This is an excellent piece!

I, too, feel very strongly about the importance of professional references. You’re right – many job seekers are so consumed with all the other components of “the hunt.”

Along with all your wonderful pointers, I’d also like to stress the importance of finding out what these references will actually say when asked about the candidate in question. Job seekers, like Miriam says, it is perfectly acceptable for you to ask your professional and personal references what he or she would say about you. In fact, you do not want any surprises, so this is step is crucial!

Also, keep in mind that when prospective employers ask for references, a vast majority of the time they actually will contact those references. Be prepared!

I also offer a few tips on references and other job searching tips for young professionals in my new book, #ENTRYLEVELtweet (http://www.heatherhuhman.com/books/). So, check it out! 🙂

Heather
@heatherhuhman