HOW TO SELECT AND PREPARE YOUR PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES
One of the top factors employers consider when evaluating a candidate is the opinion of the candidate’s professional references. Select references who are familiar with your work product, who can discuss your strengths as well as your areas for improvement, and who can discuss how you interact in the office/work environment.
Job Seekers should have 3-4 professional references they can call on. If you are considering opportunities in multiple industries or in different practice areas, identify references who can speak to why you would be an asset to that industry or practice.
Who would make a strong reference?
1. Attorney who has directly supervised your work
2. Practice Group Leader
3. Colleague you have collaborated with on projects
4. Client
5. Law School Professor (if a recent law school graduate).
References are usually eager to assist in a candidate's job search and want to represent the person well. Set your references up for success by following a few simple steps:
1. Ask permission. Ask the professional if they would be willing to act as a reference for you and let them know when they can expect to be contacted and by whom. When possible, provide them with the name and contact information (phone and email) of the recruiter or potential employer.
2. Discuss your search. Let the reference know where you are in your search and the types of opportunities you are seeking.
3. Share the posting. If you are being considered for a specific role, share the details of the opportunity. If there is a posting, share it with your reference. If the position is unposted, but you know the details of the role, share as much information as you have on the employer and the role.
4. Suggest topics to discuss. After meeting with the employer, it will become clear what they are seeking in a candidate. Ask your reference to focus on your strengths as they relate to the opportunity and the employer. You might ask the reference to focus on your writing ability, client interaction, timeliness, or personality. Giving the reference insight into the particular skills the employer is looking for will allow your reference to come up with specific examples that demonstrate this quality or skill.
5. Be Thankful. A reference check can take anywhere from 20-40 minutes. This is time away from your reference’s work. Let your reference know you appreciate their time and support as you pursue this next step in your career.
6. Share updates. Keep the reference involved and let them know how the interview process is going. At a minimum, let them know whether you have been extended an offer. Also inform them when you are no longer active in your search.
Tiffany Sepulveda Kahlon, experienced recruiter, career adviser and attorney, has counseled hundreds of candidates in their search for legal career opportunities resulting in successful placements across the national legal market. As Founder of The Kahlon Network, Tiffany builds relationships with legal employers and candidates, understanding their abilities, interests and needs while exploring their growth potential.