testimonial of others, provides another way to set yourself apart from the competition.

Should I include references when applying?

Occasionally, I am asked by someone if he/she should include a list of references when applying for a position. My answer is to always follow the directions of the job posting. If the posting asks for references, then include them on a separate page.

To create a reference page use the same header that you used on your resume. (Likewise, use the same header for your cover letter.) This way, your application materials will portray a professional image that is uniform and consistent. Each reference page should include reference name, how you know this person (for example, "Former Supervisor"), address, phone number and email. Typically, I center all of the text and put several spaces between each reference.

Of course, always ask permission from each reference and don't forget to inform them when they could be expecting a call.

References: Who to Ask

When you're thinking about who you should ask to be a reference, think about the person's communication style. A well-spoken individual who can articulate well, will provide a better reference than someone who is not as articulate.

References: How Many Do I Need?

I'm often asked, "How many references do I need?" Typically, three references are sufficient unless the job posting specifies differently. It's important to contact your references before you interview so they are not caught off guard. Also, when you contact your references tell them a little bit about the position for which you are interviewing and how you feel your skills could benefit the company. This may result in a stronger recommendation from your reference. Try to vary your references. If possible, do not include all of them from the same job. Also, don't list a reference too far back in you employment history, unless your reference is well known or you made a significant contribution to the company.