I know that you can spend a lot of time creating the perfect C.V, you get the layout right, you check and triple-check for spelling and grammar errors, and make sure that you send it to the right address.

You research what to wear to the interview, do a drive by of the club so you know exactly where you’re going on the day of the interview and Google the interviewers’ name.

Can I ask you do to one more thing? Know who you would recommend as referees, and talk to the referees before giving out their names and contact details.

If you have put the age-old phrase ‘referees available upon request’ on your C.V, good on you.  This phrase allows you to choose the referee that suits the occasion best. I know that I would name different people for a fitness role than I would for a recruitment role. By choosing the appropriate referees, I’m giving the interviewer a better chance of getting details about me that are relevant. I’m also giving myself a better chance at getting the job by giving a referee that I can be confident in.

It’s also a professional courtesy to your referee to call them first. Pre-frame what the role is that your applying for and let them know who the interviewer is.  Bonus points if you can tell the referee when to expect the call from the interviewer. You’ll enhance your reputation as a professional, while keeping in contact with previous employers.

It’s these small things that can set you apart from other candidates.  Being the best really can be about doing the little things extraordinarily well.