There is nothing more exciting than getting a call for a job interview. The preparation of writing your questions for the interviewer, planning your outfit, and printing copies of your resume are all part of the process. When things go well, your references are requested. What happens when a reference lets you down?
I pride myself on being a good reference for my friends and up until a year ago, I thought all of my references were air tight. To me being a reference is about trust. You are entrusting someone with your professional reputation. You want them to speak about you in the highest light to a potential employer. I believed that because I had always been a great reference, my references would return the favor. This notion was in error.
A couple of years ago, I had aced an interview and had received an email requesting my references. I emailed them without a second thought. I had nothing to worry about, right? I began calling my references, informing them that they would be getting a reference call.
One by one, my references called me and gave me details on what the employer asked as well as their responses. I was feeling confident, but not cocky. To me, it isn't a sure thing until you get an offer letter.
The next day I received a call from a friend who was listed as reference. She told me she was unable to get the reference call because she was teaching her class at the time.
"No big deal." I responded.
"I'm really sorry," she said. " They left a message, but I couldn't break away from my class. I'm sure you'll get the job."
It was something about that second apology that seemed false to me. It was like she felt guilty. She asked if she could call me back later. I told her she could despite something feeling off.
As I was hanging up I heard her say, "What are you laughing at?" Then the eruption of a masculine chuckle before the line went dead.
That's when I realized that it wasn't her class that kept her from giving a reference. My newly single friend was otherwise occupied. The moment she said that she couldn't call after receiving the voicemail, I knew something was up. I've returned reference call voicemails and left messages of my own. The employers had called me back and I left glowing references for friends and co workers. I was happy that she was getting back in the dating game, but not at the expense of my career.
I ended up getting the job, but it made me rethink who was on my reference list. Was I really willing to place my reputation in hands of someone so easily distracted? The answer was no. I revamped my reference list the next day and promptly began to think about the friendship I thought I had.
When preparing for your next professional step live no stone unturned. Getting the interview is only part of it. Make sure that references are well thought out as your outfit.
