Since I applied for some jobs last winters, I realized that not only are good references important but it is also necessary that one’s references are attentive and timely in their response if asked to send a letter. Thankfully, there were no hiccups in the reference process. The need to have dependable references is the topic of a recent Wall Street Journal article. The article stresses that having great names as references is not enough and infect it is more important to have people who will back you in the application process.
Important people are generally short on time, so it is necessary to request early and give one’s referees sufficient time. Sometimes requesting way before the deadline is also not great because the matter may be ignored. Gentle reminders especially when the deadlines are approaching are useful. It is also a good habit to keep in touch with your reference and keep him/her in the loop irrespective of the decision. This shows that one is genuine in one’s approach and also acknowledges the help from one’s reference. The last point is highlighted in an interesting story in the Wall Street Journal article:
When a California accounting professional sought a newspaper job last year, a former supervisor provided a glowing recommendation. She turned down the offer because she was afraid to join a sick industry.
But the woman neglected to alert the ex-boss, who she thinks would have appreciated knowing why she rejected the job offer.
The best way to repair a gaffe like that? Simply apologize.
