Employers who are truly in tune with the modern trends go well beyond the resume as they search for top candidates to fill positions at all levels. In several recent surveys, managers indicated that they ended up hiring candidates who are strongly recommended by a colleague or someone who is highly regarded in the field.

Whether you are looking for a job or whether you are building your professional qualifications and skills with an eye towards future advancement, keep under consideration those supervisors or senior leaders who have observed, supported your work and admired your results.  If you are a top performer, these leaders are likely to be enthusiastic about advocating and recommending you for current and future professional opportunities.

When considering a potential recommender, avoid asking a senior level leader who doesn’t know you well. While you may think it is impressive to have the CEO, Senator or Director write a letter on your behalf, if he or she really isn’t intimately familiar with your work, the recommendation is likely to be brief and rote — and won’t adequately highlight your accomplishments or demonstrate relevant skills. Don’t select peers to be recommenders. Most prospective employers prefer recommendations from professionals who were in a position to evaluate your work performance.

Who to ask for recommendations:

• Select professionals with which you have worked closely, and have known you long enough that they are able to write, with substance and authority, about your achievements.
• Choose supervisors, managers or thought leaders who are well respected in your field or organization.
• Identify the professionals who you are absolutely sure have a positive opinion of you and your abilities and who can convey comments about you with a warm and supportive attitude.

Whether you approach your recommender for a verbal or written reference, don’t be afraid to provide him or her with some guidelines as to what might be valuable to include in the reference. Most people who agree to serve as a reference are committed to helping you and want to make sure that they are highlighting the most flattering aspects of your work and your personal qualities. Without directing them word-for-word, give the recommender some suggestions and provide him or her with your recent resume or CV. This way he or she can see the entire scope of your experience.  You might also consider giving the recommender a list of specific projects and accomplishments.

What does a strong recommendation include?

• Summary of key job responsibilities
• Your strengths, skills, and talents
• Personal qualities such as initiative, dedication, integrity, creative thinking and reliability.
• Ability to work with a team and to work independently
• Accomplishments or specific examples that back up your personal qualities and skills.
• How you standout compared to others in your field

LinkedIn Recommendations 

In addition to traditional references, you should also include some recommendations on your LinkedIn profile. These recommendations tend to be short, anywhere from two to five sentences and, because it takes less time to write, many managers or senior leaders are happy to draft and send a recommendation for your LinkedIn profile.  Some clients or customers may volunteer on their own to send you a recommendation.  Before it appears on LinkedIn, you have the option to approve or reject the recommendation.  Avoid overkill; your recommendations will lose their impact if your profile is flooded with too many comments.

General Etiquette

• Have a list of your references with contact information organized and ready in case a prospective employer requests them following an interview.
• Unless specifically requested, don’t include a list of references when applying for jobs.
• Contact your references in advance if you know they will be approached by a potential employer and provide them with information about the job and what might be helpful to emphasize about your experience and skills.
• Don’t wait until the last minute to ask someone to write a formal letter of recommendation.  At least four weeks in advance is acceptable.
• Follow up with a thank you note. Let your recommenders know you appreciate their efforts and keep them informed on your progress.

For additional information on recommendations, check out the career office at Arcadia University.

With the stressful and swirling currents of this economy, and in light of the tough competitive job situation, strong references are more important than ever.  Build meaningful professional relationships with your managers and colleagues and make sure you that you excel in your job.