Today’s Tip: Reference List on Steroids

I would be willing to bet that over 99% of job seekers submit the standard looking reference list when asked for it by employers. It simply consists of the contact information for the people that you want the employer to contact. It's time to up the ante and inject some steroids into that document!

Below is a sample reference list that will impress your potential employer. None of your competitors will have one as impressive as this one and it demonstrates that you go above and beyond the norm!

It also provides the person checking your references a "road-map" to follow and thus might not ask the wrong questions to the wrong people.

Kevin W. Crews

25305 Wheat Drive

Plainfield, Illinois 60585

Home: 815.439.4957 Cell: 630.660.0000

kevincrews@hotmail.com

References

Individual	Relationship	Range of Knowledge
Mike Brady, District Director AAA Company 123 Main Street Chicago, IL 60606 (888) 444-5555 email@msn.com	Reported to Mike for 5 years while I was at AAA company. He consistently gave me a rating of “Exceeds” on all of my performance reviews. Years Known = 5	He will verify my three-fold sales increase in a 3-year time period on the products sold at AAA Company. He can also speak to my tenacity in going above and beyond the customer needs.
Carol Brady, Manager BBB Company 234 Center Street Chicago, IL 60606 (888) 555-6666 email@msn.com	Reported to Carol for 5 years while I was at BBB company. She promoted me twice during this timeframe. Years Known = 7	Will verify three-fold sales increase in new product line for mp3 players. Can speak to my tenacity in courting new clients/companies and turning them into loyal, major accounts.
Greg Brady, Peer Manager CCC Company 345 Baker Street Chicago, IL 60606 (888) 666-7777 email@msn.com	Worked with Greg for 5 years while I was at CCC company. He requested me to assist him and his team on all his important projects. Years Known = 8	Mr. Brady selected me and two other key sales professionals to collaborate on new product lines for emerging technology. Southeast region met target goals ahead of schedule and gained top market share by close of first-year sales.
Marsha Brady, Subordinate DDD Company 456 Elm Street Chicago, IL 60606 (888) 777-8888 email@msn.com	Managed Marsha for 5 years while I was at DDD company. She knows my tenacity in managing projects and being fair to individuals. Years Known = 5	Can confirm consistent #1 ranking in a district with six sales representatives, in addition to record incremental increases over goal and market share. Will also elaborate on my ability to orient and train new sales representatives.
Cindy Brady, Vendor EEE Company 567 Main Street Chicago, IL  60606 (888) 888-9999 email@msn.com	Partnered with Cindy for 5 years while I was at EEE company. She knows about my commitment to excellence and professionalism. Years Known = 6	Cindy will confirm my trade-show planning and execution skills, as well as my ability to motivate a tireless volunteer team.