Giddy-up!

Remember when you were told "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all?" Recently, I've had several clients mention some concerns about what their references might say about them -- in particular, former supervisors who they feel might "badmouth" them. This thinking, in part, has stymied their efforts to move on in actively pursuing new opportunities. Further, it has complicated job search momentum because their confidence level has been knocked down a few notches.

If you are uncertain what your references will say about you, your work, your character, or if you think your former boss is going to say "something bad", find out! Stop worrying and take some constructive action steps today. Research what your references will say before you launch your job search. If it bears out that "bad things" really are being said about you, you need to know now and act accordingly. The bottom line -- don't wait for someone to tell you three months down the road, or for the grapevine to leak something back to you, that so-and-so really ripped you in a reference check. Don't wonder. Don't worry. Don't wait. Protect yourself and your product - you!

There are numerous businesses that specialize in providing professional reference checks. Fees and services vary from firm to firm. Get a referral to a credible on-line reference-checking firm or target a company in your local area, if you prefer doing business face-to-face.  Ask around -- who do you know that knows somebody that knows somebody that does top-notch reference checks? Put your mind at ease so you can move forward with confidence, grace, and style. Giddy-up!