10 tips to help you land the best work references -

10 tips to help you land the best work references - When youre busy job-hunting, you may not think about creating a list of people who are willing to provide recommendations for you. As with all things related to your search, its a good idea to prepare in advance so that youre ready when a potential employer wants a third-party endorsement. Here are 10 things to consider so you wont be caught like a deer in headlights when you need a professional recommendation to land a new job: 1.  Keep your eyes open. Stay on the lookout for good references, even when youre not in the midst of a job hunt. Maintain an ongoing list of people who are able to speak about your professional qualities. 2.  Dont wait to ask for LinkedIn recommendations, even when youre not in an active job search. This is especially important if you work with clients for short stints or if you have a great boss who is moving on to a new job. The best time to nail down a solid reference is when your work is fresh in the persons mind. Use LinkedIn to collect written recommendations that can stand the test of time. Employers will likely want to speak to the reference, but if you have a positive, targeted reference on LinkedIn, its a great starting point to help the person to remember your terrific professional qualities. 3.  Avoid reciprocal recommendations.  LinkedIn endorsements  are more useful if theyre not all the result of you recommend me and Ill do the same for you deals. A reader may not give the recommendation as much weight if you post an endorsement for each person who highlights your strengths. 4.  Select your top prospects. Your next employer will prefer references from your current or previous employers, particularly your direct supervisors. Alternatively, you may also want to include clients or customers you worked for in your current or previous job. If youre a recent graduate or if youve just finished a class, consider asking the professor or instructor to vouch for you. And its not unheard of to have someone you supervised act as a reference, though its not a first-choice option. If you have had a leadership role in a volunteer organization, supervisors from that organization may also be good references. 5.  Request permission. Never give an employer the name of a reference without first asking the persons permission. If possible, ask in person or over the phone so that you can better gauge the contacts response to your inquiry. If prospects seem hesitant, allow them to bow out gracefully. You dont want to have people recommending you who dont feel strongly about your qualifications. 6.  Never send a mass email to your preferred contacts. If you cant reach your references on the phone and do resort to email, then never email more than one person at a time to  ask for a reference. Everyone wants to be considered special and important. Contact each person individually, and make a point to explain exactly why you value their recommendation. 7.  Remind your contact about your work together. Provide an updated version of your resume, emphasizing skills and accomplishments the person can highlight when an employer calls. Be sure she knows when you worked together so there is no confusion about dates or details. 8.  Prepare your references to highlight your best skills for the job. Its especially important if youre applying for a particular job to provide as much information as possible to help the person understand what makes you the best fit. Include a job description, your cover letter for the position, and specific information you may have learned at the interview. For example, if its clear your teamwork skills are important for the job, and you know your recommender can speak highly of your abilities as a team player, point that out and ask if he would be willing to mention those skills. 9.  Vet your references. If youve often reached the final interview stages without landing the job, you should probably touch base with the references who hold the keys to your next position. Is it possible someone on your list isnt as enthusiastic as you would expect? Or maybe you havent prepared them well enough to vouch for you? Its difficult to know for sure what people say about you when a prospective employer calls, but if youre suspicious, try mixing up your list. 10.  Realize potential employers may contact people not on your list.  As much as preparation is important, remember, it is very easy for hiring managers to identify people who may have worked with you, even if theyre not on your list. Hopefully, you can encourage potential employers to speak to your top listed references, but be aware, many will rely on their own networks to check out your qualifications. Originally appeared on  U.S. News World Report. photo by Roger Smith

Free Resume Writing Advice - Part 3

Free Resume Writing Advice - Part 3In spite of the economic downturn, there is no shortage of resume writing advice out there. And there is probably enough advice available to warrant a book of its own, given how many hundreds of thousands of free resources exist on the Web. That said, there are a few things you need to remember when using free resume writing advice.Start by searching the Web for free resume writing advice. You want to pick up free resumes that are relevant to your experience.This is important. All too often, employers are looking for someone who has similar experience to their job in order to make a good match. If you have a job like that, you might just end up not being hired.Just because you're trying to write a good resume, does not mean you should be looking for an abundance of free help. You need to do your best to keep everything simple and direct. And yet be sure that you are offering yourself to the best possible employer in the eyes of your current employer . If you're looking for something else, they'll probably find out very soon.Look for resume writing advice and free help that is both complete and comprehensive. If you can't find it on the Web, or if it's available only to paid sites, you might want to try contacting the relevant resume writing firm. They should be able to point you in the right direction.The other key to a great resume is to follow your gut when it comes to hiring. If you don't think you'll be able to convince your prospective employer that you're the right fit, then your resume probably won't even be read. That said, resume writing advice or free help is not the same as free advise on applying to a job. It maybe a better way to be sure you land a job that's what you're looking for.So, there you have it. If you don't think you'll be able to use free resume writing advice or help, you're better off trying to get help on your own. You might just be able to improve your chances if you put a little time and effort int o it.

Surprising Facts About It Systems Engineer Executive Resume Writing Overland Park Ks

Surprising Facts About It Systems Engineer Executive Resume Writing Overland Park Ks Top Choices of It Systems Engineer Executive Resume Writing Overland Park Ks We can also work with you to come up with a customized job search plan that will help you figure out what are the very best companies to apply to and what's not working for you. There are numbers of selections to pick from. Other crucial areas in your work experience will likewise be explored to highlight your credentials and make a stand-out resume. Browse online templates on your cell device. A step-by-step guide on how best to leverage the ability of LinkedIn. Managers and recruiters will scan your resume for about ten seconds to see whether you're a fantastic fit for the job. She is a real professional. Most of us know this work search isn't a speedy procedure, but at least I now have hope. You're a personal services business. The Master t he Interview guide will allow you to understand and apply key strategies, which means you always leave an outstanding impression. Include skills listed in the work description, and be certain they may be identifiable. It is crucial to go for a career this is your calling. She's very engaging and skillful at placing your personality on paper.