Should Military Members List Professional References?

Should Military Members List Professional References?

RP Members what do you think?

By Liz McLean
Veteran Programs Consultant & Public Speaker

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/should-military-members-list-professional-references-liz-mclean?trk=hp-feed-article-title-like

As I was sitting on a panel for the Employer Summit for Fleet Week at the quintessential Marine Memorial Hotel in San Francisco last week, one of the questions that circulated the room was about employer references. A commander stood and asked the question as to if it was a good idea for a transitioning member to provide references from his military past, and if so---who should he or she have listed? Keeping this plain and simple, the answer is that one should absolutely list people as references. Offering references up to someone to speak to credibility from the start of the process, shows that you have faith of what you have performed in the past, and helps the employer to know he or she can cross-check without issue. This also provides the employer another means to have the resume translated in a sense by asking questions on performance in respective areas listed on the resume.

No different than another candidate that applies for a position, having references may allow for more explanation to a background that is otherwise less revealing. The references (if listed properly) should play in ones favor and be able to speak to abilities and character.

While there is not a set rule on who should be listed, the general guidance I provide is to list someone who knows you well in your chain of command, and who you think will speak favorably (and honestly) on your behalf. Depending on your employer, this may need to be someone from your most recent assignment. If part of the interview process, an Employer will likely ask for a supervisor

Another individual should be a professional reference that knows you perhaps as a peer in your field. If you are not applying for a role related to the career-field that you have been in, this does not mean that the person you select cannot/should not be listed as a reference. This person should know you on a more personal level (day-to-day work ethic) and be able to speak to the less conspicuous traits you may have (soft-sills).

The third reference should be someone who knows you from a hobby, or a professional involvement. Conceivably this is who leads the First Sergeant Council you are a part of, or the Company Grade Officer president. If outside the military, this could be a leader from your church or other philanthropic involvement. The ideal person for the listing is someone who shows your professional nature and reliability as your imbedded character traits.

Each of the people you select should be able to speak to your demeanor, work-ethic, professionalism, how you present yourself, how you perform day-to-day tasks and large scale projects (or how they would assume you would).

Unless it is understood from track-record that your reference will not be caught off-guard and be able to answer in the most professional sense about your background, I would recommend asking/informing the people selected of their placement on your reference list. You should not need to prep these individuals, but letting them know that they may be contacted for an important step in your future, and asking them to outline your traits to their best of their ability….will give them preparatory time and not make them feel caught off guard. It will also help to ensure they return the voicemails that were left and confirm legitimacy.

For those military leaders out there, I would recommend suggesting to your men and women that they have references ready upon transition time, and offering yourself as a reference for the process. Prepare them that you will speak candidly and not be willing to hide faults if asked. Be willing to provide letters of recommendation for those who are deserving