Now-a-days the importance of references has reduced considerably. The employers no longer expect to see list of names from your previous organizations as reference. Some of the applicants ignore this section completely while others conclude with single line as 'available upon request'. However if the employer is keen on knowing about you, he may ask you to refer some of your older associates. Then the job seekers often wonder as to who is the right person to refer in the reference section of a resume? Hence, here are some tips and guidelines to find out the right person who can refer you to your prospective employee.
If requested, the applicant can provide either a professional or academic reference or both as per the request of the employer. It is ideal to give professional references. However, students and fresh starters can give academic references as well.
Who is the right person to include as Professional Reference?
Higher Authority
If the resume holds the reference of a person of higher designation, it impresses the employer more. The employer will hold the candidate in high regards if he manages to get a reference from senior-level authority. The employer assumes that the applicant's performance was good enough to be on good terms with the senior-level authority. In addition, the positive feedback given by such an authority is more effective and is taken seriously.
Belongs to the Same Field Ensure that the referee belongs to the same field you have worked in. If you have a marketing experience, you cannot refer someone from the finance field, even if he knows you and your work. Such a referee would not be able to give a proper feedback about your work experience as both of you do not belong to same field. It may disappoint the employer about the applicants' capacities. Hence, make sure the referee has a work background similar to yours.
Senior Person You Report To
Refer the name of that authority you were directly reporting to. Such an authority knows your strengths and weaknesses better than other colleagues do. They know the tasks carried out, responsibilities handled and the achievements gained by the applicant. Knowing your profile better helps him handle any queries and solve doubts that the prospective employer may have.
Gives a Positive Feedback
Refer the name of the person who will give a positive opinion about you to the prospective employer. The employer uses references to verify the applicant's qualifications, experience and skills. If the applicant had not had amicable relations with the referee, he may give a negative response during the reference check. Hence, even if the resume impresses the employer, a negative feedback may affect the chances of receiving the interview call.
Who is the right person to include as academic Reference?
Project Guide
The project guide helps students in presenting projects during their graduation or masters. They help students in research, to compile data, draw conclusions and present the final projects. In this course of preparation, the project guide comes to know of the applicant's abilities and strengths. Hence, the employer, for knowing the applicant, considers the feedback from the project guide valuable.
Departmental Head
The departmental head is the highest authority in the field you specialize in, within the university. Hence, if such a referee gives a positive opinion about the applicant, the employer is going to feel confident about the applicant's capabilities. It is advisable to include the head's name, as it would turn things in favor of the applicant.
Although the employers no longer ask for references, choosing the right referee for you is an important task. A wrong reference may negate the employer's opinion about you in spite of providing an impressive resume. Hence, follow the given guidelines while trying to find an answer to who is the right person to refer in the reference section of a resume