Question

After reading "Identifying People to Provide References" (p. 149) of P.O.W.E.R. Learning and Your Life, identify how you will go about finding references you may need for job seeking? How does developing a network help you maintain contact with these people?

Answer 1

• What others say about you is often far more important than what you say about yourself. And that’s especially true for job seekers.
• You're only going to say good things about yourself, and personal references are only going to offer positive remarks, but professional references are more detached and will be more candid, loose-lipped, and revealing.
• They’re a chance for the employer to get a clear picture of who you are–so anyone would want to make sure their references paint a pretty picture.
• Supervisors, former colleagues, or professors can be great references, whereas, friends and family typically don’t provide references that are quite as impactful. The best people are those who have real knowledge of how your skills and capabilities will fit the potential opportunity.
• In order to get a good reference,I would ensure that the referrer has a good reputation, or a position that projects a strong reputation in the mind of the potential employer.
• In selecting my reference,I would consider the credibility of the employer as well as how unbiased they are in giving their reviews about my work performance.
• References don't necessarily have to be someone you worked under. You can also ask co-workers who you have a good relationship with to act as one of your references. You could also use a friend as a reference if they can attest to your qualifications for the job.
• Also selecting the right reference is important,by matching the reference to the job one is applying for.Selecting references which can provide the most compelling evidence that you have the assets to excel in the job you're applying for is important.
• Let your references know each and every time you give out their contact information.Also keep your positive references informed of your career and educational progress.They will be more inclined to see you in a stronger light as you progress.
• Also talking with your reference is important and keeping them in the loop,in order to know what they will say about you beforehand.
• Having a discussion with your references is important to maintain contact with them and also reviewing your past responsibilities, and reminding the reference of tangible successes you achieved with them and the company.
  
• If you win the new position, call or e-mail the reference, and thank them again for their support. Provide them with your new contact information, and make an effort to maintain communication.
• Networking is definitely important to maintain contacts with your references by acknowleding their efforts in helping you get the job you applied for. Staying in touch,sending greeting cards on festivals and developing quality professional relationships can go a long way in one's career.
• Having long lasting relationships with your references makes a strong positive image of oneself in the industry,that one values relationships and helps and not forget people once your motive is solved. It will also help to market oneself and one's company in he future as well.