Get The Job You Want, Even When No One's Hiring: Take Charge of Your Career, Find a Job You Love, and Earn What You Deserve

Chapter 38. Professional References Help You Prove You're the Real Deal

The recommended number of phone reference people is between four and six, and you should secure at least three to four solid letters of recommendation. Most people already know that they need a list of professional references. But you might be asking, "Why do I need letters of recommendation at this point in my career?" The answer is simple: When you find yourself in a competitive interviewing situation (and what interviewing situation is not competitive?), letters of recommendation can really help push you over the top. In other words, when two or more candidates are equally qualified, the one who provides strong letters of recommendation at the later stages of the interview process will get the offer. So why not have this extra ammunition in your arsenal?

Here's How to Create Your List of Professional References and Generate Your Letters of Recommendation:

1. Make a list of all the people you know who would vouch for you and lend support in your job search. (These must be people who know you professionally, not friends and relatives.)

2. Separate them into two categories—one group to write letters of recommendation and the other to appear on your list of professional references.

3. Call and ask them all for their help, stating exactly what you want them to do, and soliciting their participation.

4. Send them each a packet, including these four items: Cover Letter, Professional Biography, Resume, and Target Company List (your ...