Career Guide Tips

If you have been fired from a job, and feel this is the reason you are not getting offers elsewhere, then job reference outsourcing may be the option for you. Outsourcing your references allows you to offer potential employers a sound resume with respectable, reliable references in your line of work. This type of action is not illegal and sometimes necessary, especially when you have been fired, but know you are a good employee if given the chance. Since resumes are not legal documents there is no law forbidding a job seeker from listing references from someone other than a past employer.

It is possible to build a new career history and one that will help you land that job, even in today’s tough economy. There are many people vying for the same position, so why not give yourself that extra edge and confidence boost by having a list of good reference added to your resume. When outsourcing your job references, you create a new job history to fill in gaps or just spice up that resume. You pick the field and give the outsourcing agency your dates of employment, salary information and reason for leaving, and they will hook you up with a virtual company and 800 number.

In most cases, using a lay-off or reduction in the amount of available work as a reason for leaving the job looks better on a resume than being fired or leaving gaps of unemployment on your job history. The faux references are given by the outsourcing company and as a representative of the virtual company’s human resources department or supervisor. Having a complete and reputable reference section gives you the competitive edge in any job market. It also gives you confidence when going in for an interview, which helps your skills and personality shine when meeting with your potential employer.

One thing to keep in mind about outsourcing job references is that it is a considered falsifying your resume and this could mean grounds for dismissal if your new employer discovers your secret. Generally, this is not a problem as it gets your foot in the door and allows you to prove yourself as a respectable and capable employee. Once you have the new job, you can cancel the outsourcing service and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having good steady employment. Good references are the key to getting that new job.

The whole concept of job references is to present yourself in the best possible light in front of your prospective new employer.  If you cannot offer a long list of people who are willing to endorse you and all else fails, you may wish to research some online job reference providers who may be able to help you in your job search.

By William Schmidt