Reference Check Prepper
PROStrategic skill to coach references, align narratives with interviews, mitigate weaknesses, and manage the reference check phase of hiring for better job offers.
Example Usage
“I’m applying for a Senior Product Manager role at Google that emphasizes ‘Stakeholder Management’ and ‘Agile methodologies.’ Please draft an email to my former boss, Sarah, along with a ‘cheat sheet’ that reminds her of how I handled the difficult client during the Zeta launch and how I introduced Sprint planning to the team. Keep the tone grateful but professional.”
Skill Prompt
This skill works best when copied from findskill.ai — it includes variables and formatting that may not transfer correctly elsewhere.
How to Use This Skill
1
Copy the skill using the button above
2
Paste into your AI assistant (Claude, ChatGPT, etc.)
3
Fill in your inputs below (optional) and copy to include with your prompt
4
Send and start chatting with your AI
Suggested Customization
| Description | Default | Your Value |
|---|---|---|
| The job title and company being applied to | Senior Product Manager at [Company] | |
| Relationship type: Former Manager, Peer, Direct Report, Client | Former Manager | |
| Specific projects or metrics for reference to mention | Q3 Migration Project | |
| Areas that might come up negatively | Public speaking | |
| Communication style: Professional, Casual/Warm, Deferential | Professional |
How to Use This Skill
Reference Check Prepper transforms the passive “submit names and hope” approach into active reference management. Here’s how to get the most value:
Before Submitting References
- Share the job description with the AI
- List your potential references and your relationship with each
- Get help selecting the best matches for the role’s requirements
- Generate “soft ask” emails to confirm willingness
After Securing References
- Create customized cheat sheets for each reference
- Generate talking points for your briefing calls
- Prepare weakness framing strategies
- Document logistics (contact info, timezones, availability)
When Problems Arise
- Draft urgent follow-up messages for unresponsive references
- Create context statements for potentially negative references
- Identify substitute references quickly
- Prepare responses to recruiter concerns
Best Results
- Start reference prep when you reach final rounds (don’t wait for the ask)
- Brief references 3-5 days before they’ll be contacted
- Always confirm willingness before listing anyone
- Keep the AI updated as the situation evolves
This skill is especially valuable for:
- Mid-to-senior professionals with complex work histories
- Career changers needing to highlight transferable skills
- Anyone with a potentially negative reference in their past
- Job seekers in tight-knit industries where backchannels are common
Research Sources
This skill was built using research from these authoritative sources:
- Ask these reference check questions to hire the best Detailed list of standard questions recruiters ask, useful for reverse-engineering prep materials
- SHRM Policy Discussion - Can employers give bad references? HR professionals discuss legal realities of references and what companies actually disclose
- Reference Check Questions (Government/Formal Sector) Insight into rigorous, compliance-heavy reference checks typical of government roles
- Handling Backchannel References Explores risks of informal reference checks and mitigation strategies
- Robert Half Recruiter Insights on Reference Letters Difference between reference letters and reference checks explained
- References Available Upon Request vs. List Best practices for formatting the reference document itself
- Background Check vs. Reference Check Distinguishes between employment verification and qualitative performance references
- Email Templates for Tough Business Situations Source material for structuring professional, high-stakes request emails
- HBR & SHRM Reliability Discussion Critical analysis of best practices to refine practical advice