There are so many factors when you are job searching. Resumes, interviews, second interviews, follow ups, feedback and more. It’s easy to forget about your references. When it comes to searching for a new job you need to be prepared. This is your short guide on having references!

When you begin job searching you never know where it will take you. It could be weeks or months before you get to the offer stage. With that being said, you want to make sure you are ready for anything.

Employers will typically ask for two references. One of the references should be your direct manager from your most recent job. If you are able to get two strong manager references it is all the more better. Now, it’s not always possible to have two manager references, this is where a colleague or an indirect manager will suffice. Most employers will not ask you for references from your current employer as it can make for a sticky situation. Make sure your references are from your direct last job. If your current job was the one you got fresh out of school try getting a professor reference. 

Now that we know which two references we should have the next is getting back in touch with them. The worst thing you can do is list two references down of people you haven’t spoken to in a while. Give them a call, engage in small talk and find out what they have been up too for the last little while. Then ask their permission if you can use them as a a reference. Explain why you are in the market and what jobs you’re going for. If they agree then let them know they may expect a call from perspective employers. 

Lastly, you want to thank them. Your references play a part in gaining a new opportunity. They are vouching for you. Give them a call and update them on getting the job – genuinely thank them. Even the references that don’t get called, thank them as well. This way you maintain your relationship with your references. You never know when you may need them again.

Be prepared with two references, get back in touch, brief them and always thank them. This was your short guide on having references!

By now we know that job searching is a lengthy and time consuming process. You need to stay dedicated and consistent in order to land yourself a new opportunity. Instead of using the same tips and tricks of every other candidate use these job searching hacks!

1. Create a simple formatted resume. These days resumes are new, creative and fun. While there is nothing wrong with those resumes, sometimes its nice to see a resume that is easy on the eyes. Let your summary and your experience do the talking. 
2. Schedule a time on your calendar to search and apply for jobs. Whether you are working or not if you schedule a time on your calendar and commit to it daily you are one step closer to receiving a call back.
3. Create a summary introduction for yourself. When you are invited to do a phone or in person interview one of the first few questions will be to introduce yourself. Be prepared and create an introduction that comprises your experience, education and interests in four lines or less. 
4. Interview yourself. Take the time to write interview questions, ask yourself and respond to them. Do it in front of a mirror by yourself – get a sense of how you would answer the questions and then tweak it as best you can. 
5. Always engage in small talk. When you arrive at the location of your interview, be personable. Speak with the receptionist, ask them how their day is going. When your interviewer comes and gets you do the same thing. Try to discuss common things that are present in the news, sports, or lifestyle. You want to seem relatable.
6. Send a more personal ‘thank you’ email. You should always send a ‘thank you’ email to your interviewer. Often times we have a general template that we send out with our appreciation. Instead of doing that, draw some highlights from your interview and include them in the ‘thank you’ note. Chances are this will be a refreshing change for the interviewer and will make you stand out.

Job searching is tough, it’s a winding road with different stops along the way. These job searching hacks will help you to not only be more prepared but different. Why do what everyone else is doing? The only way to get ahead is to do the things that everyone else isn’t doing.