Netiquette Core Elements For Securing References - Via Netiquette IQ

A critical area of email which requires great Netiquette is references. There can be the final measurement of success for attaining a desired goad, such as a new job or acceptance into a school. The following article has some great advice.
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The Do’s and Don’ts of References

There should be no such thing as a bad reference. Choose the best of the best to give yourself the reference you deserve. Whether you make it or break it could depend on one quick phone call.

Here are a number of ways to get and keep a good reference:

Do

§  Get a move on! Track down great references BEFORE your job hunt begins

§  Choose the right reference, one who knows your abilities and work ethic well

§  Gather 3 to 5 references and get permission from all of them

§  Put references on a separate page with the title “References” (only if requested by your potential employer)

§  Put references into categories, such as employer, academic and personal

§  Keep references up to date with your most recent resume and the job/company you’ve applied to

§  Make sure your references’ details are correct and up to date with their full name, job title, company name, and contact numbers

§  Keep in touch with references with an email, a phone call—or over coffee

§  Thank your references and let them know if you got the job

Don’t

§  Assume that potential employers will skip references or the background check (in theory, the bigger the company, the deeper they dig)

§  Assume you will get both types of references. Some companies have polices that permit only written references, while others allow only verbal ones

§  Use generic letters of recommendations with “To Whom it May Concern”

§  Call your references for EVERY job you apply to. Only contact them regarding the positions you are serious about or interviewed for

§  Overlook other past colleagues or supervisors as references. Give them a heads up, especially if your desired reference is unavailable

§  Depend on family, friends and letters of recommendations as your only references

§  Hesitate to ask your reference to highlight certain qualities and skills that your potential employer mentioned in the interview or job ad

A Quick Reminder

“Make sure your references know they are your references—it doesn’t represent well when the reference contacted seems surprised you are still using them,” says Kate Laing, Human Resources Manager, of Pacrim Hospitality Services, Inc.

Source – hcareers.com

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In addition to this blog, I have authored the premiere book on Netiquette, "Netiquette IQ - A Comprehensive Guide to Improve, Enhance and Add Power to Your Email". You can view my profile, reviews of the book and content excerpts at:

 www.amazon.com/author/paulbabicki

 If you would like to listen to experts in all aspects of Netiquette and communication, try my radio show on BlogtalkRadio  and an online newsletter via paper.li.I have established Netiquette discussion groups with Linkedin and  Yahoo.  I am also a member of the International Business Etiquette and Protocol Group and Minding Manners among others. I regularly consult for the Gerson Lehrman Group, a worldwide network of subject matter experts and I have been contributing to the blogs Everything Email and emailmonday . My work has appeared in numerous publications and I have presented to groups such as The Breakfast Club of NJ Rider University and  PSG of Mercer County New Jersey.
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