Why You Should Give Job References a Heads-Up

Why You Should Give Job References a Heads-UpWhy You Should Give Job References a Heads-UpChances are, at some point during your career, youve either asked for (or been asked to give) a reference. And with good reason. References are a great way to prove your bankability to a potential babo beyond what you have written on your job application. But its bedrngnis just enough to simply ask for a reference- you need to cultivate and care for your references, particularly if youre going to need them as part of an upcoming job interview. Below are a few reasons why you should always give job references a heads-up.Here are three reasons to give job references a heads-up1. It gives you a chance to assess the situation.Lets say you asked your former boss for a reference, and because you were a great worker, he gave you a glowing one.Thing is, over time, your previous boss isnt necessarily going to remember that he gave you a recommendation- or eventhat you worked for him, depending on the siz e of the company. So reaching out to your former boss before a new boss contacts him to ask about your work habits is a good idea.It allows you to assess the situation with your former boss for example, seeing if he still works with the company, and more importantly, if he still has a good professional standing and would be a good person to list as a reference.2. It gives you an opportunity to spotlight your achievements.When you reached out to your former boss to let himknow of your upcoming job interview, he was super excited for you. But when it came time to tell your boss-to-be of your past accomplishments, he was a little fuzzy on the details.He didnt remember that you were the one to implement a program that wound up saving the company a lot of money and frustration.Thats why its so important to give job references a heads-up before you put them down on your job application. It not only gives you a chance to reconnect, but to also remind your reference-giver of all your past g lories.3. It gives them time to prepare.As much as your old boss loved you, he might not love being contacted out of the blue to give a verbal reference. People like to have time to prepare their thoughts, especially if its an important issue, such as your potential new job.So out of respect for your former boss or colleague, give him a call (dont text or email) and reconnect. Then, remind him of the lovely reference that he gave you and that you are currently interviewing for X position. Let him know that a hiring manager will be contacting him within a few days to just confirm what he wrote. That way, youre being courteous to your former boss but also ensuring that hes prepared and polished when it comes time to give his verbal reference.Many hiring managers will request references from potential job candidates. Making sure you have references that are as current as possible and givingyour job references a heads-up will ensure you get an amazing reference that will hopefully get y ou the job.Readers, do you give your job references a heads-up that a potential employer might be calling them while youre job hunting? Let us know in the comments below