Virginia CDL Skills Testing Locations

Virginia CDL Skills Testing LocationsVirginia CDL Skills Testing LocationsVirginia offers skills testing through their DMV, although some testing may occur off-site. 01A25552 Lee Hwy, Abingdon, (276) 608-0084Monday through Friday from 900 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Hazmat hintergrund check applications and fingerprinting services available at this location2681 Mill Rd., Alexandria, Contact Alfred Meadows at (540) 369-5252 or Chris Williams at (540) 710-3744Monday through Friday from 800 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.6306 Grovedale Dr., Alexandria, Contact Alfred Meadows at (540) 369-5252 or Chris Williams at (540) 710-3744Monday through Friday from 800 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at the Woodbridge Commuter Lot on I-95 in Occoquan or at the Fredericksburg Commuter Lot on Route 171301-H Main Str., Altavista, Contact Betty Gillispie at (434) 941-9243Monday through Friday from 900 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at 294 Omaha Beach Circle4150 S. Four Mile Run Dr., Arlington, Contact Mary Ritter at (571) 247-7724 or Mike Martin at (703) 220-7083 or Jeff Logue at (703) 505-5250 or Omar Hamidil at (703) 220-9896Monday through Friday from 800 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at the Woodbridge Commuter Lot on I-95 in Occoquan or at the VanDorn Commuter Lot at 5910 McGuinn Dr. in Alexandria02B21341 Old Dominion Rd., Bristol, (276) 608-0084Monday through Friday from 900 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Read more CDL03C14950 Northridge Dr., Chantilly, Contact Mary Ritter at (571) 247-7724 or Mike Martin at (703) 220-7083 or Jeff Logue at (703) 505-5250 or Omar Hamidil at (703) 220-9896Monday through Friday from 800 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests perform ed only at the Woodbridge Commuter Lot on I-95 in Occoquan or at the VanDorn Commuter Lot at 5910 McGuinn Dr. in Alexandria2055 Abbey Rd., Charlottesville, Contact Jason McCoy at (540) 810-7177Monday through Friday from 800 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Hazmat hintergrund check applications and fingerprinting services available at this location813 Greenbrier Pkwy., Chesapeake, (757) 434-2506Monday through Friday from 800 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at Pruden Center located at 4133 Pruden Blvd., Suffolk12100 Branders Creek Rd., Chester, (804) 796-4135Monday through Friday from 800 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at the Richmond CDL Test Site located at 1305 West Hundred Rd.385 Arbor Dr., Christiansburg, Contact Tony Slate at (276) 608-0116Monday through Friday from 900 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Pr e-trip and skills tests performed only at Blacksburg Transit located at 2800 Commerce Str.2311 Dickenson Hwy., Clintwood, (276) 780-0289Monday through Friday from 900 a.m. to 500 p.m.27426 Southampton Pkwy., Courtland, (757) 409-3893 or (804) 796-4135Monday through Friday from 900 a.m. to 500 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at the Virginia-Carolina Vegetable Growers Market located at 2450 Agripark Dr.810 Grayson Ave., Covington, Contact Brenda Daugherty at (540) 580-4529Monday through Friday from 900 a.m. to 500 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at Virginia Department of Transportation located on Grayson Ave.440 Southridge Pkwy., Culpeper, Contact Debbie Harrison at (540) 533-0422Monday through Friday from 900 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at Earlys Trucking Co., located on Route 29 in Opal04D600 Cleveland Str., Danville, Contact Deborah Atkins at (434) 250-6439Monday through Friday from 900 a .m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only on Trade Str. behind K-mart05E103 Commonwealth Blvd., Emporia, (804) 796-4135Monday through Friday from 900 a.m. to 500 p.m.Hazmat hintergrund check applications and fingerprinting services available at this location06F300 N. Virginia Str., Farmville, (804) 796-4135Monday through Friday from 900 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Hazmat background check applications and fingerprinting services available at this location5700 Southpoint Centre Blvd., Fredericksburg, Contact Alfred Meadows at (540) 369-5252 or Chris Williams at (540) 710-3744Monday through Friday from 800 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at the Woodbridge Commuter Lot on I-95 in Occoquan or at the Fredericksburg Commuter Lot on Route 17Hazmat background check applications and fingerprinting services available at this location15 Water Str., F ront Royal, Contact Debbie Harrison at (540) 533-0422Monday through Friday from 900 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Read more 2012 Rules for Issuing CDLs07G7565 Carrollton Pike, Galax, (276) 608-0116Monday through Friday from 900 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at Truck tafelgeschirr Enterprise located at 315 East Webster Str.382 Jones Str., Gate City, (276) 608-0084Monday through Friday from 900 a.m. to 500 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at Duffield Industrial Park in Duffield9015 Brook Rd., Glen Allen, (804) 796-4135Monday through Friday from 800 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at the Richmond CDL Test Site located at 1305 West Hundred Rd.08H - I8109 Roanoke Ave., Hampton, (757) 434-0366Monday through Friday from 800 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at V-DOT and Pine Chapel Equipment Repair Shop located at 150 E. State, HamptonHazmat background check applications and fingerprinting services available at this location3281 Peoples Dr., Harrisonburg, Contact Tammy Thompson at (540) 305-7750Monday through Friday from 800 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Hazmat background check applications and fingerprinting services available at this location2348 York Crossing Dr., Hayes, (757) 434-3061Monday through Friday from 900 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at Virginia Power located at 6104 Fiddlers Green Rd., Gloucester09J195 Hill Str., Jonesville, (276) 608-0084Monday through Friday from 900 a.m. to 500 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at Duffield Industrial Park in Duffield10K110 DMV Dr., Kilmarnock, (804) 796-4135Monday through Friday from 900 a.m. to 500 p.m.11L567 W. Main Str., Lebanon, (276) 780-0289Monday through Friday from 900 a.m. to 500 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at the North Lebanon Weigh Pad on Hwy 19 SouthThe Summit Square Business Center, 110 Walker Str., Lexington, Contact Sue Hodges at (540) 580-4763Monday through Friday from 900 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at the Virginia Department of Transportation on Waddell Str. in Lexington or at the Harrisonburg CSC located at 3281 Peoples Dr.945 Edwards Ferry Rd. NE, Loesburg, Contact Mary Ritter at (571) 247-7724 or Mike Martin at (703) 220-7083 or Jeff Logue at (703) 505-5250 or Omar Hamidil at (703) 220-9896Monday through Friday from 800 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at the Woodbridge Commuter Lot on I-95 in Occoquan or at the VanDorn Commuter Lot at 5910 McGuinn Dr. in Alexandria7714 Gunston Plaza, Lorton, Contact Alfred Meadows at (540) 369-5252 or Chris Williams at (540) 710-3744Monday through Friday from 8 00 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at the Woodbridge Commuter Lot on I-95 in Occoquan or at the Fredericksburg Commuter Lot on Route 17Hazmat background check applications and fingerprinting services available at this location3236 Odd Fellows Rd., Lynchburg, Contact Betty Gillispie at (434) 941-9243Monday through Friday from 800 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at the Virginia National Guard Armory located at 168 Constitution LaneRead more US DOT12M9800 Godwin Dr., Manassas, Contact Alfred Meadows at (540) 369-5252 or Chris Williams at (540) 710-3744Monday through Friday from 800 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at the Woodbridge Commuter Lot on I-95 in Occoquan or at the Fredericksburg Commuter Lot on Route 17Hazmat background check applications and fingerprinting services available at this l ocation1595 N. Main Str., Marion, (276) 608-0099Monday through Friday from 900 a.m. to 500 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at Mountain Industrial Park310 Starling Ave., Martinsville, Contact Judy Johnston at (434) 334-7012Monday through Friday from 900 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at Martinsville CDL Test Site located at 1012 Dupont Rd.Hazmat background check applications and fingerprinting services available at this location13N12730 Patrick Henry Dr., Newport News, (757) 434-0366Monday through Friday from 800 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at V-DOT and Pine Chapel Equipment Repair Shop located at 150 E. State, Hampton5745 Poplar Hall Dr., Norfolk, (757) 434-2506Monday through Friday from 800 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at the Professional Place in Chesapeake850 Widgeon Rd., Norfolk, (757) 434-0939Monday through Friday from 900 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at the Professional Place in Chesapeake1729 Park Ave. SW, Norton, (276) 608-0084Monday through Friday from 900 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at the Halliburton/Wise City Industrial Park on Industrial Park Rd.Hazmat background check applications and fingerprinting services available at this location14O20 North Str., Onancock, (757) 434-0939Monday through Friday from 800 a.m. to 500 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at Eastern Shore Farmers Market located at 28215 Terminal Dr., Melfa Hazmat background check applications and fingerprinting services available at this location15P120 Wagner Rd., Petersburg, (804) 796-4135Monday through Friday from 800 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at the Richm ond CDL Test Site located at 1305 West Hundred Rd.6400 Bickford Pkwy., Portsmouth, (757) 434-0366Monday through Friday from 800 a.m. to 500 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at V-DOT and Pine Chapel Equipment Repair Shop located at 150 E. State, HamptonHazmat background check applications and fingerprinting services available at this location4401 Crossings Blvd., Prince George, (804) 796-4135Monday through Friday from 800 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at the Richmond CDL Test Site located at 1305 West Hundred Rd.1901 Bobwhite Blvd., Pulaski, (276) 608-0116Monday through Friday from 900 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at the New River Valley Industrial Park16Q - R610 Johnston Willis Dr., Richmond, (804) 796-4135Monday through Friday from 800 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at the Richmond CDL Test Site located at 1305 West Hundred Rd.5517 S. Laburnum Ave., Richmond, (804) 796-4135Monday through Friday from 800 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at the Richmond CDL Test Site located at 1305 West Hundred Rd.2300 W. BRd. Str., Richmond, (804) 796-4135Monday through Friday from 800 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Hazmat background check applications and fingerprinting services available at this location9237 Quiccasin Rd., Richmond, (804) 796-4135Monday through Friday from 800 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at the Richmond CDL Test Site located at 1305 West Hundred Rd.305 Tanyard Rd., Rocky Mount, Contact Sue Hodges at (540) 580-4763 or Brenda Daugherty at (540) 580-4529Monday through Friday from 900 a.m. to 500 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at the large vacant lot across from MW Windows Warehouse5 220 Valleypark Dr., Roanoke, Contact Brenda Daugherty at (540) 580-4529Monday through Friday from 800 a.m. to 500 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at Virginia DOT Hanging Rock Location located at 1541 Thompson Memorial Dr., SalemHazmat background check applications and fingerprinting services available at this locationRead more FMCSA17S912 S. Church Str., Smithfield, (757) 409-3893Monday through Friday from 900 a.m. to 500 p.m.2039 Hamilton Blvd., South Boston, Contact Deborah Atkins at (434) 250-6439Monday through Friday from 900 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Hazmat background check applications and fingerprinting services available at this location206 S. Brunswick Ave., South Hill, (804) 796-4135Monday through Friday from 800 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at the CSC except for Class A endorsements, which are performed at the Burnt Store Virginia DOT874 Garrisonville Rd., Staffo rd, Contact Alfred Meadows at (540) 369-5252 or Chris Williams at (540) 710-3744Monday through Friday from 800 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at the Fredericksburg Commuter Lot on Route 1717 First Str., Staunton, Contact Tammy Thompson at (540) 305-7750Monday through Friday from 900 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Hazmat background check applications and fingerprinting services available at this location100 Free Court, Sterling, Contact Mary Ritter at (571) 247-7724 or Mike Martin at (703) 220-7083 or Jeff Logue at (703) 505-5250 or Omar Hamidil at (703) 220-9896Monday through Friday from 800 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at the Woodbridge Commuter Lot on I-95 in Occoquan or at the VanDorn Commuter Lot at 5910 McGuinn Dr. in Alexandria268 Holladay Str., Suffolk, (757) 409-3893Monday through Friday from 900 a.m. to 500 p.m. and S aturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at Pruden Center located at 4133 Pruden Blvd., Suffolk18T - U750 Richmond Beach Rd., Tappahannock, (804) 796-4135Monday through Friday from 900 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.953 Tazewell Ave., Tazewell, (276) 780-0289Monday through Friday from 900 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.19V1657 Lovers Gap Rd., Vansant, (276) 780-0289Monday through Friday from 900 a.m. to 500 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at the Tazewell CSC located at 953 Tazewell Ave.1968 Gallows Rd., Vienna, Contact Mary Ritter at (571) 247-7724 or Mike Martin at (703) 220-7083 or Jeff Logue at (703) 505-5250 or Omar Hamidil at (703) 220-9896Monday through Friday from 800 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at the Woodbridge Commuter Lot on I-95 in Occoquan or at the VanDorn Commuter Lot at 5910 McGuinn Dr. in AlexandriaHazm at background check applications and fingerprinting services available at this location3551 Buckner Blvd., Virginia Beach, (757) 434-0930 or (757) 409-3893Monday through Friday from 800 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.1712 Donna Dr., Virginia Beach, (757) 434-2506Monday through Friday from 800 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at Buckner CSC located at 3551 Buckner Blvd., Virginia Beach20W - Z94 Alexandria Pike, Warrenton, Contact Debbie Harrison at (540) 533-0422Monday through Friday from 900 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at Earlys Trucking Co., located on Route 29 in Opal998 Hopeman Pkwy., Waynesboro, Contact Tammy Thompson at (540) 305-7750Monday through Friday from 900 a.m. to 500 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at the Harrisonburg CSC located at 3281 Peoples Dr.952 Capitol Landing Rd., Williamsburg, (757) 434-3061 Monday through Friday from 900 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at the Lightfoot Commuter Lot located at 600 Rochambeau Drive4050 Valley Pike, Winchester, Contact Debbie Harrison at (540) 533-0422Monday through Friday from 800 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at the Middleton Weigh StationHazmat background check applications and fingerprinting services available at this location2731 Caton Hill Rd., Woodbridge, Contact Alfred Meadows at (540) 369-5252 or Chris Williams at (540) 710-3744Monday through Friday from 800 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Pre-trip and skills tests performed only at the Woodbridge Commuter Lot on I-95 in OccoquanHazmat background check applications and fingerprinting services available at this location714-A N. Main Str., Woodstock, Contact Debbie Harrison at (540) 533-0422Monday through Friday from 900 a.m. to 500 p.m.800 E. Main Str., Wytheville, (276) 608-0116Monday through Friday from 900 a.m. to 500 p.m. and Saturday from 800 a.m. to 1200 p.m.Hazmat background check applications and fingerprinting services available at this location

4 Strategies for Successful Career Change

4 Strategies for Successful Career Change4 Strategies for Successful Career Change1It takes a certain amount of gumption to consider changing careers. For those of us who feel as though weve been wearing blinders that have prevented us from looking for new career directions, the biggest hurdle to change can be simply working up the nerve to try something new. Below are four strategies you can use for a successful career change.One way to take the stress out of making a career change is to have a business plan approach change objectively, think through your alternatives logically, and have an end goal in mind. Use change as you would a GPS device, with you acting as both programmer and chief navigator, and new job opportunities and options as your final destination. After all, changing your career takes mora than wishful thinkingOnce youve taken the helm, dont be daunted by the big picture. Keep your eyes on the horizon, operate strategically, and take things step by step. Nows the t ime to konzeption your career and turn it into what youve always wanted it to beStart your search for new job opportunities hereHere are four strategies for a successful career change1. You are your best PR firm.Who knows more about your accomplishments than you? Make this the moment to polish your resume, update your work skills, and sell your best asset you.2. Face your fear of change.Have the audacity to carve out your own path. Often, being in the same career or job setting for years can narrow your ambitions and limit your career goals. Break out of the mold, and dream big.3. Dont sell yourself short.Sometimes, people whove been honing their skills for years lose sight of their value in the marketplace. If youre looking to switch careers in order to make more money (as opposed to simply seeking greater job satisfaction), check with your current employer, if you have a job, to make sure they know youre putting yourself on the market. Employers are usually intent on attracting an d retaining the best talent for themselves.Your boss may give you an in-house opportunity to take on a new role. In short, know your job market value4. Dont be afraid to cash in.Cashing in isnt necessarily all about making more money, it can also be about finally getting the credit and job satisfaction you deserve, for the skills youve developed over the years.In some instances, flexible job opportunities, including telecommuting jobs and part-time employment, can allow you to test the waters without jumping all the way in.Readers, have you made a successfulcareer change? What did you do tomake it happen? Tellus your tips in the comments below

Your Guide to Job References

Your Guide to Job ReferencesYour Guide to Job ReferencesYour Guide to Job ReferencesThere was a time when all resumes ended with the phrase References Available Upon Request. That time has passed. If that line is still on your resume, delete it. Youre wasting space and stating the obvious. OK, now lets talk about the references themselves. Do you even need them anymore? If so, who should they be? And when do you hand over your reference list to the employer? This post will answer those questions, and give you the long and short of what you need to know about employment references in todays job market.1) Do I need references?Short Answer Yes Long Answer Its true that many employers today dont bother checking references. They rely on the web and their own instincts when they hire someone. As one CEO put it, Why would I expect an objective opinion from someone the candidate hand-picked? But plenty of other employers do check references. They want to talk to people whove worked with you and know you. Since you dont know which category a prospective employer falls into, be prepared with a list of references, just in case.2) Who should be on my references list?Short answer Ideally, three past supervisors or colleagues who liked you.Long answer Choose at least three people who are willing and able to comment directly on your work abilities, and say positive things about you. Former bosses (if you parted on good terms) or your current boss (if s/he knows about and supports your job search) will have the most credibility. Other acceptable references might include a peer who served on a team with you or a former direct-report (if youre seeking a managerial role). If youre a student or recent grad, consider professors, teachers, school administrators, advisors, or coaches. Family, friends, or others who only know you socially are usually poor choices for references.3) What information should I include on my list of references?Short answer Name, job title, company, phone, email, and relationship. Long answer References are part of your complete package of career documents, so the header (with your own contact information) should match your resume, cover letter, and any follow-up letters you present to the employer. Always verify that all of your references contact information is up-to-date and error-free.Heres an example of what a reference listing might look likeAlgernon Schloffeldinger, IT Manager Scaglione IndustriesWorcester, MA (508) 555-5555 x0005aschloffeldingerscagmail.comRelationship Former supervisor (2004 -2006)4) What will employers ask my references?Short answer Anything they want.Long answer Thats right, anything. Its up to the person providing the reference to decide how to answer. Employers might ask about things like your skills, talents, honesty, work habits, reliability, initiative, learning speed, or ability to work with others. Or, they might want to verify statements you made in your resume or interview. 5) When should I provide my list of references?Short answer Upon requestnot beforeLong answer Do NOT send references with your resume unless the job description specifically asks. Have them ready on paper at your first interview, and electronically for emailing. Its fine to offer them at the end of the first interview, but the hiring manager may not want them yet. If employers want references, they usually only ask for them from a short list of finalists. 6) How can I be sure Ill get only positive references?Short answer Pre-screen and prepare your references beforehand.Long answer You cant be sure, but you can minimize the risk of a schwimmbad referenceby always getting permission before listing anyone as a reference. Call and ask the person if theyd be comfortable speaking positively about you, and give them an easy way to back out if theyre not (e.g., say something like, I totally understand if you have a policy against giving references.) What you dont want is a reference who says yes just to be polite , but later gives you an unenthusiastic endorsement. Once youve selected your references, make sure they are well-prepared to help you. In a recent WSJ.com article, Elizabeth Garone summed it up this wayYou dont want a reference to be caught off guard when he or she receives that all-important call. If you are planning on listing someone, send an email thanking him or her for agreeing to serve as a reference and include a copy of the job description. It couldnt hurt to refresh a references memory by including a list of your responsibilities and achievements from when you worked together. In short, the secret to referencesuccess is to prepare ahead of time, choose people who will speak highly of you, and make it easy for them to do so.