Employment References Tip Use Performance Reviews for Speed

Employment References Tip â€" Use Performance Reviews for Speed Checking employment references can slow a job search and a hiring process down.However, you might be able to avoid that by giving your prospective employer copies of your written performance reviews.If you get reviews, and theyve been good to great, take them with you to interviews. They likely address many of the topics employers cover in reference checks.For instance, they contain:Your dates of employment.Your job title.A description of your most important responsibilities.A description of your performance, which is a positive reference.Your managers name, title, and signature.Thus, they give your potential employer almost everything they ask for when they check references and they do it NOW.Give Your Performance Reviews to the InterviewerAs your interview closes, hand the hiring manager a file folder that holds your reference list and your reviews. Tell the hiring manager you thought they might be interested in what other managers have said about you and your job performance.They can call your professional references, you have included their contact information, but the reviews will give them pretty much the same information right now.The NuancesBe sure to use a file folder, not an envelope. And write the managers name on it.Why? Because it’s almost impossible to hold a file folder without opening it, especially if there’s something juicy, like a confidential performance review, inside it. And especially if it has your name on it.Conversely, its pretty easy to toss an envelope aside.Trust me, after you leave, they will flip the folder open and read the positive feedback you have received from past managers.If your interview left them with doubts about your candidacy, this information will help relieve their concerns. If they liked you, this information will confirm and help solidify their positive opinion.No Performance Reviews â€" YetWhat if you don’t have any written performance reviews? If you’re working, its a good idea to ask your boss for one b efore you start making job applications.If your boss doesnt want to prepare it for you, write the review yourself and offer it to him/her as a draft. Ask for edits. Then copy it to your company’s form for your boss’s signature.The Speed Reference CheckIf the employer wants to hire you, your performance reviews might satisfy them to the extent that they forego further employment reference checking.That can speed up a job offer by a week or two. I have seen it happen more than once.Image: Stockgiu Updated July 2019 2010 2019, Donna Svei. All rights reserved.Donna SveiDonna Svei, an executive resume writer and former C-level executive, retained search consultant, and CPA, writes all of AvidCareerists posts. She has written for and been quoted by leading business, general, and career media outlets, including Forbes, Mashable, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, Business Insider, Lifehacker, Ask.com, Social Media Today, IT World, SmartBrief, Payscale, Business News Daily, and the Muse. Let her background and experience inform your job search strategy and decision making.Learn more about Donnas executive resume writing service or email Donna for more information. Interviews â€" References (5 Posts)