How to Get Good References

When you come to the end of your apprenticeship and move on to a new job, you are going to need to have references. These are a letter from your ex-employer talking about how you did in your past job. Obviously you want your references to be glowing as it will give you a better chance of getting the job. To get good references you need to work hard and show progress but also make sure that your boss likes you and is aware of your achievements.

Exceed Your Job Description

As an apprentice you will have set targets and levels that you have to reach in your work. You will be constantly assessed to make sure that you meet these criteria. To get the best references though, you need to exceed these expectations. Work hard in your role as an apprentice to show that you want to do your best and find ways that you can go above and beyond your job description.

Make Your Achievements Known

There is no point doing brilliant work if nobody ever knows about it. As an apprentice you will have regular meetings with your manager and a number of appraisals to check how you are doing. Tell them about how you have excelled and be able to give practical examples. Another great way to get your work known is by word of mouth. Tell your colleagues about what you have done and it will filter back to your boss.

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Show Progress

When you are an apprentice you are constantly learning new things and expanding your skillset. The more experience you get, the better you will become at your job. This progress will be an important factor in getting good references as it shows that you are applying what you are learning and are committed to improving. Be able to demonstrate your skills and how you have become better at them during your apprenticeship. Showing commitment and improvement is just as important as being good from the start.

Be Liked

It may sound like a trivial matter, but being liked by your colleagues and manager will go a long way towards getting good references. Being liked is about much more than socialising. It shows that you have good communication skills, can work well in a team and have strong people skills. Plus, your manager will be more inclined to make your references glowing if they like you as a person.

As an apprentice moving on to your next job, it is important that you get good references from you past employer. Your new employer will want to see that you made a good impression, worked hard, showed progress and were able to fit into the company easily. To make sure that you get a glowing report you need to exceed your job description, show progress and make sure that your manager knows about your achievements. Also, try to get on with your colleagues on a personal level as this shows good communication skilled and teamwork.

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