Coach Your Job References

When someone's deposition is taken, after they are sworn in, one of the first things they are asked by the attorney whose client asked for the deposition is this: "Did you discuss with your attorneys the testimony you are about to give?" The answer is usually yes, but they can't ask you what was actually said because of attorney-client privilege.

Luckily, no one ever asks one of your job references, "Did you discuss with the candidate the reference you're about to give for them?"

Until that day comes, coach your job references. Yeah, I said it. Coach them.

Why?

1. To learn what they would say about you. I've served on many hiring panels and have done references checks. More than a few times, the people that candidates chose for job references gave them a lousy reference. In California State civil service hiring, no one bothers doing a reference check on a candidate unless that candidate is either THE choice or among the top two or three. You don't want to get knocked out of contention at this point because you were tanked by a job reference. Asking your job reference what they would say about you before you use them as a reference will give you an idea whether they would actually BE a good reference.

2. To remind them of what you accomplished when you worked for or with them. Depending on how long ago you worked with or for your job reference, they may not remember the sales records you achieved or the huge clients you landed. You want to send them your resume and remind them of your accomplishments from when you worked with or for them.

3. To find out how they would respond to the question, "What is the candidate's strengths and weaknesses" if asked. You don't want them to list a weakness that might tank you, like "She's always late for work."

4. To find out if they can stay focused. You don't want them talking about aspects of your personal life that might affect your candidacy, e.g., "She's also a great single mom! She's got four children under the age of ten!". A potential employer might think that means you're going to need a lot of time off for doctor's appointments, school problems, daycare issues. You want to make sure that your job reference focuses on only your attributes related to your experience, skills, and work-related character.

So yes, coach your references. I always tell my clients to coach them at the beginning of their State jobs journey in order to decide whether to use them as a job reference at all.