Résumé writing: professional reference list

I'll offer my tips on résumé writing in the future, but today I want to address an often-ignored and yet critical component--professional references.

When you're looking for a new job, you've become a sales person... of yourself. Every phone call made, every Monster.com update, and every résumé submitted is a reflection on you and your quality of work. By giving thought to the names included on your list of references as well as time and attention to the document itself, you can create another powerful tool that works to sell you.

The first step in developing a list of references is to decide who you should ask to serve as a reference (NEVER assume someone will be willing to serve as a reference). I recommend including 3-6 people on this list. Ideally you will include no more than 2 individuals at your same peer level with the others having more senior titles. People on this list need to have seen your accomplishments first-hand and should know you well.

Once you have your list, the next step is to reach out to those individuals and ask if they will serve as a reference. Your reference list should include an individual's name, title, company, address, phone number, and email address. While you're asking someone to serve as a reference, be sure and find out what contact information you may use since people often have multiple phone numbers and email addresses .

It is critical that your references take their responsibility of selling you seriously, so anything you can do to prepare them is recommended. During the recent job search, I asked those on my reference list to review my résumé with a critical eye and provide honest feedback. I then rewrote the résumé based on their feedback and sent them a copy. Following this process achieves two things: 1) it makes your résumé exponentially better, and 2) it's a great reminder to your references of your accomplishments.

The last step is to format your reference list. Here are some rules: use the same font as your résumé, keep it to one page, use the same "look and feel" as your résumé [example here], laser print it on high-quality paper, and proof-read and double-check the contact information several times. While I never recommend attaching your reference list to the résumé itself, be sure to have it available so that when a prospective employer asks, you'll have your professional reference list ready to work for you.

Hired

The last several days have been surreal, but I'm now back among the employed and starting a new job on Monday.

First 10 things to do after being laid off

Fired? The news can be a shock, but by taking a systematic approach to this news you can reduce the financial stress and set yourself up to be re-employed in no time. Resist the urge to panic, drink, or grouse. Chin-up, develop a plan, and approach finding a job as your job. Below are my recommendations for the first 10 things to do after being laid off:

1. File for unemployment.
2. Update (or create) your resume.
3. Reach out to several individuals you respect who will review your resume with a critical eye and provide honest feedback... and then rewrite your resume based upon that feedback.
4. Check the job postings of companies you wish to work for and submit your resume for consideration. If you know of someone who works for one of these companies, try and submit your resume through that individual as referrals are often given preference, and the employee may receive a referral bonus if you are hired.
5. Post your resume on Monster.com, hotjobs, careerbuilder.com, and the new Hound.com.
6. Contact recruiters in your industry and submit your resume for consideration.
7. Eliminate the "want to have but don't need" expenses such as the local newspaper (it's probably available online), premium cable (just how often do you really watch HBO or Showtime?), and even NetFlix (my local library has hundreds of DVDs that can be checked out for free).
8. Go through your closets, attic, and basement to find unnecessary items to sell on eBay and/or Craigslist.
9. Consider refinancing your home or opening a home equity line of credit in the event you don't have a 3-month financial cushion or just want to have access to cash "just in case".
10. Do your taxes & file now if owed a refund; file on the due date if you owe taxes (which is April 17 this year).

Hiring?

Getting fired is never a pleasant experience, but I've learned from my wife that if you go into a meeting expecting the worst outcome, you're seldom disappointed. During my review today I wasn't surprised to hear that my position had been eliminated. Fortunately my resume is up to date because the severance package is insulting. Now I just need to decide what I want to be when I grow up!