Elizabeth Cox ⋅ Falls Church, VA ⋅ 20 years experience

Hi!

When I'm drafting the questions to ask a reference, I tailor the questions to the role that the candidate will fill. In all cases, I check on some facts from the person's resume and on what they told me in the interview.

If the candidate is entry level, I want to know about the person, their attitudes toward work, aptitude to learn, and willingness to do whatever it takes (regardless of the task).

If the candidate is an experienced hire, I ask questions about the tasks the person performed that are relevant to the role being considered and how the person performed in those tasks.

If the candidate will need to manage people, I ask questions relevant to that.

I also do a lot of listening. If the reference has specifics or gives detailed examples, it is obvious to me that the candidate made a strong impression (positive or negative). If the reference only gives general information, it tells me that the reference didn't know the candidate very well or that the candidate didn't make a very good or lasting impression. Finally, hesitation on the part of the reference tells me a lot as well.

Please keep in mind that some people may not be allowed by corporate rules to give a reference. I've worked for companies where all requests for a reference had to be redirected to HR, who would only confirm salary, dates of employment, and job title.

Good luck!
Beth

Stephanie Arnold ⋅ Lake Odessa, MI Cargill ⋅ 10 years experience

Hi Stephen,

If an employer is asking for references, they are most likely asking you to provide a minimum of two professional references. Given the information you provided, I would say focus on referrals from commanders or even other officers you've worked closely with who can speak to your professionalism. To be honest, most employers nowadays won't need an actual letter - just listing their name, title, contact email or phone number, and what type of reference they are (personal/professional/educational) is sufficient. However, if you'd like an actual document, ask your references to talk about how they know you, what you can contribute to the job you are applying to/the field you are trying to get into, and back up those comments by providing some examples of exceptional work they've seen you do (either professionally or in the classroom).

For example, a professor could comment on where you stood in the classroom in terms of GPA, how you worked in groups, the quality of your school-related projects, and your enthusiasm to go above and beyond. A commander or fellow officer could comment on your ability to excel at work, your capabilities in leading others, and talk about some of your career highlights that would translate well to the finance world.

Here's an article that explains how to write a reference letter and might give you some insight on what you should ask your references to write about: http://jobsearch.about.com/od/writingreferences/a/howtowrite.htm

Congratulations on being so close to graduation! If there's any way I can help you as you get closer to making your transition, don't hesitate to contact me.

- Stephanie

Jane Greenwald ⋅ Short Hills, NJ Gilbert Tweed International ⋅ 30 years experience

I look for the types of people you give. Where they are from. How recent and relevant. And how willing are the references to call me back and spend time. This is sometimes more important than what is said.