Susan writes:
I looked in a variety of areas, but cannot find any advice on how to appropriately thank the people who provided references for me during my job search.
What would you suggest?
The Career Doctor responds:
I think it’s not so important how you do it, but that you do it. Showing how much you appreciate the person for serving as a reference, potentially sealing your job-offer with a positive review of your skills and abilities, is your primary concern.
And I think a thank-you note or letter is fine. In the letter, thank the person for his or her time, provide basic information about your new job, and close with a promise to stay in touch.
Now, have I heard of job-seekers who went above and beyond a simple note? Yes, of course. Some people also send gifts, flowers, candy. But I want to again stress that the most important thing to do is simply acknowledge their help in achieving your career/job-search goal.
For other job-seekers, can we talk just a bit about the importance of references? The importance of references has grown in the past few years as more organizations complete more detailed background checks of applicants. Here are a few key tips to remember about references.
- Think strategically about reference choices. You want people who will make the strongest case for you.
- Get permission to use someone as a reference. Never assume it’s okay to use someone as a reference; always seek them out.
- Collect all the details for each reference. You’ll need full name, title, and as much contact information as possible.
- Keep your references informed (and perhaps coached). Send your resume and other job-search materials to your references and keep them informed of all serious employment opportunities.
- Be sure to thank your references for their help. It would be a grave error not to thank these folks for their help in the securing of your next job.
Read more in my article: References: The Keys to Choosing and Using the Best Job References in Your Job Search.
