Four Ways to Obtain Alternative Business References

Are you looking for a new job and need references from your previous employer? But what if you did not part on the best of terms?

Since you doubt that he or she will have a kind word for you, you will have to resort to alternative ways to obtain positive references. According to a CareerBuilder study, they directly influence the decision of 69% of surveyed employers on whether a candidate will get the job.

1. Talk to Former Colleagues

Ask former colleagues with whom you had a good business relationship and successful collaboration to write a good word about you, praise your work ethic, and list your virtues. Stories or interesting anecdotes from the workplace can also greatly assist you in obtaining the desired job.

2. Contact a Mentor or Someone with Experience in Your Sector

References do not necessarily have to come from your colleagues or bosses. Anyone who is familiar with your work style and believes in its quality can be of great help. In addition to mentors or colleagues from other companies, client references you have worked with can also be very beneficial. Similarly, a reference can come from professors at the university who remember you positively.

3. Seek References Outside Your Business Circle

Extracurricular activities and volunteering can make a difference and encourage a new employer to entrust you with a vacant position. Ask the group leader or project manager you are participating with to write about how they perceive your communication skills, how reliable you are, and if they think so, to praise your leadership abilities. You can also request this from those who are also volunteering or attending your course to include some positive references.

4. Still Try to Contact Your Former Employer

Although you believe that you did not part on the best possible terms, try to contact your former boss. In every business relationship, there are bad and good moments, and as time heals all wounds, why wouldn’t your disliked boss include a positive word in your resume? Of course, let this be your last option.