Your references will probably need your help in "selling" you most effectively when a prospective employer calls them. Prepare your references by giving them a copy of your resume and calling or meeting with each one to discuss key subjects that might be discussed by an employer.

Your references may need your help in recollecting important information, so be prepared. You may want to provide them with some key talking points related to your strengths and accomplishments. Here are examples of points to discuss with your references:

• Key accomplishments and strengths.
• Areas of expertise and specialized skills.
• Career direction: Telling your reference the "Career direction I plan to pursue" enables him/her to emphasize relevant aspects of your background.
• How you work with others and in teams: Most positions involve these skills, so you will want to remind your references of specific examples from your past.

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References FAQs