Author: Contemporaries Team
Keeping Professional References Up to Date
The Contemporaries Team recently provided job seekers with 10 Tips for Career Success in 2025. Today, we will be focusing on Tip #3 – Keeping Professional References Up to Date.
When employers are deciding on whether to hire a new employee, the standard protocol is to review the resume, interview the individual, and find out from previous employers whether the person would be a good fit for the job they are vying for, or whether there are any red flags which may hinder their abilities to perform the tasks and responsibilities at hand.
Many times, would-be employers will request references from the most recent previous employers. That is why it is so important to always leave a job on a positive and professional note.
That said, there are other constants which you can do to expedite the hiring process and help land you a new post.
- Make sure to reach out to former supervisors or colleagues and let them know you would like to use them as a reference. It is a professional courtesy and will alert them to be on the lookout for any incoming reference requests. They may also have you sign a release form prior to the request.
- Being sure to alert potential reference contacts in advance is also a good way to determine what type of recommendation or reference you will receive. For instance, if there was an issue with you or your performance (i.e. excessive tardiness, absenteeism, failing to meet deadlines, disorganization, etc.) which you did not see as a significant problem, they may think otherwise. Better to find out beforehand, rather than if the supervisor mentions the issue via an employee reference request form.
- Make sure to compile the necessary information regarding a reference in advance. Have their contact information handy including the name of the individual, title, business or organization name, time(s) you worked with them, and their email addresses and phone numbers.
Following these simple steps can make the difference not only for landing a new job, but speeding up the process for your next career success.
Picture by Parveender Lamba from Pixabay