A good reference can tip the scales during the interviewing process yet many candidates overlook the importance of solid references. Career coach Catherine Breet-Byers tells applicants how to protect, prepare and leverage referees to secure the job.

Contrary to the advice of many job consultants, career coach Catherine Breet-Byers says listing references on a CV is a bad idea.

There are three reasons why it is best to withhold the names and contact details of your references, she says.

Firstly, interested recruiters or potential employers are compelled to call and ask for reference information which alerts you to who is viewing your CV.

More importantly your ‘references are golden’ and you need to protect the people who can either cement or ruin your career prospects.

According to Breet-Byers a recruiter may not always call you if your skills don’t match the job description however ‘if you have references listed on your CV…a recruiter may call them’. This means that your referees may be subjected to pointless phone calls. As Breet-Byers says ‘you don’t want your references getting pestered and you don’t want them to get unsolicited phone calls.’

At the same time potential bosses don’t want to spend hours or days attempting to reach references. If you know who wants to speak to your referees and when, you are able to alert your references to future calls. This will increase the probability of successful contact, which in turn will make the future employer favorably disposed toward the referee and you as the candidate.

Another benefit of excluding references from your CV is that you are provided with an opportunity to prepare or coach your referee before every reference check. Get in touch with old supervisors and give them some background about the job, why you are interested and why you are the best candidate for the job. Don’t be afraid to share your excitement about the position and why it would be a good fit for you says Breet- Byers.

Once you have provided your ex-boss with a description of your prospective job ask them for feedback, and get their opinion advises Breet-Byers. This is good way to confirm that the job is right for you.

In addition supervisor are also excellent memory banks for work place examples, and may remind you of projects or assignments that you covered during your period of employment that pertain to the job for which you have applied. This invaluable information can be used during interviews.

When the times comes for your referee to provide a description of your work experience they will be a much better reference for you because they will understand the new job and be able to put your experience in context. In this way you have created a referee who is knowledgeable and effective giving you the extra points you need to solidify your new position.

Watch the video ‘How to write a great resume - How to handle references’ and more interesting clips on the Skills Universe

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