PHI THETA KAPPA International Honor Society of the Two Year College

According to the 2004 Reference and Background Checking Survey conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management, 96 percent of organizations conduct some kind of background or reference check on prospective hires, and almost 50 percent of survey respondents reported that reference checks found inconsistencies in dates of previous employment, criminal records, former job titles and past salaries.

Here are some tips to ensure that references compliment your résumé rather than raise red flags.

Choose People You Know Well

Identify three to five references from among the people you know, including professors, advisors, employers, supervisors, customers, or contacts from volunteer- or school-related associations. (Personal references should not be submitted unless specifically requested.) Choose references whom you’ve known for at least a year, but ideally at least three years, and who are familiar with your academic or job performance.

Ask Permission

Once you choose your candidates, get their permission to be used as references. Not only is this courteous, but it will also ensure that your references aren’t caught off guard when contacted by prospective employers. Verify their contact information by confirming phone numbers, addresses and preferred methods of contact. If appropriate, bring them up to speed on your career path and send them a copy of your current résumé or transcript to highlight your major accomplishments.

Be Honest

The best reference candidate is someone who can back up your résumé by offering honest and accurate feedback about your work or educational skills and experience. Getting hired to do a job for which you lack experience, skills or training can lead to failure - and deal a major setback to your career plans. Providing an honest assessment of your present skills and abilities, as well as areas for improvement, is far better for you and the prospective employer in the long run.

Keep References Separate

The list of references should not be included in or with your résumé. Rather, create a separate list on the same paper you use for your résumé and have it ready to give to employers when you interview.

Say Thanks!

Write each of your references to thank them for their time and let them know you appreciate their efforts. If you plan to continue using them as references, make a point to keep them informed of your activities as your career progresses.

Get a Head Start with Phi Theta Kappa

As one of the many benefits of membership, the Society currently offers members the opportunity to request a personalized letter of recommendation to be sent directly to the potential employer or college. For more details, see “Let Phi Theta Kappa Recommend You.”

Visit www.monster.com for more resources on choosing the right references, including these links:

What’s Wrong with Personal References? - When selecting references, always use professional, not personal, associations to enhance your employability.

Help Your References Help You - A good reference is like a healthy houseplant - both require attention from you. Tend wisely.

How Can I Make Sure My References Are Saying Good Things About Me? - Make sure your references are doing what you need them to do - promote your strengths.