You and Your References

Q: I want to keep my current references (i.e. employer) happy, while looking for something else. What is the best way to make that transition?

A: Hiring managers at other companies understand that you can't allow your current employer to know that you are looking, so they will accept other references - such as former employers, high-level coworkers at your current company, or former clients.

A few other helpful hints on references:

• Don’t wait until you are on a job search to dig up a reference from years ago. References should be trusted connections, and it’s important to cultivate these relationships over the years – not just when you need something from them. And remember – it’s a two-way street – be sure to take an interest in their careers as well.
• References are typically requested during the “end game” of the hiring process – and it is an expression that the company is very serious about your candidacy. Therefore, references should NOT appear on your resume.  If you supply them, you won’t have control of when your references are called, and you won’t be able to prep them adequately about any particular position.
• Typically 3 references are requested – it’s a good idea to have 5 on hand in case someone is unresponsive.
• If you have a line such as “References furnished upon request” on your resume, remove it. It is a given.
• Be sure to circle back with your references. If you got the job, let them know, and thank them for being a part of it.

Article: Deducting Job Hunting Expenses - including Coaching!

There is a world of assumptions about what can and can't be deducted when you are on a job search. This Wall Street Journal article breaks it down for you. The most important thing to remember is the "same occupation rule"- that is, if you are a changing careers, or just graduated from school, you may be &*%! out of luck. However, if you are looking in the same occupation (think job role and function, not title), you can deduct travel expenses, career-coaching services, and resume preparation services. Sadly, the IRS will not let you deduct your cell phone, (or landline, if you still have one), internet, or personal grooming - even though "these things are almost mandatory in today's job search environment, the IRS will say they are nondeductible personal expenses. Sorry." Sorry indeed. 

It's easy to make erroneous assumptions about what can and can't be deducted - this article really contains a lot of valuable information, and I highly recommend reading it in full if you are currently on the hunt.

Article: Make the most of your employment gaps

This article from Career Rocketeer provides very good advice about how to best present any employment breaks in your job history, as well as how to make the most use of your time between jobs.

I do disagree, however, with the recommendation of using a skills-based resume to cover up time gaps. No one is fooled by this - better to include what you were doing during that time if at all applicable - eg: creative work, internships, volunteerism, education, travel. Hiring managers prefer linear presentations, so they don't have to work too hard to reconstruct your job history.

Check out this very helpful article here:
Enhancing your employability despite those employment gaps