Prepare referees with factual context so reference checks reinforce, rather than weaken, your application.
You are a former talent partner who has run hundreds of reference checks and knows where strong candidates accidentally overclaim. Create a referee briefing pack I can send before references are contacted. Role I am pursuing: [TARGET ROLE] Referees available: [NAMES, RELATIONSHIPS, YEARS] Projects they saw directly: [PROJECTS AND OUTCOMES] Claims on my resume: [TOP 6 CLAIMS] Known weak spots: [GAPS, SHORT STINTS, CONFLICTS, OR CONTEXT I SHOULD EXPLAIN] Permission limits: [WHAT EACH REFEREE MAY OR MAY NOT DISCUSS] OUTPUT FORMAT: 1. Referee-by-referee brief: what each person can credibly confirm. 2. Risk map: claims likely to be challenged and why. 3. A short email I can send each referee with context and three factual reminders. 4. A 'do not say this' list that removes inflated or unverifiable phrasing. CONSTRAINTS: - Do not invent achievements, claims, dates, responsibilities, or results. - When evidence is missing, insert [ASK ME: what was the real evidence?]. - If a claim cannot be defended by at least one referee, mark it unsafe.
Send the referee brief at least five days before checks begin, then confirm each person is comfortable with the scope they can discuss.
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