Page 7 - HIWT Winter 2012 World of Welding

hiwt@welding.org HOBART INSTITUTE OF WELDING TECHNOLOGY

asK tHe reCruiter: seleCting referenCes

Anne Kutscher, know you well enough be able to answer tough questions
SPHR honestly while making you look like someone the employer
Recruiter, Cianbro wants to hire.
www.cianbro.com
It is best to let your references know that you are looking to
them to let a future employer know what kind of worker you
I don’t know who to are. Just because you enjoyed working for a former supervisor
list as a reference? does not mean that the former supervisor felt the same way.
How do I decide who You should have a brief conversation with your reference to let
makes the cut? them know that you would like to give their name out and ask
them a few questions about how you worked for them. This
One of the most will give you an idea of what they will tell the future employer
important parts of and will also get them thinking about your positive attributes
the entire interview so they are better prepared for the call. Also let them know
process is one that your career goals and update them on what you’ve been doing.
is often overlooked This will help your reference to be able to show your future
by candidates...the employer how their goals and your goals synch. Providing
reference check. Most people are not sure who to list so a copy of the job description you applied for is beneficial to
they will give out personal references, former co-workers, the reference as well so they can speak to what you did for
family members, landlords and the list of mediocre or terrible them that is similar to what you will be doing for your new
references goes on. Choosing who is going to tell your future employer.
employer about your past employment is critical. I cannot
tell you how many times I have come across what I thought When giving out individuals to act as references, be sure that
was a winner of a candidate only to learn the true story about they can be contacted. Recruiters often find it frustrating
what that person is like on the job by a reference who was not to be stymied by the inability to connect with references.
prepared or did not have a high opinion of the candidate. Inability to connect with your references can slow down your
or completely stop any offer of employment. You will want
As a candidate you want to give out the names of people to include the reference’s name, job title, relationship to you
who will give you a glowing reference. As an employer I am (direct supervisor, co-worker, etc.), company name, address,
looking for someone who is going to give me a realistic idea of phone, e-mail and potentially an alternate phone number. Your
your abilities to perform the work, show up on time and work best reference in the world is useless if they cannot be reached.
safely. Typically, one does not get this information from any of With key references lined up and updated contact information
the aforementioned references. Landlords want the candidate you should find the final hiring hurdle easily surpassed and
to be working so they can get their rent. Can a landlord tell see a job offer rounding the corner. Do not let any of the
me if you show up to work on time? No. Family members aforementioned roadblocks keep you from getting the next job
want to see you succeed and feel uncomfortable about giving offer!
a negative reference about their brother, sister, cousin, son,
daughter. Providing only personal references will put a pall
on the information gleaned from them. It is important to
provide your future employer with the type of reference they Anne Kutscher is a Recruiter at Cianbro, a heavy civil and
are looking for and also provide them with someone who is industrial construction company in the Northeast. She
works out of their Southern New England Regional office in
going to make you look good.
Bloomfield, Connecticut hiring individuals to work on any
number of projects in fifteen states. You can reach her at 860-
As you begin your job search you should look at your former 761-6267; akutscher@cianbro.com; www.cianbro.com.
supervisors and co-workers to try and determine who would be
willing and able to answer some tough questions. References
need to be able to clearly articulate your strengths, areas of Students and graduates looking to submit a question should
expertise and even areas for improvement. They should want contact Anne directly or contact Marty Baker, Editor of The
to see you succeed. References also need to know if you show World of Welding, at Marty.Baker@welding.org or (937) 332-
up to work on time, if you’ve been involved in any disciplinary 5603.
issues and whether you are a productive worker. They should

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