Job references play a significant role in your job search because they can vouch for your skills, work ethic, and even character. Knowing who to select as a reference can help you land the job you deserve.
Having a diverse pool of references is important. You don’t want to solely rely on former supervisors or coworkers, as having a variety of references provides a more comprehensive picture of your work history and abilities. For example:
- Former Supervisors: They can speak about your work performance, dedication, and ability to meet deadlines.
- Coworkers: They can provide insight into your teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Professional Mentors: They can address your personal growth and development within your industry.
- Clients/Customers: They can testify to your customer service, quality of work, and professionalism.
- Always acquire permission before listing someone as a reference. It’s respectful to give them a heads up and will allow them to prepare their thoughts on your work.
- Choose references who will have both your best interests in mind and provide genuine feedback. Assure they are people you trust and have a strong relationship with. (Avoid selecting anyone who may not give a positive or constructive review.)
- Equally significant is keeping in touch with your references. Catching up, sharing your job search progress, and discussing your career goals keep the relationship active. Plus, they’ll be more prepared when contacted by potential employers.
- Tailor your references for each job application, considering the specific role and company you’re applying for. Match your skills and traits the employer is seeking with the appropriate references who can attest to your qualifications.
Deciding Between Professional and Personal References
When choosing job references, you need to strike the right balance between professional and personal contacts. Here’s how you can decide whom to include as a reference.
Professional references are people who know your work style, skills, and achievements from your professional life. They can provide firsthand information about your job performance and career growth.
- Examples of professional references: Supervisors, managers, team leads, colleagues, clients, mentors, or professors.
Personal references are those who can vouch for your character and transferable skills. They can speak to your work ethic, integrity, and personality rather than specific job skills.
- Examples of personal references: Co-workers, friends, classmates, neighbors, or volunteer coordinators.
When considering professional references:
- Consider your relationship: Select people who genuinely know your work and have a positive relationship with you. A strong reference from a team lead might be better than a generic one from a higher-ranking manager with whom you’ve had less interaction.
- Mix it up: Choose a mix of people with different roles and perspectives that can offer unique insights into your abilities. For instance, a direct manager, a coworker, and a client.
- Keep it recent: Opt for people who have worked with you recently. This will ensure your references are up-to-date and relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Regarding personal references:
- Evaluate your connection: Look for someone who knows you well and can genuinely speak about your character and ethics. A close friend’s endorsement may hold more weight than an acquaintance’s testimonial.
- Context matters: Seek personal references with relevant experience in your field, if possible. For instance, a classmate from a relevant course or a project team member.
- Maintain boundaries: Avoid using family members or romantic partners as references. Although they might speak highly of you, their connection may be perceived as biased and unprofessional.
Picking the Right Professional References
Supervisors and Managers
When selecting professional references, you should consider supervisors and managers from your previous job(s). They can give potential employers valuable insight into your work ethic, your ability to follow instructions, and your dedication to your previous role. Be sure to choose managers who know you well and can speak to your strengths and accomplishments. Don’t forget to ask for their permission before listing them as a reference.
Colleagues and Teammates
Another group to consider for your references is colleagues and teammates. These are the people you have worked alongside and collaborated with on projects. They can speak about your ability to work well in a team, communicate effectively, and contribute to group success. It’s best to select colleagues who have a positive impression of you and are enthusiastic about your skills and potential. Reach out to those you have maintained connections with to ensure they are still willing to serve as a reference.
Subordinates
Lastly, if you held a leadership or management position in your previous job, you might also include subordinates as references. These individuals can discuss your management style, how well you support your team, and your effectiveness as a leader. However, only include them if you had a strong, positive relationship with them, and they are comfortable sharing their experiences with your potential employer. Don’t forget to express appreciation for their willingness to serve as a reference.
When building your list of references, try to pick the right people who can speak to your professional experiences, abilities, and strengths. By including a mix of supervisors, colleagues, and subordinates, you’ll demonstrate your versatility, collaboration, and leadership skills to potential employers. Just remember to always seek permission from your references before listing them and show gratitude for their support.
Choosing Suitable Personal References
Close Friends
Selecting close friends as references can provide valuable insight into your character and work ethic. However, be sure to choose friends who can vouch for your dedication, responsibility, and skills. For example, if your friend has witnessed your ability to multitask or problem-solve, they can share those observations.
Academic Contacts
Including professors, teachers, or counselors as references can demonstrate your commitment to learning and growth. When choosing an academic contact, consider someone who has observed your strong work ethic and knows your abilities. For example, if you excelled in a specific course or took part in a relevant project, that professor would make an excellent reference.
Professional Acquaintances
Coworkers, supervisors, or managers from past jobs can be the most compelling references since they have first-hand experience working with you. They can speak to your job performance, collaboration skills, and ability to handle pressure. Select professional acquaintances who have seen you excel in your role and collaborate well with others. This demonstrates to potential employers that you can be an asset to their team.
Context-Specific References
Industry-Specific References
When selecting job references, consider professionals working within the same industry as the job you’re applying for. These individuals can best vouch for your expertise and transferable skills in a relevant context. For instance, if you’re applying for a job in software development, a reference from a senior developer or team leader can help showcase your technical abilities to the hiring manager.
Industry-specific references can attest to your knowledge of the field, your ability to navigate its unique challenges, and how well you understand the dynamics of that industry. This not only adds credibility to your job application but also helps the hiring manager gauge your readiness for the role and the potential impact you might have on the company.
Role-Specific References
Another essential factor to consider is the relevance of your references to the specific job role you’re targeting. Focusing on references who know your capabilities in the context of the job’s requirements can make a strong case for your suitability as a candidate. For example, if you’re applying for a management position, it’s best to include references who have seen your leadership and organizational skills firsthand.
Such role-specific references can provide a hiring manager with a clear picture of your potential in the new position. They can also speak to your ability to take on new tasks, adapt to different work situations, and demonstrate a commitment to professional growth.
How to Approach Your References
- Choose wisely. When selecting your job references, think about who can genuinely vouch for your skills, work ethic, and character. Go for former colleagues, managers, or mentors who are familiar with your abilities and achievements. Avoid using friends or family members, as they might not have a professional perspective on your work performance.
- Ask permission. Always make sure to ask for the person’s permission before listing them as a reference. Reach out to them via phone call, email, or a face-to-face meeting. Politely inquire if they are comfortable serving as a reference for you. This will give them an opportunity to accept, decline or suggest someone else who may be a better fit.
- Provide context. To help your references be well prepared, provide them with some context regarding the job position you’re applying for. Share the job description, your resume, and any relevant projects or achievements you’ve worked on together. This way, they’ll be able to speak confidently and specifically about your qualifications.
- Maintain communication. Keep your references updated about the status of your job search. Notify them if they may be contacted soon by a potential employer, so they can be prepared for the call or email. Also, express gratitude for their support and keep them informed about the results of your job applications.
- Stay organized. Keep a list of your chosen references, including their names, positions, companies, contact details, and your relationship with them. This will be helpful when you are asked for references during the application process. Moreover, having all the information readily available will make it easier for you to share the list with potential employers as needed.
Reference Etiquette
When choosing job references, it’s important to follow proper etiquette. This helps maintain a positive relationship with your references and increases the chance of them providing a glowing recommendation for you.
- First off, ask for permission before listing someone as a reference. Reach out to the person and explain the job opportunity you’re applying for. Assure them you value their opinion and appreciate their willingness to vouch for your skills and experience. Gaining their approval shows respect for their time and ensures they’re prepared to field any calls or emails from potential employers.
- Next, provide your references with the necessary details. This includes the job title, company name, and a brief overview of the position. You might also want to include key points from your cover letter or resume to help refresh their memory of your accomplishments and experiences. This information not only allows them to tailor their recommendation specifically to the position but also helps create a cohesive narrative about your qualifications.
- When selecting references, it’s best to choose a variety of professional contacts. This can include former supervisors, coworkers, or even customers. These different perspectives provide a well-rounded view of your abilities and work ethics. However, avoid using family members or friends, unless their connections to your professional life are directly relevant.
- As your job search continues, update your references on the progress. Let them know about the interviews you’ve had or any job offers received. This shows your appreciation for their assistance and keeps them in the loop.
- Lastly, don’t forget to express your gratitude for their help. Sending a thank-you note—either by email or hand-written letter—is a thoughtful gesture that goes a long way in maintaining your professional relationship. If you land the job, let them know! It’s a great way to share your success and show appreciation for their support. Related: Perfect Thank-You Notes (Examples)
Key Information to Provide Your References
When asking someone to be your job reference, supply them with the necessary information. This helps them give a relevant reference, increasing your chances of getting hired.
Your Relationship with the Reference: Ensure your references know the capacity in which you worked together (e.g., coworker, supervisor, mentor). Be specific about your roles and the length of time you’ve known each other.
Job Specifications and Your Skills: Provide an overview of the job you’re applying for, including details about the company, its values, and role requirements. Highlight the skills and experiences you possess that align with the job.
Example:
- Software Developer at X Company
- Company values: innovation, collaboration, and growth
- Necessary skills: problem-solving, teamwork, coding
Your Résumé and Accomplishments: Share your current résumé and emphasize any notable accomplishments. This includes any relevant projects, achievements, or certifications that showcase your expertise within your field.
Example:
- Completed an internship at ABC Inc., working on a machine learning project
- Earned a certificate in Java programming
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science
Talking Points and Relevant Stories: Suggest key points that your reference can touch on, such as specific instances when you demonstrated the required skills or went above and beyond. This personalizes their reference and helps to paint a clear picture of your work ethic and capabilities.
Example:
- Collaborated on creating a new app in a hackathon
- Volunteered to lead a company fundraiser, surpassing financial goals
Specific Needs & Instructions: If there’s anything unique about the job application process, let your references know. This includes deadlines, interviewer names, or preferences for a particular format or method for providing the reference (e.g., email or phone call).
Example:
- Reference needed by December 10th
- Contact: Jane Doe, HR Director
- Preferred submission: Email time-stamped within business hours
Asking for References: Sample Conversations
When you are considering who to use as a reference, it’s helpful to have some sample conversations to guide you. Here are a few examples of how to approach potential references and gauge their willingness and ability to help.
Conversation 1: Approaching a former supervisor or manager
You: Hi [Supervisor’s Name], I hope you’re doing well. I’m in the process of looking for a new job and I was wondering if you would be comfortable being one of my references?
Supervisor: Sure, I’d be happy to help. Which aspects of your work should I focus on when discussing your strengths?
You: Thank you so much! I think my project management and leadership skills would be most relevant to the positions I’m applying for. I’d appreciate it if you could emphasise those.
Supervisor: No problem, I can definitely speak to those strengths. Good luck with your job search!
Conversation 2: Asking a coworker or team member
You: Hey [Coworker’s Name], I’m currently looking for a new job and wanted to see if you’d feel comfortable being a reference for me. We’ve worked together on several projects, and I feel like you could speak to my abilities as a team player and problem solver.
Coworker: Sure, I’d be happy to help. Just let me know the types of roles you’re applying for and what they’re looking for in a candidate.
You: Thanks! I’m mainly applying for roles that require strong collaboration and analytical skills. If you can highlight those, that would be great.
Coworker: Of course, I’ll be sure to emphasize those skills when I’m contacted. Best of luck with your job search!
Conversation 3: Connecting with a former teacher or professor
You: Hi [Professor’s Name], I hope all is well with you. I’m in the process of applying for jobs and I was wondering if you would be willing to serve as a reference for me, as you were my mentor during college.
Professor: Sure, I’d be glad to provide a reference for you. What specific qualities do you think I should highlight when discussing your academic and personal strengths?
You: I appreciate your help. I believe my critical thinking and ability to work under pressure would be most relevant for the jobs I’m applying for. If you could focus on those aspects, that would be great.
Professor: Absolutely, I’ll be sure to mention those strengths when I receive a call or email from potential employers. Best of luck with your job search!
These sample conversations can provide you with a starting point when reaching out to potential references. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from those who know your skills and strengths! Just be sure to give them the necessary information to make their recommendation as relevant and impactful as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I list a coworker or colleague as a job reference?
Yes, you can list a coworker or colleague as a job reference. In fact, including colleagues who have firsthand knowledge of your work ethic and can speak to your skills and accomplishments can be very beneficial. Ensure they know you well and can provide strong, positive feedback about your abilities and workplace behavior.
2. Is it a good idea to use a professor or teacher as a reference?
It’s a solid option to use a professor or teacher as a reference, especially if you’re a recent graduate or don’t have much work experience. Professors and teachers can speak to your academic achievements, critical thinking, and ability to work in teams. Make sure you had a good working relationship with them and they know you well enough to provide detailed and positive feedback.
3. How many professional references should I provide?
When it comes to professional references, a common recommendation is to provide at least three. This gives potential employers a well-rounded perspective on your work, your skills, and your character. Make sure to choose people who know you well and can speak confidently about your abilities.
4. What type of people make suitable job references?
Excellent job references are those who have direct knowledge and experience working with you in a professional capacity. This can include supervisors, managers, colleagues, or even clients you have closely collaborated with. When selecting your references, consider those who can provide valuable insights into your work, your dedication, and your skillset.
5. Can a family member be used as a personal reference?
Using a family member as a personal reference is generally not recommended, because employers may see this as a biased source. Instead, aim to include references from individuals outside of your familial or personal circle—such as previous mentors, coaches, or volunteering supervisors—who can provide an objective and professional perspective on your abilities and character.
6. How do I approach someone to be my reference?
When approaching someone to be your reference, start by reaching out and asking if they’d be comfortable serving as a reference for your job application. It’s important to be polite and professional, and to give them enough time to consider your request. If they agree, provide them with necessary information about the job and your expectations, making sure they have a clear understanding of what you need from them. Don’t forget to show your gratitude and keep them updated on your job search process. Related: Securing Job References Effectively (Strategies, Examples)