Neglect This--And Lose That Job
You lost the job. Where did you go wrong? Your resume is fabulous. Your suit was impeccable. You nailed every interview question. They even asked when you could start and told you about the benefit package. But then, you got the rejection letter. WHAT?
It could well be that your references did you in--or rather, your careless handling of references. We find that often, even people who have done meticulous preparation for (almost) every aspect of the job search neglect the last part: the background check.
Handling references is an important part of capably managing the background check—BUT there is much more. Today, employers are very concerned about hiring problem employees, criminals, and others that they perceive as less than ideal candidates. Consequently, you may well be asked to complete a form that asks for extensive information about your past. Since background checks are often very thorough, make sure your preparation for them is also thorough.
[NOTE: the background check is the subject of our FREE upcoming webinar "Neglect This—and Lose That Job" See our registration page for the date: Register today.
Many candidates throw together their list of references at the last moment and make key mistakes. Here are a few ways that people shoot themselves in the foot when furnishing references:
1.Not choosing references carefully
Many submit the names of references without carefully considering what that person will say. Will your reference be really upbeat when talking about you? How articulate is your reference? A reference who thinks the world of you, but who doesn't speak well may kill your candidacy.
In an extreme case of poor choice of references, one woman listed her former boss as a reference despite their very contentious relationship that ended when this woman walked off the job without even informing her boss that she was quitting. True story!
2.Not prepping your references
Suppose you list your former boss who is a big fan. Consider that it's been a long time since you worked together. That boss has a lot of other things on his/her mind. Chances are this person will not articulately sing your praises if surprised by a phone call out of the blue.
Also, remember that bosses often pay a lot less attention to those people who are doing a good job. When was the last time anyone sought out the maintenance man to praise him for how clean the office always is, the perfect temperature he maintains, and the reliability of the lighting and plumbing?
You may need to remind the boss about your accomplishments. Type up some bullet points to refresh his/her memory. Be sure to let the boss know what job you are applying for and what aspects you would like emphasized when contacted.
3.Not verifying contact information
How old is that phone number? Are you sure that the boss still uses that email address? You Don't want the background checker to call a disconnected phone number. Nor do you want the background checkers to be told, "Sorry but Ms. Jones doesn't work here anymore." Find out what is the best method and times to contact the boss—and let the background checkers know.
Be sure to put as much thought into the background check as you've done in the rest of your campaign. To find out how, register now for our FREE webinar while there's still space.
It could well be that your references did you in--or rather, your careless handling of references. We find that often, even people who have done meticulous preparation for (almost) every aspect of the job search neglect the last part: the background check.
Handling references is an important part of capably managing the background check—BUT there is much more. Today, employers are very concerned about hiring problem employees, criminals, and others that they perceive as less than ideal candidates. Consequently, you may well be asked to complete a form that asks for extensive information about your past. Since background checks are often very thorough, make sure your preparation for them is also thorough.
[NOTE: the background check is the subject of our FREE upcoming webinar "Neglect This—and Lose That Job" See our registration page for the date: Register today.
Many candidates throw together their list of references at the last moment and make key mistakes. Here are a few ways that people shoot themselves in the foot when furnishing references:
1.Not choosing references carefully
Many submit the names of references without carefully considering what that person will say. Will your reference be really upbeat when talking about you? How articulate is your reference? A reference who thinks the world of you, but who doesn't speak well may kill your candidacy.
In an extreme case of poor choice of references, one woman listed her former boss as a reference despite their very contentious relationship that ended when this woman walked off the job without even informing her boss that she was quitting. True story!
2.Not prepping your references
Suppose you list your former boss who is a big fan. Consider that it's been a long time since you worked together. That boss has a lot of other things on his/her mind. Chances are this person will not articulately sing your praises if surprised by a phone call out of the blue.
Also, remember that bosses often pay a lot less attention to those people who are doing a good job. When was the last time anyone sought out the maintenance man to praise him for how clean the office always is, the perfect temperature he maintains, and the reliability of the lighting and plumbing?
You may need to remind the boss about your accomplishments. Type up some bullet points to refresh his/her memory. Be sure to let the boss know what job you are applying for and what aspects you would like emphasized when contacted.
3.Not verifying contact information
How old is that phone number? Are you sure that the boss still uses that email address? You Don't want the background checker to call a disconnected phone number. Nor do you want the background checkers to be told, "Sorry but Ms. Jones doesn't work here anymore." Find out what is the best method and times to contact the boss—and let the background checkers know.
Be sure to put as much thought into the background check as you've done in the rest of your campaign. To find out how, register now for our FREE webinar while there's still space.
Oct 2, 2013 by
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