

Have you checked your list of referees lately? |
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Why should you? |
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| Check your list of professional references to make sure the contact information is current. This will ensure they will be easy to locate, should you find yourself unexpectedly looking for a new job and in need of an employment reference. Use the worksheet to help you get started. It is downloadable from the Pro-CV Welcome Back Page. Take a moment to fill it out and keep it in your files along with the CV that Pro-CV produced for you. If you no longer have your Pro-CV and reference sheet easily accessible, feel free to contact me and I'll email you the file |
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What does it cost? |
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Because you are a Pro-CV client, I make these minor changes to your reference sheet at no charge. Should you decide it is time to revise your Pro-CV and cover letter as well, I have attached the Update your CV pack, which is also available from the Welcome Back page. Your CV is on file with us, so if you need your Pro-CV updated in the future, there is no need to have it completely rewritten. Minor changes are free. They include changing dates, addresses, or contact information. Major changes, such as targeting your CV to a different job and/or adding or deleting a work experience, are a fraction of the cost of new documents. Here is the fee structure: |
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Updates |
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| Your
CV is kept on file with us, so if you need your Pro-CV updated in the future, there is no need to have it completely rewritten. |
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| Minor changes (dates, addresses, contact information) | Free |
| Major
changes (for example - targeting
your CV to a different job; additions/deletions |
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| Major changes - Student CV converted to a Career Starter | £
35.00 |
| Major changes - Career Starter CV | £ 30.00 |
| Major changes - Standard CV | £
35.00 |
| Major changes - Career CV | £ 40.00 |
| Major changes - Executive CV | £
45.00 |
| Major changes - Cover Letter | £
25.00 |
| Major changes - Thank-you or Refusal Letter | £ 20.00 |
| Major changes - "Web" CV (HTML file) | £ 35.00 |
Why do you need a list of referees? |
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| The popularity of professional and social online networking means that it is easier than ever to keep in touch with your employment referees and gain new ones. With the credit crunch looming and mergers, downsizing, layoffs, and a turbulent job market already here, it's important to catch up with former co-workers and supervisors before you need to ask them for references. | |
Top 12 Questions & Answers about Reference Sheets |
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Who makes a good referee? |
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| If you are a recent school-leaver, one referee can be from your school; one can be an older family friend; both can be from your present or previous jobs. If you are employed, or have been recently, one referee should ideally be your current or most recent employer. If you left your job under bad circumstances, consider asking a co-worker. Ask someone who knows that you solved problems, increased sales, or made a positive difference at work or in the community. | |
What if I don't have any prior experience? |
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| Ask a family friend, preferably someone who has a responsible or professional position and/or a respectable standing in the community. Ask your teacher, member of the clergy, or other professional who can vouch for your character. | |
What if I can't find all of my previous supervisors? |
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| You only need three referees at the most. If you direct supervisors cannot be contacted, try their supervisors, your co-workers, or the HR department. | |
How many should I list? |
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| Unless otherwise specified, three referees should suffice. | |
What type of information do I list? |
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| Name: Job Title: Name of Company: Address: Post Code: Tel. number: Fax number: (optional) Email: Optional: Include a brief description of your working relationship with the reference and an overview of your responsibilities/performance results: | |
Should I list references directly on my resume? |
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| If you are a recent school-leaver or graduate with virtually no work experience, you may consider including referees on your CV, especially if you include a brief description of what they can say about you. "Mr. Jones was my football coach for 5 years. He nominated me for "Player of the Year" in 2007." | |
When do I send the references? |
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| Unless specifically asked, you may not want to disclose your referees until the interview. | |
If I was fired from my last job, do I need to list the employer as a reference? |
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| You could ask the HR department for a reference that indicates when you worked there and your job title(s). Consider asking a co-worker or supplier for a reference. | |
Do I need to ask permission to use someone as a reference? |
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| Yes, you should choose referees that are willing to help you and enthusiastically recommend you to an employer. | |
How do I increase the chance that my referee will give me a good reference? |
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| Check with them first. Tell them what type of job you are looking for and the qualities that would likely interest your potential employer. Ask your referees for a convenient time to be contacted. Confirm their job title, address, post code, and telephone, fax, and e-mail information. Give them your latest CV. | |
Should
I forward a copy of my CV or resume to all of my referees? |
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| You should provide them with your CV or resume PLUS information about your target jobs. Let the person know the job criteria and exactly how you qualify. This will help them to give you a relevant reference. | |
Why are references necessary? |
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| Employers want to make sure you will be a good fit for their organisation. They want to hear what others have to say about your character and performance at work. | |
| Next Step: | |
| Download a worksheet from the Pro-CV Welcome Back Page. | |
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