GETTING GREAT REFERENCES Exercise the right kind of

GETTING GREAT REFERENCES Exercise the right kind of control over your reference letters and recommendations Gary W. Deinert North Canton Executive Networking Group

You really already know how to do this But I’ll bet you haven’t done it And you should… GET STARTED

MOVE THE ROCK

Provide verification to potential employer about the potential and promise you may bring to an organization Verbal recommendations outshine written ones – but sometimes, you just don’t have contacts there Sometimes, not even used TRADITIONAL VALUE OF REFERENCES

Gives credibility to your comments and statements Nicely complements your resume Provide perspective and dimension to your skills and traits Real-life examples of how you have utilized your power skills Tie your actual work or life experiences to traits described in your power statements Will build your own confidence by reminding you of true value you bring to an organization Also reminds you about the support network you have ADDITIONAL VALUE OF REFERENCES

Who: Decide who you might want to say it What: Figure out what you want them to say Divide your traits/power statements among those people When: Never too late! Where: The perspectives you need to have Superior, subordinate, peer, vendor, other How: Craft “starter thoughts” or entire letter Consider Linked. In vs. Letter Why: Because people want to help HOW TO BUILD GREAT REFERENCES

EVEN IF YOU THINK THESE THINGS DON’T HAPPEN TO YOU… JUST MOVE THE ROCK

Broad list: folks for whom you would provide a positive reference for them (people you respect or admire) Narrower list: divide by type: personal reference vs. business reference Categorize narrower list: Business (peers / bosses / subordinates) or connection (vendor, customer) Personal (church, community, board, friend) Final list: appropriate balance of different types of references Bosses really are best, many recruiters will ask for 2 supervisors WHO SHOULD BE MY REFERENCES? WHERE SHOULD THEY BE FROM? You can get extras for your files and only provide a few for each request

Take a minute and decide who you should get references from: Supervisors Peers Subordinates Clients / Vendors Personal reference (fellow community board member, pastor, etc. ) Think • about why: Assignments where you made an exceptional impact People who have seen you exhibit a power trait GROUP DISCUSSION: 3 MIN: DECIDE UPON 3 -5 REFERENCE PROVIDERS 5 MIN: SHARE AMONG YOUR TEAM

Start with your skills / traits identified in your power statements What’s a power statement? “I am a… “ (trait goes here) “… person. For example, when …” (specific work experience goes here) “. As a result… “ (detail result & value here) Don’t have power statements? Go to jibberjobber. com and create a free account to get started WHAT YOU WANT THEM TO SAY

MY MINI-ADVERTISEMENT FOR JIBBERJOBBER. COM MY DISCLAIMER : I HAVE NO RELATIONSHIP WITH THEM WHATSOEVER, OTHER THAN AS A HAPPY USER

Think STAR – -Situation -Task -Action -Results FROM JIBBERJOBBER. COM

Adaptable Logical Amiable Objective Capable Strategic Caring Passionate Cooperative Resilient Collaborative Tenacious Dedicated Principled Disciplined Responsible Imaginative Thorough Innovative Strategic SKILL AND TRAIT EXAMPLES Not here? Google “positive human traits list”

Who, what I am pleased to have the opportunity to provide an excellent reference for Gary Deinert. Gary and I worked together on a project to provide a new platform of employment application and assessment testing across all 23 US locations of General Mills during the years of 2009 -2012. I was the project leader for the vendor company, at that time Pre. Visor, Inc. , and until Gary’s arrival we were unsuccessful gaining the kind of support and drive necessary to make this project successful across all locations. When Gary joined the team, the project rapidly gained momentum; project deliverables, timelines, and budgets were all established and we quickly were able to meet and exceed plan expectations. When we worked together, and doing what My role, her role, context (problem to overcome) Specific deliverables and results “juice” Traits, skills utilized; link to power statements, why this is “special” Why I’m happy to provide this positive reference Contact Info (email, phone) at bottom DRAFT CONTENT In order to make this project successful, it was necessary for Gary to work with a variety of members of the Pre. Visor team, Corporate General Mills HR, and several HR team members at each General Mills location. Detailed assessment validation plans required the testing of a number of production employees at every location and within 6 job classifications. Gary led this collaborative, diverse team through the validation process and then training and implementation at all of the facilities, while continuing his ‘day job’ of leading HR at the Wellston facility, the largest US plant. Because the tremendous success of this project gained recognition both within General Mills as well as Pre. Visor, I am happy to be able to provide a very positive reference for Gary as a Human Resources leader at your company. Esther Johannes Regional Vice President, Adecco Staffing USA

Use facts as much as possible Include dates and business relationship Back up the facts with traits that made this work/project/effort successful; traits are quickly transferable to a new job Include some kind of summary statement: “happy to provide an excellent reference”, “I would hire this person again on my team”, “this individual made tremendous contribution to the success of our effort” Include contact information for ‘writer’: phone number, email KEY POINTS ABOUT DRAFT CONTENT

Basics: Where you worked together Your relationship Contact information Do you have the following to “juice” your letter? Facts, dates, project names, cost savings, benefit to business Power Statements S*T*A*R Statements GROUP DISCUSSION: WHAT MIGHT YOU CHANGE IN YOUR LETTER?

March 15, 2016 To whom it may concern: I will be happy to act as an employment reference for Mark Smith, who I worked with at Maximillian Consulting during the years of 2009 -2014. Mark is a great guy who was very well liked at our firm and I would be happy to work with him again. He knows a lot about our business and can handle a wide variety of situations. Sincerely, William C. Congrove GROUP: DISCUSS THIS

How to ask Method of delivery PART 2: BRING IT HOME

Verbal Written – Letter Written - Linked. In THREE STANDARD DELIVERY METHODS

Verbal – Most personal, best connection; but you have no control over what is actually said Written, Letter – Most professional, best control, you keep it forever; more work for you than the other two methods Written, Linked. In – Most visible to broadest audience; Linked. In is known for changing formats/systems so risk of losing them later (or, perhaps Linked. In becomes obsolete…), also: companies don’t ask for these when they ask for a reference PROS & CONS

First, you might think asking is hard. Make it easy for you and for them. Craft “starter thoughts” or “basic letter” and send to them What to say? Get out your resume, look at the time when you worked together Highlight traits and skills from your Power Statements Second, Remind them – “this is your letter, not mine, so edit/change as appropriate” send it to them and ask. People love to help!!!! (they probably won’t) Clarify delivery method and timing Give address in case they wish to send letter by mail Sign, scan, and send via email Don’t forget -- Linked. In recommendation HOW DO I ASK FOR A REFERENCE?

Email headline: Huge favor My recruiter or prospective employer is requesting them and I’d really like to ask for your help I want to make it easy for you so I’ve drafted a version To be clear, this is your letter so edit, change, delete, add Bigger version next page…. Please return by scan-and-send email or home address, add timing Attach Big your draft thank you!! MY REQUEST People love to help! Especially if you make it easy for them

Before… After… Dave, would you provide me a Linked. In reference? HOW IT’S DONE Dave, would you be a reference for me – review, change, sign?

• Easiest way to get a Linked. In reference: Write a Linked. In reference for someone else Click for drop-down menu here OPTION 2: MANAGING LINKEDIN REFERENCES If you use the content tips above, their return recommendation will likely follow the same pattern

When the recipient reviews your note, they can ask for changes. Note “you can make changes or delete it even after you send it”. USE THE SAME CONTENT STANDARDS WE DESCRIBED EARLIER

Turns 7 out: People LOVE to help! requests, 7 VERY favorable responses No longer stuck in that awkward situation of looking at a reference letter I requested, and thinking ‘well, that wasn’t very helpful…’ Highlight traits, successes I want the hiring managers or recruiters to see Another piece of paper for the interview portfolio (or Linked. In recommendation for all to see) Further cements the relationship: now, you may have to write one for them as well, but totally ok Builds your confidence!!! MY RESULTS

Listen: You’ll You owe it to yourself have something to read over going into interviews Mentioning names and specific situations like these helps credibility Reading these puts specific words and thoughts in your mind, plus confidence Your credentials have added power when you send one of these along with a resume (don’t send them all, please…) Once The you’ve got them, they’re yours forever act of asking improves your relationship with one another Having a bad day? Read one of your letters. Instant spirit lifter!!!! You are a great person who has outstanding skills for the right organization. Go for it!! YOUR RESULTS

Q: What if company policy prohibits a reference? A: Best answer I can give is, ask the question anyway. Many managers will still provide one because this policy is rarely enforced. Make them tell you no. Q: What about my manager I haven’t worked for in 10 years? A: An old reference can still be a good reference. No reason I can see not to ask. Q: What’s the value of including vendors or clients? A: Often, clients and vendors have an excellent, untainted view of service delivery or effectiveness. (No internal politics included. ) Q: Do businesses want personal references anymore? A: Personal references provide dimension on character and/or style. Sometimes businesses are satisfied with your professional experiences and just want to know how you will fit with their team. Q: How many should I get? A: As many as you need to meet recruiter / potential employer needs on short notice. Get 7 or 8 from different perspectives and deliver the 3 or 4 they ask for at the appropriate time. Q’S AND A’S