How to Cultivate a Positive Reference.

Personal relationships are the foundation of professional success, so if you are searching for a new job, it makes good business sense to stay in touch with your former bosses, says Allison & Taylor, a professional reference checking firm.

"As an employer, if a prospective employee's former boss neglected to return your call looking for a professional reference, what message would that convey?" asks Jeff Shane, vice president of Reference Checking at Allison & Taylor. "Oftentimes, job seekers pay close attention to their resumes and interview skills but fail to nurture their professional references--and a personal commentary can make or break a successful job search."

Here are ways to cultivate a positive job reference:

Foster communication. Do not just assume people will provide you with a positive reference. Be proactive by contacting your former bosses to ask them if they are willing to be a good job reference for you and thank them for supporting you in your job search if they agree. Then notify them each time you give out their contact information so they will be prepared to provide a measured response to inquiry.

Be judicious in providing reference information. Remember, your references are taking time away from other obligations to help promote you, and they stand...