Referrals and recommendations are HUGE when attempting to show you're previous impacts with employers, clients, superiors and co-workers. These are expressions of appreciation from others when you have performed well for them and they appreciate it. Like a Pat on the Back...
Prospective employers may not care what you say you can do, or have done, so much as it is better to have it in somebody elses words and views. As soon as you know you have ever impressed someone with your work, ask them to write out their experience(s) and save it for later. Some may say, "I'm sorry but I don't have time so I can't," well I've got news... A very wise man once told me that saying "I can't" means "I don't want to"... so don't be afraid to ask them that if you write it, will they review and sign-off on it. This sounds nuts yet I have had two people actually suggest this to me when I asked them for their experiences... that's a lot of trust but if you have earned it, all the better to show it off! Remember, while looking for a new job you have a lot of time, the folks you request things of may be too busy to package a document so give them a hand if they are agreeable.
Keep it simple, specific (so they will recall the examples of work you write about), and of course be factual. Don't betray the trust or assume they will not really review the document because they should and will. These are people of integrity thats the value in the document. Here are those letters from each after they tweaked what I had documented:
My last in-line Superior wrote:
Randall McKee worked for Duvall Design from June 2008 to January 2009. During that time he proved himself to be a self-motivated team player, creative, and resourceful. Although Randy came to us with a large tool box of MS Office Suite and PC applications skills, our environment required he master MAC OS, with associated applications. Within the first week he took on a large back-log of Trade Show leads; created and executed emails and mailings, with follow-up phone calls to each in an attempt to generate new business even while learning how to use MAC applications.
Over time Randy created all of the collateral he needed and used to represent Duvall and our products, including full color pictorial Brochures, Catalogs, and DVDs with text and narratives demonstrating in-depth product knowledge, understanding of our company and markets, and creativity far beyond the scope of his pay-grade or position requirements.
I personally saw great uses and potential for Randy's organizational skills while he lead the development of our new Consumer Products line and the launch of our Retail space, as he simultaneously managed development, marketing, collateral, and preparation of the physical space (Randy performed at roughly 50-60% of sales projections for this new, premium priced product) while still maintaining a busy work load interacting with and creating estimates for other markets and industries working side by side our Designer and Owner Charles Duvall.
Regards,
Here's what a Client/Partner had say regarding my performance as Account Manager/Lead Telesales Agent:
I have had the privilege of working with Randy McKee for the last 4 years. In that time Randy showed diligence, fortitude and integrity in all of our transactions, and I was extremely pleased with our experience. He started out calling our perspective customers, and impressed me so that eventually I asked him to help in training all of our corporate dealers throughout the United States. He managed tens of thousands of sale leads, and made a presentation at our annual sales meeting that was truly exceptional.
Randy represented us in a manner that showed his inherent understanding of my business needs, ownership in our culture, and the commitment to increase our sales even in challenging times.
If I had a job available in Randy’s geographical area I would be very comfortable hiring him, knowing that he would excel at the job. He is the type of person that is very self motivated and will rise to the top in whatever endeavor he chooses.
Heres are a couple of Recommendations that can also be viewed by Members on LinkedIn:
“Randy McKee has several key attributes that yield success in his endeavors. For one, he is unstoppably energetic and positive. His can do attitude and solution focus provides results. He also is eager to learn, has solid relationship selling skills, and is able to represent our firm to clients or prospects with integrity and professionalism.” June 27, 2007
Randall (Randy) Anderson, VP for Client Services and Business to Business Operations, Taction; managed Randall at Taction
“It is with great pleasure that I make this recommendation for Randy McKee. During my time with Randy, he filled many roles and capacities. Randy is always willing to step up to the plate and make improvements with a degree of poise and passion. His enthusiasm and "can do" attitude are infectious. Randy not only looks at the goals in front of him, but see the big picture as well and follows through with a practical and comprehensive plan to get there. Through all the hats I've seen Randy wear he's always made great contributions that affected the company and it's employees in a positive way and encouraged others to participate. I would recommend Randy in any capacity as he has the personality and the know how to adjust to change and adapt to his job functions very quickly with a great attitude.” April 15, 2008
Mary Caldwell, former HR Coordinator, Taction; worked with Randall at Taction
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