References are one of the most important factors in your job search. Potential employers don’t usually call your references until the very end. When they’ve seen your resume and interviewed you and they think you’re the one, then they’ll want to call your references to make sure

First, a little about how reference checks work. Potential employers will want to talk to people who have worked with you. At least one of your references should be somebody that you reported to directly (a former boss). Others can be co-workers, people from other companies who interacted with you at work, even clients. It’s okay to include a personal reference too. This may be someone who knows you personally but hasn’t worked with you.

If you’re currently employed, you probably don’t want your current employer to know that you’re looking for a job. Your new potential employer will understand if you don’t give them permission to call your current supervisor. But you do need people who have worked can speak to your work performance. You could give the name of your supervisor and others from your previous job. If there is someone who worked with you at your current employer but has now left the company, that could be a good resource. If you’ve done any volunteer work, someone there could provide a reference.

If you are not currently employed and you don’t provide the name and number of your most recent supervisor, your potential employer will wonder why.

Most companies have policies against giving references. That’s because if they say something negative about a former employee, they could be sued. If you give your potential employer the name and number of the HR person from a former job, that person will likely only confirm that you worked for them and when.

Ask people if they will give you a reference. If they say no, or cite the company policy, don’t give their name as a reference. If they were so enthusiastic about you that they would give a glowing report, they would have said yes. Be very careful about asking anyone associated with your current job. Word might get back to your employer. You could also damage your employer’s position by tipping your hand to the wrong person. For example, you are an account rep serving an important client. If you leave, your employer will want to position it carefully it a way that makes their clients feel that their needs are still going to be taken care of. If you ask that client for a reference, you leave your company is an awkward spot.

Leave on spectacular terms. Do not put your employer in a difficult position when you depart. Give two weeks notice and come to work every day during those two weeks. Do everything you can so that the next person can pick up your job easily. Even if you’re not pleased with your current employer, you should do these things because you’ll need them to give you great references the next time you look for a job.

When doing career planning, it is important to do a lot of self-exploration. You need to find out your skills and interests and how they will carry over into different professions. Career tests are often used as a means of identifying what path to choose in your career planning. Also, there are counselors that can advise you in your planning. These are a very valuable tool that should absolutely be taken advantage of.

Once you find out your strengths and interests, it is a good idea to make a list of potential occupations. The list of career paths obtained from career tests are often lengthy. Scan through this and find the ones that you like best. You should be able to get your list of potential careers down to five to ten choices.

Once you get your list narrowed down, do some in-depth research about the career choices on your list. Have a look at the requirements needed to obtain a job in each particular field. It is important to make special note of the potential earnings that can be obtained in each field, as well as the educational requirements.

Another great tool in choosing a career path is interaction with people that are actually involved in the field that you are interested in. This is the best way to get first-hand information on the career you are considering. They will be able to answer most questions you have involving their job.

Once you are able to explore all of the potential career paths, and narrow it down to one selection, it is time to start planning for a career in that field.

It is a good idea to write down a career plan. This plan should involve all of the education needed to obtain a job in your desired industry. Also, other training, such as internships, are great ways to get the experience and skills necessary to get a job in the particular field. While completing the schooling necessary, if possible, it is great to find part-time jobs that are relevant to the career path you have chosen.

Remember, when doing your career planning, the most important person in this process is you. Do not let others talk you out of the career you always dreamed of.