Read a few job-hunting blogs, and you might be convinced your references could undermine any chance you have for getting hired without intensive input from you.

Although not all professionals agree that references are always necessary, those who do think so say it's essential to make sure you have the right references and keep them informed of your job-hunting progress.

That's just one of the tips culled from various online sources that pros guide against. Here are a few other potentially misleading tips, and the alternative advice they suggest:

• Tip 1: Find out what your references will say to make sure it's all positive.

The problem: People who agree to help you shouldn't be put on the spot.

A better move: Choose your references carefully, and make sure they are people you know well and trust to support your job search effort. “If they aren't excited to be your reference, then don't list them,” said Tyra Tutor, senior vice president at MPS Group, a Jacksonville, Fla.-based staffing and consulting company.

The strategy: Your references need to be familiar with your work habits and accomplishments, but you can choose people from various aspects of your life. Consider going beyond former co-workers and asking vendors, clients, colleagues or even fellow volunteers, as long as they can speak to your strong points, said Peter Post, director of The Emily Post Institute and an expert on business etiquette.

• Tip 2: Draft talking points and recommendation letters for busy references.

The problem: There's a fine line between helpful reminders and intrusive coaching, and most people won't appreciate the latter. It may even seem dishonest to your reference if you supply too much.

A better move: Remind a potential reference about your successes with certain projects or your abilities in specific areas when you first ask for a recommendation. Send your current résumé, but unless you're asked for more, hold off on supplying talking points.

Never draft a letter unless your reference requests it.

The strategy: You do want to brief your references so a potential employer's call doesn't catch them off guard, said Vicky Oliver, a career development speaker and author. The short e-mail you send alerting them that you shared their contact information can include a description of the job you're seeking and some points you discussed in your interview, but don't push too hard.

• Tip 3: Negotiate a balanced response from a bad boss or other risky references.

The problem: A former boss with whom you had a difficult relationship is not your best reference choice, and if any bad blood remains, may sabotage your hunt.

A better move: If you want to use a reference from that job, find a co-worker or a client who will act as your advocate. If the company you're interviewing with insists upon calling your old boss, pre-empt any negative comments with your spin on the issue.

The strategy: Oliver said asking colleagues or customers from that job to post recommendations on networking sites such as LinkedIn can help temper a potentially negative comment from the boss.

• Tip 4: If someone says their employer won't allow them to give references, ask for a cell phone or home phone number where you can reach them instead.

The problem: Trying to persuade someone to ignore workplace rules has the potential to put his or her job in jeopardy.

A better move: Ask for written references from the company when you resign, or as part of a severance package if you are laid off. If you've moved on already, try contacting human resources and asking for a letter.

The strategy: Some firms will provide a letter that can be vetted before you leave.

• Tip 5: Send an e-mail thanking your references if you know they've been contacted or after you get the job.

The problem: An e-mail is impersonal and quickly forgotten.

A better move: Send a short, hand-written note of thanks.

The strategy: A handwritten note will stand out and let your references know you appreciate their help.

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