Your references are probably the most ignored feature in your resume. After all, references are optional and you can supply that only when your prospective employer requests for it. Most of the time, your focus is on the content of your experiences, education and how you can connect them to the vacancy you want to fill.

But employers today are not going to go online and seek information on your previous records. They will ask for references as soon as they will consider you for the position. For that, you need to be ready with names and contact numbers or else you’ll never be hired.

Letting Your References Know

Before you write down the names of your references in your resume, be sure to let them know about it. Although they can say good things about you in an instant, it’s rude that you just write their name to be called without their permission. Ask them first if they agree to become one of your references so that they will be able to prepare for the interview. They may not know it when, but the mere fact that they are aware of the upcoming phone call should give them an idea on what to say.

Choose the Right Persons

Choose the right person to become your references. Avoid choosing someone related to you even though you treat him or her as your colleague. Also avoid choosing someone who has the same level of employment as you have. They can put in a good word for you but only because you are a good co-worker and not an employee. Ask your managers and supervisors if they can become your references. Choose wisely since they might not provide the right feedback that you want. But an honest supervisor is better than getting your cousin as your reference.

Do Some Digging on Your Reference

Aside from your previous records, your prospective employer will also take a look at the previous records of your references. They might not use expensive applications but a simple search online could reveal a lot of things about your references. Before you choose them are your reference, search about them online and see if there’s any previous records that might not help in your quest to be accepted in another company. You don’t have to spend too much time online since you just search their name on various search engines.

Ease of Contact

Before you submit your resume with references, make sure that your references have updated you with their latest contact information. Make sure that their phone numbers are correct and working so that they can be called whenever your prospective employer wanted it. It will be a point against you if your employer is unable to get in touch to any of your references because it shows that you are not well prepared during your application.

Choosing a reference could be a little bit challenging. But as long as you choose someone in authority that could put a good word for you, you’ll gain a lot from your references.