November 18, 2022 |
References are a critical component of any resume. Even if you have substantial work experience and all the skills required to qualify for a job, your references can help you seal the deal and get hired.
However, references are even more essential if you have little or no work experience and are applying for your first job. Employers will rely heavily on your references to determine whether you are the right fit for the position.
Of course, finding references may seem impossible if you’re applying for your first job. After all, if you don’t have any work experience, you can’t rely on old employers and co-workers for references. Fortunately, there are other types of references that you can use – namely character references.
Character references are people who can speak to your work ethic and soft skills, even if they don’t have a professional relationship with you.
For example, a character reference could be a teacher, coach, mentor, or someone else who has seen you in a work-like setting. They can attest to your character and vouch for your reliability and competence, despite not having a direct professional relationship with you.
The following are just a few ways that a character reference can help strengthen your resume:
If you’re a recent graduate, character references, such as teachers and professors, can speak about your academic performance. For example, they can explain that you always completed your assignments on time and worked hard to get good grades, thereby demonstrating to potential employers that you’re responsible and have a strong work ethic.
Not to mention, if you excelled in a class that’s relevant to the position, your professor’s reference can have an even bigger impact on your ability to get the job.
Your character references can speak to your competencies and abilities, even if those skills are not directly related to the job you’re applying for. For example, if you have a character reference who can attest to your strong communication skills, this could be helpful for almost any job. The same is true for other abilities, such as organizational skills, time management, and teamwork.
Your character references can also vouch for your personal values, which can be helpful in any industry. For example, if you have a reference who can speak to your honesty and integrity, this could be helpful no matter what job you’re applying for. After all, employers look for candidates that fit in with the ethos and culture of the company.
Your teachers and professors can be excellent character references if you’re still in school or have recently graduated. Teachers and professors have firsthand insight into your grades and academic achievements in school.
Not to mention, they can also attest to your work ethic and ability to follow rules. Furthermore, if you excelled in their class or received high marks, this could be relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Your coaches and advisors can also be excellent character references. They can speak to your work ethic, values, and abilities. For example, if you’re applying for a job that requires teamwork, your coach can attest to your ability to work well with others. Likewise, if you’re applying for a job that requires leadership, your advisor can speak to your leadership skills.
Guidance counselors can provide a more holistic view of your abilities and talents. For example, they can speak to your academic achievements, as well as your extracurricular activities.
Furthermore, they can attest to your values and how they align with the job you’re applying for. All of this can give your potential employer a well-rounded view of who you are as a person and how you would potentially fit in with their company.
If you have a professional mentor, they can provide excellent insight into your general eagerness to learn about your profession. They can speak to your work ethic and your ability to take feedback. As a result, professional mentors can give your potential employer confidence that you’re the right candidate for the job.
If you completed an internship, you can ask your supervisors to attest to your work ethic and your ability to learn and grow within a professional setting. In addition, they can speak to your dedication to your chosen field and your ability to take initiative. A reference like this can give your potential employer confidence that you will be able to succeed in the job you’re applying for.
If you have volunteer experience, your supervisors can attest to your work ethic and your ability to work with others. They can also speak on behalf of your interest in the work you performed, especially if it’s relevant to the position you’re applying for. Even if the work isn’t relevant to your chosen field, they can talk about your drive to succeed despite that.
It’s also worth noting that volunteering is great to include on your resume as it shows that you’re dedicated to making a difference in your community. Having a volunteer supervisor as a character reference will strengthen your application, especially regarding your potential fit in a company that may require teamwork.
If you did any part-time or freelance work, then you could have one of your clients serve as a character reference. They can speak to the quality of your work and your ability to meet deadlines.
Furthermore, they can attest to your dedication and willingness to go above and beyond for your clients. This type of reference can be especially helpful if you’re applying for a job that requires customer service or client interaction.
Although it might be more effective if you get character references from people in positions of seniority, your past classmates can also be valuable character references. If you have worked closely with them in the past, they can attest to your work ethic, values, and abilities.
For example, if you’re applying for a job that requires teamwork, then your classmates can attest to your ability to work well with others. Likewise, if you’re applying for a job that requires leadership, your past classmates can speak to your leadership skills.
Community leaders, such as public officials or religious leaders, can provide excellent insight into your participation as a member of the community. In addition, being an active community member can relate to several qualities valued in the workforce, such as teamwork, dedication, and leadership.
If you have a strong relationship with a community leader, then they can attest
Knowing who to use as a reference is vital to your job search, but it’s also essential to know who to avoid as a reference. Certain people can actually negatively affect your chances of getting the job, so it’s best to avoid using them altogether.
For instance, you should never use someone who you don’t get along with. Even if you showcased your positive qualities in your interactions with them, you’re taking a risk that they could say something negative about you, particularly if they don’t like you.
Additionally, you should never use someone as a reference if they don’t know you well enough to speak to your qualities and professionalism. For example, if you only interacted with a supervisor a few times when doing volunteer work, they may not even remember you, much less be able to provide an honest opinion of your character.
to your character and provide a well-rounded view of who you are as a person. Employers value this information as they want to better understand who you are as a candidate.
While your friends and family can speak to your character, it’s generally not a good idea to use them as references for a job. Friends and family are more likely to speak highly of you regardless of your qualifications, and potential employers can see through this.
However, this doesn’t mean you should never use them as character references. For instance, if you did part-time work for a family member or collaborated closely with a friend on a volunteer project, then it may be appropriate to ask them to serve as a reference. Just be sure that they can attest to your work ethic and abilities in a professional capacity.
Knowing who to use as a reference is vital to your job search, but it’s also essential to know who to avoid as a reference. Certain people can actually negatively affect your chances of getting the job, so it’s best to avoid using them altogether.
For instance, you should never use someone who you don’t get along with. Even if you showcased your positive qualities in your interactions with them, you’re taking a risk that they could say something negative about you, particularly if they don’t like you.
Additionally, you should never use someone as a reference if they don’t know you well enough to speak to your qualities and professionalism. For example, if you only interacted with a supervisor a few times when doing volunteer work, they may not even remember you, much less be able to provide an honest opinion of your character.
You should always ask someone to be a reference before listing them on your resume or application. This way, you can gauge their willingness to serve as a reference and give them a heads-up that you’ll be putting their name down. Not to mention, they may not appreciate being contacted by a hiring manager without any warning.
When contacting your potential references, keep the conversation brief and to the point. For example, you can simply say that you’re applying for a job and would like to list them as a reference. If they agree, get their contact information so you can pass it along to the hiring manager.
Don’t take it personally if they’re unavailable or unwilling to serve as a reference. Thank them for their time, and move on to your next potential reference.
At the end of the day, you should choose references that are right for you and your job search. If you have a personal reference who can speak highly of your character, that’s great. However, if you don’t think they would be able to attest to your professional skills, it’s better to choose someone else.
The best references are always the ones who can speak highly of your capabilities to perform the job you’re applying for. These people will help you stand out from the other candidates and increase your chances of getting the job. As such, choose each of your character references according to the job you are applying for.
A great reference can make a difference in your job search.
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