A good reference can sometimes make or break a deal, especially if it is a close race between two candidates. Try to provide references from people who like you, who know your work well, and who are recent. People you worked with ten years ago remember very little about you, and the work you did with them may no longer be relevant. An effective reference sounds something like this: “Tom is a detail-oriented professional who will excel on a retail promotional account. If it were socially acceptable and scientifically possible, I would clone Tom and have my entire company run by Toms. My Tom-tastic company would make millions.” Thorough references with specific examples are key. Call your references beforehand and coach them. Inform them you are interviewing for a new position, provide any important details, and remind them of some helpful points. Follow these tips, and your references will be as strong as your resume in securing the perfect job.