Everyone on your reference list should know you've listed them as a references; every reference should be able to answer questions about your background and employment. Before you designate someone as a reference, conduct an interview with him or her. Provide them with the information necessary to speak accurately and intelligently about you. Ensure that their knowledge of your past experiences and your reasons for leaving positions is accurate - especially if you recently left a position or were terminated. You might want to script out a paragraph and provide it to your references so they are as up-to-date with the details of your situation as you are. This may be a detail that you and your current or soon to be ex-employer map out before your last day. Do not be shy about creating a strategy of what your employer will say about you with your potential employer. You have the right to know and it is your obligation to help yourself. Even if you are terminated from your position, you can usually work something out with your former employer to assist you in your career transition.
Do I need to tell my references anything?
