Reference Manager
Keep your references prepped, warm, and ready to vouch
87% of employers conduct reference checks (SHRM), but most candidates scramble to line up references at the last minute. This skill maintains your reference list, generates prep packets for each reference, and tracks when they've been contacted.
INGREDIENTS
PROMPT
Create a skill called "Reference Manager." Maintain a database of my professional references. For each reference, store: full name, current title and company, email, phone, my relationship to them (manager, peer, client, mentor), years we worked together, what they can speak to (leadership, technical skills, specific projects), and date of last contact. When I'm applying to a role, recommend the 3 best references for that specific position based on relevance. For each recommended reference, generate a prep packet I can send them: a brief summary of the role I'm applying for, which aspects of our work together to highlight, and specific talking points. Also generate a polite "may I list you as a reference?" message. Remind me to touch base with references I haven't contacted in 3+ months.
How It Works
Build a reference database with your Claw. For each reference, it stores
contact info, your relationship, what they can speak to, and when they
were last contacted. When you need references for a specific role, it
recommends the best matches and generates a prep packet to send them.
What You Get
- Reference database: name, title, relationship, contact info, what they can vouch for
- Role-specific matching: which references best support this particular application
- Prep packets: a brief for each reference with the role details and what to emphasize
- Ask templates: polite, professional messages to request a reference
- Warm-up reminders: periodic nudges to stay in touch with references between searches
- Tracking: which references have been submitted where, and if they've been contacted
Setup Steps
- Add your references: name, title, contact info, your working relationship, their strengths
- When applying to a role, ask: "Which references should I use for [Role] at [Company]?"
- Your Claw recommends the best matches and generates a prep packet for each
- Send the prep packet to your reference before they're contacted
- Log when each reference is submitted and track follow-ups
Tips
- 3-5 strong references are enough; quality beats quantity
- Always ask permission before listing someone — never assume
- Send the prep packet early so your reference knows what to emphasize
- Mix reference types: direct manager, peer, client, skip-level
- Keep references warm between searches with a quick check-in every few months
- After you land the job, send your references a personal thank-you