Five Questions to Ask your References
It can be so easy sometimes to look back on on our careers and pick out our failures: work we could have done better, projects we would have done differently, or co-worker situations we could have handled with more grace. I know as a perfectionist I can be especially hard on myself. I’ve been working with a career coach, and she suggested I meet with my references to ask them these five questions:
- How would you describe me?
- What differentiates me?
- What are my over-strengths?
- Where would I be a good fit?
- Who could I talk to next?
I’ve met with a handful of former managers and co-workers, to ask them these questions and the answers not only shifted my perspective on how I view myself, but also changed the way I’ve been thinking about work. I’ve realized I have so much more to offer than I realized, I’ve provided value in areas that I hadn’t considered, and the answers also opened doors to new potential opportunities that I otherwise would not have sought out.
Whether you are currently employed, looking for work, or just looking to gain better insight into who you are as a professional, I would highly recommend reaching out to your references, whoever they may be, and asking them these five questions. You might be pleasantly surprised at what you learn.
