Should Military Members List Professional References?

2015-10-12T16:33:21-04:00

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

should-military-members-list-professional-references-liz-mclean

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Oct 12 at 2015 4:35 PM

2015-10-12T16:35:10-04:00

That is a good question COL Mikel J. Burroughs. I expect that each military member think about the ramifications before they list professional references.
It is always a great idea to confirm that the person you want to list as a reference both confirms that they are willing to be your reference and that they would provide a good report on your performance.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Oct 12 at 2015 4:41 PM

2015-10-12T16:41:11-04:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs - I think that people need to carefully consider who they list as references and list only those who will provide the type reference they need to make a difference. If they have a choice between military and civilian references, the same guidance applies, however, it entails another decision factor. Is a civilian reference more suited to the position being applied for than a military reference? The main point is to pick the references that give you the best chance of being selected for the position.

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Oct 12 at 2015 4:50 PM

2015-10-12T16:50:24-04:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs that would really depend on what your field was, operational tempo, and whether or not a good contact location can be given. I think that if you were to list a commander who is stationed in Afghanistan as a reference it would be seen as more smart ass than reference. On the flip side, a commander who is stationed stateside, or has been discharged with good contact information would be alright. IF your job was 90% classified, then why bother. All your commander will be able to do is say yes he did his job, or no he didn't do his job. They won't be able to go into any detail about the quality of your work, or work ethic as the job itself cannot be discussed. Finally, if your job involved direct action against the enemy, you might not want to have an employer asking your former CO about combat operations. A person not prepared to hear that you shot a man in the face just before he stabbed your battle buddy in the back, could cost you a job.

Response by SMSgt Tony Barnes made Oct 12 at 2015 4:50 PM

2015-10-12T16:50:27-04:00

Absolutely. I was a 1st Sgt for 10 years and some of those are I worked for are excellent resources. The commander who was under investigation in recruiting command...not so much.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Oct 12 at 2015 4:57 PM

2015-10-12T16:57:43-04:00

My stance has always been "References Available Upon Request" and I have a sheet of them (5) which I juggle based on the needs of the employer.

I don't want to give a prospective employer carte blanche simply because if they call a number and it has been disconnected, or the person has moved, or divorced... that can torpedo an opportunity. It also gives me a chance to regularly reconnect with old coworkers and friends as I update my resume, and ensure my reference sheet is up to date.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Oct 14 at 2015 8:55 AM

2015-10-14T08:55:26-04:00

I always listed my Chiefs and Division Officers as references, but very rarely actually got asked for references. The one exception I can think of is when I was getting a special clearance at my first post-Navy job and needed character references for the background check.

Response by SFC David Davenport made Oct 14 at 2015 1:23 PM

2015-10-14T13:23:52-04:00

Make sure you let people know ahead of time if you are using them as a reference. While I am normally happy to be a reference for someone there have been a few times that I have declined to be a reference. One of the worst things you could do is use someone as a reference who is going to negatively represent you to a potential employer. Depending on the circumstance you may want to talk about what they will say about you to an employer.

Response by PO1 Dawn C. made Feb 3 at 2017 10:53 AM

2017-02-03T10:53:20-05:00

After retiring from the Navy the only references I had were military. All mentors at some point of my Naval Career and retired, but were currently working in the civilian sector. When I was hired by the VA I asked what the selling point was and they stated it was recommendations by my references.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2017 11:43 AM

2017-02-12T11:43:13-05:00

Very well stated.

Response by SPC Michael Stedman made Feb 12 at 2017 11:43 AM

2017-02-12T11:43:42-05:00

I don't know about listing references being all that useful as a lot of people join the military for types of jobs they have not had experience in. I do however think that a more thorough and in depth background check should be done.

Response by PO3 John Wagner made Feb 12 at 2017 11:51 AM

2017-02-12T11:51:51-05:00

Sounds just about perfect. If I had the tiniest thing to add it would be...and also since the individual references definitely should know already.... Make the military title and rank somewhat simpler for the civilian employer to understand SSGT means nothing to most non militarily involved civilians and will only confuse them as to the professional relationship the applicant had with the reference......"Gump if it wouldn't mean the loss of a perfectly good infantryman you could make General". Something along those lines.

Response by SPC David Whitney made Feb 12 at 2017 12:07 PM

2017-02-12T12:07:15-05:00

I don't believe any one should ever be listed as a reference before you have discussed it with them and have their permission to list them as a personal reference.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Feb 12 at 2017 12:31 PM

2017-02-12T12:31:23-05:00

References are sometimes helpful. The service member should provide references that are favorable, knowledgeable, and available. "Favorable" almost goes without explanation. Knowledgeable means the reference is somebody who actually saw you working. Your "line supervisor" is a better reference than a superintendent. If the reference can only say, "yes, SGT Johnson worked here and I don't recall him getting in any trouble," then they may not be the best reference. The reference should be able to describe the work you did and how well you did it. Finally, the reference needs to be available. This means you have talked to the person and confirmed that you can use them as a reference. The phone or e-mail you provide for the reference has to be correct and you need high confidence the reference will responsibility answer.

I contacted references after the interview. One key question I asked, "Would you hire "Mr. Smith" to work for you again?" Interestingly, I didn't always get an affirmative answer. The other thing I wanted references to do was confirm the experience and accomplishments of the applicant. "Please tell me about Mr. Smith's work on the XXX project."

Response by GySgt Melissa Gravila made Feb 12 at 2017 12:58 PM

2017-02-12T12:58:11-05:00

Years ago when I was getting out, I asked my Colonel for a reference letter. I was shocked when I got it because I didn't realize he knew about the volunteer work I was doing in the community. I never did it for a pat on the back, I did it because it was the right thing to do. He also wrote how I organized all of the mess halls to give their "extra" food (we all made sure we ordered extra and set it aside) and trucked it to the homeless shelters. He winked at me and said "Betcha thought you were being sneaky, huh?"
S/F

Response by SSG Terry Clay made Feb 12 at 2017 1:40 PM

2017-02-12T13:40:50-05:00

The answer seems to answer the question, ' Should military personnel transitioning to civilian occupations list military references and experience on civilian professional resumes?'. And agree with the group consensus. I'd add that a discharge code or designation of Honorable speaks to the success of the applicant in accordance to the mission he or she performed and may speak to the character of the veteran as well. It is important to note I think that spending some time explaining military experiences in civilian terms and how they correlate to the civilian occupation sought will be helpful. Blowing things up and killing armed enemy combatants lack relevance on main street. But they do describe particular skill sets that will be useful for the rest of the service members life.

Response by LTC Wayne Brandon made Feb 12 at 2017 2:23 PM

2017-02-12T14:23:42-05:00

Great guidance, Liz!

Response by SMSgt Roger Horton made Feb 12 at 2017 5:02 PM

2017-02-12T17:02:25-05:00

It would depend on the position one is seeking and the individuals militery record. One should also consider if the Company listing the position is Pro or Con military.

Response by CMDCM John F. "Doc" Bradshaw made Feb 12 at 2017 11:15 PM

2017-02-12T23:15:20-05:00

Especially if they are transitioning to Civilian Life!!!

Response by SPC Michael Sprous made Feb 13 at 2017 8:36 AM

2017-02-13T08:36:59-05:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs I believe that references are a good thing to have when it comes to putting an application for a job outside of the military. However, like COL Jean (John) F. B. stated, you do need to consider who that person should list as a reference as a reference in my opinion can make a big difference or make little to no impact. I would say consider people who you worked with on a daily basis, say in the same section or bay etc, as they can provide a reference on your overall performance throughout the workday, attitude towards others and your work. Also having a reference that is within that line of work you are applying for will be very beneficial in my mind, as it is related to the position that you are seeking and they can provide a reference on how you handled yourself and business in that area, your knowledge from a persons point of view rather than a certification stating that you can do it.

Response by PO1 Kevin Arnold made Feb 13 at 2017 10:20 AM

2017-02-13T10:20:50-05:00

It is hard to do that now that most of not all my former supervisors are discharged or retired from the military. Also like myself we all move around so much while in the service that even the contact information we do have is outdated or no longer exist.

Response by LCpl Donald Faucett made Feb 13 at 2017 4:05 PM

2017-02-13T16:05:15-05:00

No, an Honorable Discharge and DD-214 should be enough.