A professional reference is a person who can speak objectively to your work history, skills, and personal attributes. Companies require these checks to verify the credentials presented on a resume and to gain insight into a candidate’s soft skills, reliability, and overall work ethic. Choosing individuals who can articulate your value effectively is a necessary step in successfully transitioning to a new role.
Professional References
The preferred contacts for employment verification are those who have directly witnessed your performance in a professional setting. Former direct supervisors or managers are generally considered the most valuable references because they were responsible for evaluating your work output, professionalism, and adherence to company standards. Their endorsement carries significant weight as they can attest to your performance metrics and how you handled workplace challenges.
It is also beneficial to include senior colleagues with whom you collaborated closely on major projects, particularly if they held a leadership role. They can offer detailed examples of your technical skills, teamwork effectiveness, and problem-solving abilities. People outside your immediate company, such as clients, vendors, or external partners, can also serve as strong professional contacts. Their perspective validates your ability to manage relationships, communicate effectively, and deliver on commitments.
Academic and Character References
When a candidate has limited professional work history, non-employer contacts become acceptable alternatives. These individuals can speak to attributes like intellectual rigor, discipline, and personal integrity, which translate directly into workplace success. Professors or academic advisors are highly suitable contacts for recent graduates, especially if they supervised a thesis, capstone project, or a long-term research assignment.
Mentors, coaches, or former internship coordinators who guided your development outside of a formal employment structure can also provide valuable insight. They are well-positioned to attest to your motivation, learning speed, and career trajectory goals. Coordinators from large community service organizations or volunteer leaders can also speak to your reliability and dedication. These types of references are best utilized when an employer specifically requests them or when verifiable contacts from past employment are genuinely unavailable.
Selecting the Right Reference
The suitability of the individual contact is determined by the quality of their advocacy and their knowledge of your current career goals. It is better to select someone who can enthusiastically champion your specific skills than a high-level executive who barely remembers your name. The chosen contact should have firsthand knowledge of the accomplishments and technical proficiencies most relevant to the job for which you are applying.
You must confirm that the individual is willing and able to take a call from a prospective employer, ideally during standard business hours. Selecting someone who is unresponsive or frequently unreachable can unnecessarily delay the hiring process and reflect poorly on your organizational skills. Before finalizing your list, assess the individual’s communication style and overall commitment to assisting you in your job search.
Who to Avoid Listing
Certain contacts, while close to you personally, are generally viewed as inappropriate or risky choices for professional verification. Family members and close personal friends should be avoided because their testimony will be viewed by the employer as inherently biased and lacking objectivity. The purpose of the check is to gain an impartial assessment.
Listing your current supervisor is highly inadvisable unless you have already resigned or your job search is openly known and supported by your employer. Providing their contact information risks prematurely exposing your search activities, potentially jeopardizing your current position and professional relationships. While peers or subordinates may know your work well, they are typically less impactful than a manager unless they served as a project lead. The focus should remain on individuals who held a position of authority over your work.
The Process of Engaging Your References
Once you have identified the most suitable individuals, you must prepare them to speak on your behalf. You must always ask permission from each person before listing them, ensuring they are comfortable with the request and prepared to receive a call. Never surprise someone with a verification request, as this limits their ability to provide a strong and relevant recommendation.
After they agree, provide each contact with a copy of your most recent resume and the specific job description for the role you are seeking. This preparation allows them to tailor their comments, emphasizing the skills and experiences that align directly with the employer’s stated requirements. Alert your contacts when you move forward in the interview process and anticipate that a call might be imminent. Providing a time frame ensures they are attentive to unexpected calls or emails from unfamiliar numbers.
Once the hiring process is complete, whether you secure the role or not, follow up with a personalized thank-you note or email. Expressing gratitude for their time and effort maintains the relationship and shows respect for their professional assistance.