Choosing quality job references should be at the top of your priority list, especially if you have a short work history.
A professional reference is a person who can vouch for you in the workplace. They should be able to genuinely recommend you for the position.
A positive reference from a co-worker, former boss, or current employer could be the key to securing a new job.
Here are 3 types of references…
Work-related references, work-related references are commonly used to support job applications. These are people you've worked closely with, such as a co-worker or employer.
Character references, a character reference is someone that can speak positively about your personality, qualities, and any experience they are aware of. A character reference could be a friend, community leader, coach, minister, or supervisor. You should never ask a family member to act as a reference.
School or training references, a professor or teacher with experience in the industry will be able to give a rundown of your performance during training or course studies.
Learn how to connect with powerful references that will help you get HIRED at Job References and CONNECTIONS that Matter!
Connecting to build your professional network is a key part of the #jobsearch process. If you have a trusted friend or colleague that works at a company you'd like to join, you have a HUGE advantage. Someone vouching for you should at least get you an interview...
So how do you start? Focus on the right people! The first step you’ll want to take is looking at your inner circle. Odds are you’ve already made some valuable connections throughout your career that you may not have considered. These could be former colleagues, schoolmates, or even your friends and family. Identify who in your existing network you want to stay connected with. Discover all 10 tips here.
Did you know you can connect with people here at Jobcase? Simply go to the profile of the person you want to connect with, and click “connect.” This is a great way to keep track of the amazing people you encounter on Jobcase! #connections #BuildYourNetwork
Most job seekers feel stuck at the first step of their job search: writing a resume. Jobcase made it easy for you to simply update your profile and it automatically generates an instant resume that’s professionally formatted in PDF and online link that you can access it anytime anywhere.
Here’s more benefits and tips on how to take advantage of instant resume on Jobcase. I love how that includes so many personal touches to highlight your strengths such as soft skills and traits. No more googling words to describe a hard worker (laugh emoji)!
Check out our other features to improve your resume:
- @Michael Frash just shared about our newest feature to share your resume
- @Janice Reed just shared this awesome tool to {improve your current resume}(https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/4829c170-95a3-462d-87d9-97ea13249108)
We all know having good references is critical to your job application. But how do you decide who is more relevant and convincing to make the case for you? I found this guide about choosing a reference that can make or break your job application really helpful with the thought process.
How to choose your professional references:
- ✅Determine the type of role you're looking for For example, you may be looking for a job in retail, and your reference could comment on your teamwork, customer service, integrity, and cash handling skills.
- 🤝Consider individuals you may know at the company Don’t be afraid to use your connections. If you know people who work at the company, ask them whether they’ll vouch for you.
- 🎯Identify connections between your network and someone who works at the company If there is a company you have your eye on, ask your network whether they know anyone who works there. Building connections can be beneficial. Getting a job comes down to “who you know.”
- 🤔Consider the length of your relationship with the individual Recommending a candidate is a big responsibility. You should consider how long you've known the person you want to put forth as a reference and the type of relationship you have.
- 👂Consider what they might say about you A professional reference may look impressive on your resume, but what will they say about you? The goal is to have positive feedback, but you shouldn’t assume they'll give you high praise. Before you apply for your next job, let your reference know they might receive a phone call. You can ask them how they would feel about recommending you.
Do you have a list of references that you can use for your job applications? If you want to expand on your list, try making more connections here at the community. You can use the advanced search function in our People Search to connect with members who work with the companies you want to apply to.
Having connections in your work-life gives you access to a network of individuals that are going to significantly boost your hiring potential when you're looking for a new job.
Jobcase now offers a very simple and fast way for you to connect with others here in our community and beyond!
Check out these quick techniques you can start using right now to help you find connections with the right people who are going to help get you HIRED!
Start with people you already know, click the “add your personal contacts” button here to quickly find and connect with your friends, co-workers and existing career network.
Connect with people who interest you, if you find yourself scrolling through the community and you see someone that is really inspiring or interesting, go ahead and click on their name. This will take you right to their profile so you can read more about them. If you still like what you see click the “Connect” button under their name.
Search for someone, let’s say you remember seeing someone’s post or a comment they made and you forgot to connect, but you remember their name. No problem! Simply search for them here.
Learn more about Connections and Network building at How to add your connections on Jobcase
Building connections is a key strategy for job search. It doesn’t necessarily guarantee you a new job. But it definitely help deepen your knowledge and navigate your interests especially if you’re considering switching your career. Here are 10 effective ways to expand your network.
I’d also like to share some of my connection tips:
- Don’t ask for help, ask for advice.
- Always follow up after making a connection.
- Make it into a habit. Carve out specific times of the week that you’ll reach out to new ppl.
- You can expand your network here on Jobcase by commenting, following and making connections with other members!
How do you usually build connections? What is a good trick that you’d share?
I have always been concerned about stepping out of my comfort zone and finally doing something I love however, you have to start somewhere....how can I convince companies to hire me? They always say someone will take chance on you and that waiting is the hardest part. Working from home has been my dream and now I'm stepping up and applying for the jobs that i already have some experience in plus Ioved doing it. #interview #workfromhome #connections
Now more than ever as we head back into the world this is THE best time to reach out to friends, acquaintances, old co-workers, managers and those you know!
Why?
Well because according to CNBC, 80% of jobs are filled through personal and professional connections!!
As it turns out you never know who can help you land that next opportunity. Start by reaching out with a simple hello, no agenda needed and see where the conversation takes you.
Learn more about how to revive those old connections!
#Connections #LetsConnect #TipOfTheWeek #hello #jobsearch #motivation
If you attended a job fair or had an interview within the last 1-3 days it's time to follow up!
Doing so lets the employer know you are serious, reminds them of who you are (they met a lot of people), your qualifications, and keeps the hiring process moving along.
So let’s take a look at how following up works:
- When
Send your follow-up at least 1-3 business days after the event.
- Who
Don't just reach out to anyone, makes sure it's the right person! Whether you jotted down the employer’s email address in a notebook, found it on the website, or have a business card it's important to directly contact the person you spoke to or the hiring manager. By sending it to an individual (and make sure to address it to them) you will avoid your follow-up being lost in the shuffle.
- How
You can follow up with a call, email, or thank you card. Email is typically suggested as it’s instant and will give you the proper amount of time to gather your thoughts. However, there is also something wonderfully personal about receiving a handwritten note if you can send it quickly and have one on hand!
- What
Make sure it’s personal. Remember that employers have likely met and spoken to MANY candidates so it’s unlikely they will automatically remember you right off the bat. If you had a good conversation during the interview, make note of something you discussed and mention it in your follow-up.
Perhaps you both went to a certain college or own black labs. It’s all about forging #connections! Be sure to explain how excited you would be to work for them. Mention the main reasons why you would be the right person for the job by emphasizing your strengths and capabilities while demonstrating that you are a great fit. Keep it short and straight to the point.
A follow-up is a great way to include those final things you may have neglected to mention at the job fair so make sure not to forget to take the time to do so.
Do you usually follow-up after an interview or job fair?
Meeting new people at a hiring event or interview can be AWKWARD and uncomfortable, but it doesn't need to be!
Instead of just staying silent during your next job fair or interview during your first encounter SPEAK UP and let your voice be heard.
By building a rapport with the employers before getting into the nitty-gritty details of the job it can give you a major competitive edge over other candidates!
Plus it will feel more like a friendly conversation which can certainly help calm those nerves and build greater #connections. You can also use this information later on when following up.
Try these conversation starters out during your next job fair, interview or networking event!
It's a pleasure to meet you. How was your weekend (or how has your week been)? This demonstrates to the interviewer that you're confident, proactive, and friendly. Make sure to smile!
What was the most pleasantly surprising thing about working at (Company name) you learned once you were on the job? It's a good idea to keep the conversation focused on the employer and their positive experiences with working at the company.
What's the most memorable thing that has happened to you since joining the company? This will show you are a positive person and care about others as well as help you feel out what the culture is like.
I read a really great article this morning on the way over here today. Discuss it a little if it connects to the company and if the employer seems interested, continue, if not gracefully move on.
What's one of the most interesting projects or opportunities that you've worked on? Employers will LOVE the chance to reflect and respond on what it is they’ve worked on or are currently working on. This will also provide further insight into what they are doing now in the company, as well as give them a chance to talk about their own accomplishments. You can chime in and make that connection as well if something they say resonates!
What is it about (company name) that you love the most? This will tell you what the employer cares about but also what makes the company special.
Remember to keep bringing it back to the interviewer/company and your interest in it!
You've got this!!