Honest, Enthusiastic, Impactful: The Art of Being a Great Reference

Have you been asked to be a reference for someone lately?

I feel it's one of the highest honors to help a job seeker in this way.

I just got a note from someone who I did a reference call for last month . . . she got the job! It wasn't because of the reference, but I believe the reference solidified the decision. We can play important roles in those moments!

Here's three things I keep in mind when I have the opportunity to be a reference for someone.

Enthusiasm.

I bring a lot of energy to these phone calls, because I believe they have the power to tip the balance when it comes to the individual being offered the job or them being skipped over. I want the employer to be excited for the prospect of hiring this person, and that needs to be felt in my voice and energy levels.

Honesty.

I am very careful not to over-sell someone. I answer the questions honestly, to the best of my ability, because this is ultimately a conversation of trust. Don't say anything that you aren't able to support, or that will set the new employer up for a nasty surprise. It's what I expect from others who I am seeking reference checks from.

Impact.

How is this team member going to make an impact in the company, not just in their role, but in the culture of the team? I try to think like an employer in these situations, and share ways that I believe this individual is going to add value to the company beyond the completion of a task or a responsibility. How will they make the company as a whole better? I try to tell that story.

What have you discovered when it comes to being someone's reference? Love your insight and wisdom below.