I just received an amazing job offer to run errands and care for a cancer patient's dog for $350 a week while they recover from surgery since I have around 12 years experience for caring for animals, the problem is they want my resume, which normally wouldn't be one but all my experience with those animals I owned. I've had iguanas, birds, rabbits, chickens, cats, dogs, mice, fish, and once a boa constrictor 7 feet long, it's great experience but since they were all my own animals I don't have any references to give so now I'm worried since I really need the job but I feel I'm already screwed. Any help from someone who's done this before?

One thing I recommend is to put all job and work related facts down in a Windows 'Notepad', 'Wordpad' or Microsoft Word file ('.doc', or '.docx') and save this file on your computer, a portable Flash drive (Thumb drive) and upload it to a Google Docs account or similar [private] online storage location.

** Make sure to include past physical addresses (where you lived) and the 'Move-in', 'Move-out' dates. ** List your past employers and remember to specify '[Employer name] (direct hire)', '[Employer name] (Temporary contractor)' or '[Employer name] 1099 contractor' because these characterize the nature of the professional relationship. ** Create a list of professional references, including the dates known 'From' and 'To' (or Present, if still known), e-mail them and ASK permission to mention each one as a Professional reference and KEEP TRACK of the Date you e-mailed them and the date they replied. As your Professional reference "age" try and update the contact information and keep the lines of communication open. If they change companies, you will need to know this fact. ** ASK for previous managers, supervisors and associates (same level co-workers) to provide a 'Recommendation' paragraph or two for you IF they are on the LinkedIn.com social networking platform. ** If you do not have a presence on LinkedIn.com, get one now! The basic level of account if FREE!

A shortened version of these 'Lists' should be kept on your Smartphone's 'Memo' App because not all employers will allow candidates to plug-in a Thumb drive or access online Docs while completing an application. In the case of limited use of previously prepared files, candidates may be able to 'Open' a file on their Smartphone and use the list(s) to insure multiple employers get the 'Same picture' of you over time. I believe it is harmful to a candidate's chances if they apply for a job in January with one set of facts, and then re-apply in August or September with a different set of facts; this serves to characterize the candidate's ability to pay attention to details and recall facts.

All this will give you access to these facts at a moment's notice and allow you to Cut & Paste them into any online application or separate resume required as part of a job application. It is time to begin learning how to 'Outsmart, outwit and outplay' your employment competition! Having quick and easy access to all of your Professional background details will literally save dozens of steps and HUNDREDS of hours in the employment candidacy process!

I am beyond angry again. I was offered an interview for a great position. I received an email today stating they had to rescind the offer for interview because she contacted one of my employers and they did not give me a positive review. I know one of my employers will not give me a positive review because I left the position with very little notice and she was a horrible boss to work for. This is why I have references to contact. When did potential employers start contacting your past employers without your consent .interview was all lined up for tomorrow. then she sends me an email rescinding the offer. I wish I knew who it was because isn't it against the law to give a bad review unless you really did something bad and honestly, I didn't do anything wrong when I worked there. but I did not give her notice when I left cuz she was a horrible boss, that's why I left for a new job,

I had a weird one today. I was told i was the only one being considered for a position. The interview seemed to go very well. The HR manager said he'd be putting together an offer package and sending it over by weeks end. Instead what I get today is an email saying "we've decided to open it up to other applicants. You're qualified, but I dont have any positive feedback for reasons they chose this." The problem comes in where my ex significant other is the president of the company I was just terminated from. I was fired for a very bogus reason..the real reason is our personal relationship ended with animosity on her part. NY is an at will state, so there's nothing i can say. Or is there?

Get resources and use them! Depends on the policy you actually broke. When interviewing someone they can't ask rite aid anything but yes or no questions. So they will ask if your rehireable. And just be honest about it and maybe them love you and trust you. Or don't use rite aid as reference or experience. It sucks if it's alot of retail experience. Never fear Christmas season is near! Retail needs that holiday cheer! Good luck. Keep smiling. You'll find the perfect job.

I live in California and employers 9-10 times will not give any kind of reference. Due to lawsuits they will confirm dates of employment, pay rate and position. I have found a way around this by exchanging letters with coworkers when you leave. You write them one and they do one for you. Often they have you write one for them to sign. This way it is a character reference as well.

My husband and I moved to an extremely rural area when he got promoted and an area that was farm land and a truck stop. One year turned into four and while my career has been in business administration and general accounting I’m having an extremely hard time angling myself as an attractive candidate with this much time out of my field. In addition, some of my references are no longer with their perspective companies. Any advice?

Any suggestions on how to handle Having only one absolutely positive professional reference? I had difficulties in my last two jobs and even though one of my supervisors said she will do her best to accentuate my strengths she obviously cannot lie. The second job I wouldn't even ask for a reference from. I have tried to be proactive by talking to job interviewers and giving the "what I have learned from my mistakes and what I would do differently" strategy but this makes me incredibly worried and I cannot help but feel I will not be able to get a job because of this. Thoughts, suggestions, or input of any kind woukd be appreciated!

Resume tips - Picking Good References

There are many things to consider when looking for a job. Your application, resume, and cover letter are all created by you. But what about references? These can be the deciding factor in a job offer. This article covers how to choose the best references.

Reference lists should be separate from resumes.

Employers typically require applicants to provide references before making hiring decisions. This can be challenging, especially if you are limited to professional references only. Job seekers who are employed might be unable to get a reference from anyone who currently works with them. Also, some companies will provide only a neutral reference verifying position and dates of employment. This policy prevents former employers from being sued for giving negative references.

Picking the Right People

Choosing good references can sometimes be a challenge, and it may take a little planning to find the best match. Depending on where you are in your career and how many jobs you've held, think about past professions and education referrals. Then, ask yourself these questions:

Does the person think highly of your professional, volunteer, or academic work?

Can the person speak to your strengths and how they relate to the position?

Can the person speak and write in a professional manner?

Common References

Once you've narrowed your options, make a list of 3 or 4 people who will likely give you a glowing recommendation. Make sure you have the correct contact information for the people you choose. You will need each person's name, title, address, email, and phone number.

These are a few of the professional references people use most often:

Supervisors

This can be from a past internship, job, or volunteer position. A good reference from your current or former boss is one of the best ways to demonstrate your capabilities to future employers. However, it is okay to exclude former supervisors from your reference list, especially if you left on bad terms. In such instances, think of another person who supervised your work on a project and ask that person if you can list him as a reference.

The best time to ask your supervisors for a reference is during your employment, although you can also ask for a job reference when you tender your resignation. When you ask for a job reference during your employment, tell your supervisor that you like to maintain a list of colleagues and professional acquaintances who will attest to your professional capabilities. If you ask at the same time you tender your resignation, be sure your request accompanies an appropriately timed resignation and that you're leaving on good terms.

Colleague/Co-worker

People with whom you work directly are excellent references; however, some recruiters and hiring managers may see them as simply friends who are doing you a favor by providing a glowing job reference. Carefully select the colleagues you ask to provide you with a job reference. Ask colleagues at a higher level than your peers, so that your prospective employer can trust that your job reference is speaking from a position of authority.

Business acquaintances such as vendors or customers are also acceptable references.

Professor/Instructor

Teachers can be great references if you had a close relationship with them. Recent graduates and other applicants looking for their first job can list former teachers as references. Teachers can offer employers insight into your learning ability, work ethic and communication skills. Mentors also can offer employers insight into your career goals and desire to succeed. Employees of a company that you interned for also make good references, especially for first-time job seekers.

Clients

Before asking clients of your current employer whether they will provide a job reference for you, consult your company's policies concerning staff-client interaction. You don't want to violate the company policy concerning a job reference. It could result in requiring a reference sooner than planned if you lose your job over the indiscretion. Ask the client for permission to list her as as a job reference and, if necessary, remind the client about the project you worked on or the extent of your interaction with the client or her organization. If the client is a large organization, ask someone most familiar with your work so they can give meaningful comments about your professional qualifications.

Personal References

Most employers do not ask for personal references because they are not as objective as professional references and therefore do not carry the same weight, according to Hcareers.com. However, they may be acceptable for first-time job seekers. Since family members, friends and significant others will have a biased opinion, include a neighbor, landlord or fellow volunteer with whom you have done charity work.

Group Members

If you are part of a team or group, you might want to use a fellow member with whom you have a good relationship. For instance, if you are in a church or other religious group, on the HOA (Home Owners Association) board for your condominium or a member of the PTA, other members can vouch for your leadership skills, creativity, willingness to help and ability to follow through on tasks.

Assortment

Since employers typically require at least three references, include an assortment of individuals. These may include a former manager, colleague, subordinate or member of another department. Always get permission from your references before giving their contact information to potential employers. Also, verify their work addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses.

Updates

Continually update your list of reference and rotate names if you have enough people who can provide substantive and valuable information about your skills and qualifications. Also, update your professional references on your recent accomplishments so they have current knowledge of your skills. When you know that one of your professional references has provided information to a prospective employer, drop him or her a thank-you note to let him or her know the outcome of your job search, particularly if you receive an offer as a result of the reference he or she provided.

How you tell your employer the reason you got fired from the past jobs?