|
For Employers
Kicking off your SkillBridge program and looking for participants? Sponsor a newsletter to get your job in front of 700+ transitioning servicemembers! Contact us to get started.
|
Let’s talk about references.
Civilian hiring managers often want to hear from a former manager, mentor, boss, or someone similar to double check the qualifications and experience of a potential hire.
But what if you don't have any?
Whether you've spent your whole career in uniform or it’s been a while since your last civilian role, chances are you don't have many civilian references ready.
That’s where SkillBridge can help.
SkillBridge is a great time to earn references by showing up and building trust.
It's just up to you to do good work.
Because when you do, the references (and relationships!) that come your way will help you throughout your career.
While the end goal of many SkillBridge internships is to secure a full-time job with your host company, the reality is it doesn’t always happen.
We want you to be prepared for all scenarios.
So, here’s the best way to gather references during SkillBridge -
1) Build the Relationship Before You Need the Reference
The simplest way to a good reference later is to just do good work.
Easy!
Remember your manager isn’t just evaluating your work, but also how you work.
Show up prepared, take initiative, and ask good questions.
These simple things go a long way in establishing trust and professionalism.
2) Think Beyond Just One Person
While your direct manager is a great reference, they’re not your only option.
Keep in mind the people that you work with regularly like other team leads, cross-functional partners, or maybe even a mentor.
Basically, anyone who can vouch for your skills and character is a potential reference.
Plus, when it comes to references, the more you have, the better.
3. Know the Right Way to Ask
It’s best practice to ask someone to be a reference in advance.
After all, you don’t want to assume they are willing and have a call catch them off guard.
You want them to be ready to say great things about you!
So, if you’ve built a good rapport and received positive feedback, a simple ask could bet: "Would you feel comfortable being a reference for me as I begin applying to roles after SkillBridge?"
If they say yes, great! We’ll cover more in the next section.
If they say no, that’s okay. Don’t take it personally.
Sometimes the person doesn’t feel like they worked with you closely enough.
Always thank them for their honesty and move on.
4. Make It Easy for Them
Once someone agrees, make it as easy as possible for them to support you.
First, gather the best phone number and email address for them so you can quickly provide to a future hiring manager upon request.
Secondly, let them know the types of roles you are applying for and what key skills and accomplishments you have that align with those roles.
That will make it easy to talk you up!
Pro tip: Anytime you give a hiring manager a reference, tell your reference to expect the call (and tell them the company and role so they are prepared!)
SkillBridge is a valuable time to learn new skills and build great professional relationships.
References are just a small sign of the impact that you made.
Building your list of people who have your back will remind you of the skills you learned in a short amount of time during your SkillBridge.
The relationships you build will stick with you for a long time after the internship ends.
This network is invaluable.