The individuals you choose as professional references are tasked with validating your qualifications and speaking to your character. A well-chosen list of references affirms your skills and work ethic, adding credibility to your candidacy that a resume alone cannot provide. This directly shapes a hiring manager’s perception of you.
The Role of a Job Reference
From an employer’s perspective, a job reference serves as a verification tool. It allows them to confirm the accuracy of information you’ve presented, such as employment dates and job titles. Recruiters use these conversations to gain a more complete picture of a candidate and understand your work ethic, ability to collaborate, and reliability.
These discussions provide insights that are not easily measured in an interview. For example, a reference can offer specific examples of how you have handled pressure or solved problems. Employers also assess cultural fit, wanting to know if your working style will align with their company’s environment. A strong reference corroborates the claims you’ve made.
This process helps mitigate the risk of a bad hire by uncovering potential issues or inconsistencies. A reference check can reveal a candidate’s potential for growth by discussing their past performance. It is a fact-checking step that allows employers to make more informed hiring decisions.
Who Makes an Ideal Reference
The best references are those who have direct knowledge of your work and can speak to your qualifications in a professional context.
Former Managers or Supervisors
A previous manager or supervisor is an impactful reference. They are in a position to speak about your job performance, your accomplishments, and the results you delivered for the team. Having seen your work firsthand, they can provide concrete examples of your skills and work ethic.
Senior Colleagues or Team Leads
Senior colleagues or team leads who have worked closely with you on projects are excellent choices. They can attest to your collaborative skills, your role within a team dynamic, and your ability to contribute to shared goals. Their perspective highlights your performance from the viewpoint of a peer.
Direct Colleagues or Peers
Colleagues who worked alongside you can provide a ground-level view of your professional conduct. They are well-suited to talk about your teamwork, communication style, and reliability. A peer can share insights into how you handle collaboration and support team members.
University Professors or Academic Advisors
For recent graduates or those with limited professional experience, university professors or academic advisors are strong options. An instructor from a course related to your field can speak to your academic achievements and diligence. An academic advisor can also speak to your growth and long-term goals.
Clients or Customers
If your role involved direct interaction with clients, they can serve as effective references. A satisfied client can provide a testimonial about your professionalism, communication skills, and ability to deliver results. This is particularly effective for roles in sales, consulting, or customer service.
Mentors or Volunteer Supervisors
A mentor, whether from your workplace or an external organization, can speak to your professional development and career aspirations. If you have engaged in volunteer work, the supervisor of that organization can attest to your character, reliability, and commitment. These references are useful for demonstrating qualities beyond a specific job title.
Who You Should Avoid Asking
Just as important as knowing who to ask is understanding who to avoid. Certain choices for references can be perceived as unprofessional and may undermine the credibility of your application. The goal is to select individuals who can offer an objective assessment of your work.
- Family members or close friends: Their opinions are seen as inherently biased and lacking professional objectivity. Hiring managers expect to hear from people who can speak to your skills and performance in a work setting, and a personal connection can make your judgment appear unprofessional.
- Your current supervisor: It is risky to list your current supervisor if they are unaware you are searching for a new job. Contacting your current employer can put your present position in jeopardy. Most recruiters understand this and will not expect this reference until an offer is on the table.
- Anyone who may have a negative impression of you: This includes a manager from a job you were fired from. If there is any doubt that a person will provide a positive and enthusiastic endorsement, it is best to choose someone else. A lukewarm or negative reference can harm your chances.
- Colleagues not familiar with your work: A reference who cannot speak in detail about your contributions and skills will not be helpful. Similarly, a reference from a job you held many years ago may not be relevant, as employers are most interested in your recent performance.
How to Properly Ask for a Reference
Always ask for permission before listing someone’s name and contact information on a job application. Surprising a reference with a call from a potential employer can appear disorganized and reflect poorly on you.
The best approach is to make a polite request, either by phone or email. An email gives the person time to consider your request without feeling on the spot. In your request, be clear and direct, asking if they feel comfortable providing a positive reference.
Provide context for your request by mentioning the specific job or type of role you are applying for. This helps the person determine if they are the right fit to speak on your behalf. Be prepared to graciously accept a “no” if they decline for any reason.
Once they have agreed, send a follow-up message. Thank them for their willingness to help and let them know you will provide them with more information once you have a specific job opportunity in mind. This keeps them informed and shows you value their time.
Preparing Your Chosen References
Once someone has agreed to act as a reference, your next step is to equip them with the information they need to provide a strong endorsement. Your goal is to make it as easy as possible for them to speak confidently about your qualifications. This preparation can influence the quality of the reference they provide.
Provide them with a copy of your updated resume and the job description for the position you are seeking. This gives them a clear understanding of the role’s requirements and allows them to tailor their comments to the specific skills and experiences the employer is looking for. It also serves to refresh their memory about your accomplishments.
It is also helpful to provide a brief summary of the work you did together and a few points or accomplishments you would like them to highlight. This isn’t about telling them what to say, but rather guiding their focus to the most relevant aspects of your shared history. By doing this, you ensure their feedback aligns with the narrative you have presented.
Finally, always remember to thank them for their time and support, regardless of the outcome of your job search.