Johnny C. Taylor Jr. tackles your human resources questions as part of a series for USA TODAY. Taylor is president and CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management, the world's largest HR ...

LinkedIn is a professional online social network that connects professional contacts with each other on a central website. Among other features, LinkedIn enables members to display references (or ...

Your job search process has begun. You’ve got your resume stacked with accounts of your accomplishments, your online profile is superb, and you’ve practiced your ‘elevator speech’ one hundred times.

Asking for professional references can feel a bit overwhelming. You want to make sure you choose the right people and ask them in a way that feels comfortable. Whether you’re reaching out to a former ...

Completing the job application process usually involves providing professional references. In many instances, you will need to supply a list of references for the prospective employer after submitting ...

At some point during the job interviewing process, you'll likely be asked to provide a list of professional references so your potential employer can get a better picture of your employment history, ...

Character references can be a powerful tool in your job search arsenal, especially when aiming for high-paying positions. Whether you’re providing one for a colleague or requesting one for yourself, ...

Letters of reference or recommendation are common devices in the corporate world. Many people request letters of reference from current or former employers, and employers may be more than happy to ...

Prospective employers use references to help them assess an applicant’s suitability. This can put you in a difficult position if you feel that you cannot provide as positive a reference as the ...

Great professional references can make or break your job search, yet they are often the most overlooked part of an otherwise strong career campaign. Many people assume anyone they have worked with ...