You might be wondering what a job reference means. Well, a job reference is simply a written summary of your work history that a potential employer can read. Many employers use a job reference as part of their application process, especially when they are hiring for managerial or supervisory positions. A good job reference will help you land your next job! This article will discuss how to write a winning job reference for potential employers, as well as tips on how to actually use the thing. So sit back, relax, and get ready to write!
The Difference Between A Resume And A Job Reference
For those of you who are new to this site, let me clarify the difference between a resume and a job reference. A resume is when you list out your qualifications and skills in detail. A resume usually focuses on what you have done rather than what you are capable of doing. A good resume will help you get a leg up on the competition. A job reference, on the other hand, is a short summary of your work history that is used to support your application for a specific job or position. A good job reference does not go into great detail about your past work experience, but it should provide the reader with enough information to make a decision. Here are some examples of good resumes and job references:
Resume
This is the traditional resume format. The resume lists out your qualifications and skills in detail. Resumes can range from a few lines of text to a few pages. Resumes often start with a brief introduction about yourself, then move on to your work experience. When preparing your resume, put yourself in the shoes of the reader. Imagine you are a potential employer who is reading your resume. What would you want to know about you? Here are some good questions to ask yourself:
- Where do I see myself in 5 years?
- What are my strengths and weaknesses?
- How do I write my resume for maximum impact?
- What makes me different from other applicants?
- What career goals do I have?
When writing your resume, do not lie. Lying on your resume will get you in trouble. Many employers have caught people lying on their resume and they have been fired. If you are asked about inconsistencies on your resume, you have to be ready to defend your actions. The best advice is to simply be honest and forthright.
A resume is usually a one-page document, but it can be longer. When preparing for your interview, review your resume one last time and make sure that it is up to date. In addition to an updated resume, prepare a few good questions to ask the interviewer. You can also think of some additional skills that you have that would be useful for the job.
Job Reference
This is the newer format for resumes. A lot of professionals find that it is easier to get their resume off to a thousand different employers using this format. The job reference is short and sweet, usually no longer than a page. A job reference starts with a short bio about the applicant, then provides a summary of their work experience. The entire resume should not take up more than a single page, otherwise you will run the risk of the employer rejecting your application for being too long.
When preparing your job reference, ask yourself the same questions that you asked yourself when writing your resume. In addition, prepare some other pertinent information, such as:
- Key words or phrases that you believe are important to include in the summary (e.g., “customer service”, “problem solving”, “innovation”, etc.)
- Any awards or recognitions you have received
- What are your weaknesses
- What are your strengths
- What do you know about the company or position you are applying for
- What makes you different from other applicants
- How are you equipped for the job (e.g., relevant education, training, etc.)
- What are your long-term career goals
- Why should the employer care about you
- How can you prove to the employer that you are the best person for the job
- How can you win the employer’s trust
- What would your day-to-day duties be as an employee
- What type of work environment do you prefer (i.e., office, remote, etc.)
Your job reference should reflect you accurately. If you are not comfortable being completely honest, then at least be consistent about it. When an employer sees that you are changing your story about a previous position, they will likely think that you are either trying to hide something or that you are not being 100% frank with them. So, if you are embellishing your work experience, be sure that your job references match.
As always, practice making a great resume and job reference until you get it right. Then, you can use it over and over again. Once you get the hang of it, creating a resume and job reference will come quite easily to you.