References: A Candidate Guide

We thought we would provide some guidance on what types of references are acceptable to leave for a job interview! Chances are they will give them a call, so think carefully about who you will select as a reference and be sure to give them a heads up that you are looking for a new role!
 
What makes a good reference?
 
A good reference can truly be the difference in you receiving a job and not. When a hiring manager calls a reference, they ideally want to see references that were somehow previously professionally affiliated to you in some kind of way. This means previous managers / supervisors, direct employers / employees, co-volunteers, previous / current classmates, previous / current professors, and any other kind of academic / professionally affiliated individual to you that you might be able to think of.
 
What makes a bad reference?
 
A bad reference would be anything outside of your professional / academic experience. A friend or family member of any kind would be considered a bad reference and can immediately disqualify you from consideration for a role in some cases. (TIP: be honest as well, hiring managers DO check your social media profiles and can easily tell based off of tagged photos if you are lying -- especially in tech related roles!)
 
What if I don't have any references?
 
No references? No problem! It's easy to start acquiring references! All you have to do is send a quick email / text or directly speak to any one of the listed "good references" above! Try calling old managers and asking if they would mind being a reference for you on a new role you are looking to find. (Be careful on asking a current manager if the company culture is more strict). Chances are if you are a good employee and work hard, your colleagues will have no problem in letting you list them as a reference.
 
One of the many benefits of working with a recruiter is they can also vouch for you additionally in areas where normally they might disqualify you for. For example, gaps in a resume can easily be explained directly to a hiring manager and can act as references for why there may be areas that don't fully fit the job description.
 
What if I have more questions?
 
That's what we are here for! We have been working with candidates for years in helping them figure out the uncertainties and relieve any stress involved with the hiring process from recruitment to your first day on the job! Feel free to send an email to info@mCubedStaffing for more information about how mCubed can help you compile your references and resume!