Berks & Beyond Blog

“I’m sorry, but all I can do is verify this person’s name, title and dates of employment.”

Sound familiar?

These days, getting an honest and reliable reference can be a real challenge.  HR is cautious.  Supervisors are too busy.  And often, the references provided are afraid or unwilling to give honest feedback.  So how do you get a good reference check?

Beyond the standard length of employment/position/job responsibilities questions, here are a few unexpected ones you can try asking.  Designed to start conversations, these open-ended questions may entice a reference to ”drop his guard,” and help you solicit more candid feedback:

1. Did the candidate ask your permission to be a reference for him?
2. What was his greatest strength?  Weakness?
3. What circumstances frustrated him the most?
4. How well did the candidate manage time?  Pressure?  Crises?
5. What did he learn during his time with your company?
6. If you could give him a single career suggestion, what would it be?
7. What was his biggest accomplishment while working for your company?
8. Would you rehire this person?  Why or why not?
9. Is there anything else I haven’t asked that you would like to share with me?

Thankfully, you don’t need to ask questions like these when you work with Berks & Beyond.  You can rest assured that every candidate we refer has been carefully screened, tested and reference-checked for you.  To learn more about the measures we take to ensure candidate quality, please visit our website.

You found out about a dream job.  You know you’re perfect for it - you have the right experience, all the required skills, and the personality to excel in this position.  But then again, so do about 50 other candidates.

So how do you make sure your resume doesn’t wind up in the “circular file”?  One way to get a leg up on the competition is by crafting an effective cover letter.  A strong cover letter allows you to:

• personalize your resume
• emphasize your strengths and assets
• set yourself apart from others with similar qualifications
• interest employers in interviewing you

Here are a few tips for preparing an effective cover letter:

1. Review sample cover letters.  Visit your local library or conduct an online search to access examples.
2. Personalize the cover letter for each employer, so it specifically relates to the job for which you’re applying.  Address it to a particular person by name.
3. Make sure your cover letter looks good and is easy to read.  Pay particular attention to spelling, grammar, spacing, paragraph length and margins.
4. Limit the cover letter to one page.
5. Include something in the first paragraph that piques the reader’s interest.  Try to tie in company-specific information, to show you’ve done your homework.  Research the company online for ideas.
6. Put yourself in the employer’s shoes.  In the body of your cover letter, focus on what you can do for the company.  Highlight your ability to make or save money, assume or delegate responsibility, achieve measurable objectives and conserve time.
7. Communicate your interest, motivation and strengths.  Briefly describe your assets and qualifications, without duplicating your resume.
8. Express your enthusiasm for the job.
9. Emphasize your achievements.  Conversely, do not stress weaknesses such as a lack of experience.
10. Include a call to action.  Ask for an interview and state specifically when you will call to follow-up (allow at least three business days from when you send the letter).

Looking for more job search information?  Visit Berks and Beyond’s Candidate Resource Center.  It’s full of articles and links to help you land that perfect job.