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Avoid Putting THESE People on Your Reference List

When a potential employer requests a reference list, you know things are going well. Most hiring managers only ask top candidates for references, so consider this a sign you’re under serious consideration for the job — but it’s not yours yet.

It doesn’t matter if you’re searching for temp jobs in Las Vegas or direct hire opportunities, you won’t get the job if your references fail to impress. Knowing who not to include on the list can be the difference between a job offer and a disappointing rejection.

Leave These People Off Your Reference List

Friends and Family

You trust your loved ones implicitly, so you know they’ll paint a glowing picture of you to the hiring manager. While this might seem like a great strategy, putting your mom or best friend on the phone with a potential employer is an amateur move that will make you look hugely unprofessional. Unless specifically requested, personal references are always a don’t, because even if they somehow do know intricate details of your work abilities, the interviewer will assume they’re biased.

Bosses Who Didn’t Like You 

Having a former manager on your reference list looks great, but things can quickly go south if the two of you didn’t have a great relationship. If you’re not completely sure the person will give you a positive recommendation, do not put them on your reference list. Clients and colleagues of past and present might not hold quite as much weight as a former boss, but if they can be trusted to speak highly of you, they’re always a better choice.

Colleagues From Years Ago

People you’ve worked with in the past make great references, but don’t dig too far back into your past. Colleagues from 10 years ago don’t know your current capabilities and probably won’t be able to answer detailed questions about your work. Plus, not having enough people from recent years to fill a reference list is a red flag to employers. They’ll likely assume your skills, personality or both must be pretty bad if you have to rely on reference from years back.

Be the Best Person for the Job

Need a little help finding a great new job in Clark County? Contact PrideStaff Las Vegas. Whether you’re searching for temporary, temp-to-hire or direct hire roles, we have connections with the area’s top employers, and we want to share them with you!

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