Coordinate With Your Recommenders in Advance

It goes without saying that you should always check with people before giving out their names as recommenders. It's a courtesy. It's also potentially a life-saver. We know of one case where a job applicant was sunk by a negative recommendation from a former supervisor who didn't appreciate getting a surprise call from the applicant's potential employer.

Another issue that we've seen come up is that recommenders, like everyone else, sometimes change companies. Few things can make a job applicant look more silly than having their potential employer call a reference only to learn that the person left the company months earlier. When you ask your recommender for permission to use their name, also check (tactfully) what contact information you should use if they change offices or companies while you're engaged in your job search.

Also make sure that you give your recommenders the time and information they need to prepare a written recommendation or to answer the questions your potential employer might have. Contact them as early in the job hunting process as you can. Tell them a bit about the job or kinds of job you are applying for, and what the major responsibilities expected of you would be.

Sometimes it's a good idea to invite a busy recommender out for lunch or coffee, to ensure their undivided attention to your situation and needs. We often advise MBA applicants to take this course, and to use the occasion to go over what the recommender might say to mitigate weaknesses, highlight strengths, and respond to what the schools want to know about MBA applicants. Job references may not be as carefully reviewed as b-school recommendations are, but it still doesn’t hurt to follow this step.

Return to the Tips on Recommenders home page.