Review tips on whom to ask for a reference, how to ask, which of your references to use depending on the role you’re applying for, and how to be sure that your references are giving you a strong recommendation.
Types of References You Can Use
When you’re job hunting, there are several different types of references you can use. These include:
Academic references: Teachers, college professors, instructors, guidance counselors, career counselors, and vocational counselors. Employment references: Past employers, co-workers, direct reports, clients, and vendors. Personal references: People who know you well and can attest to your ability to do a job.Professional references: Business and professional contacts.
Whom To Ask for a Reference
Who’s the best person to ask for a reference? What’s most important is to line up references who can discuss the skills, abilities, qualifications, and other assets that make you a fit for the job for which you’re applying.
Former Managers
A manager from a previous job is one of the best people to ask for a reference because they can speak to your ability to succeed in the workplace and can discuss how you added value to the team, department, or company.
Colleagues and Co-workers
References don’t necessarily have to be people you worked for. You can also ask former co-workers you had a good relationship with to act as references.
Personal References
If you have any involvement in continuing education, volunteering, or community work, supervisors or peers in those roles will be able to provide references.
Faculty References
Especially when you’re applying for an entry-level role and don’t have much work experience, teachers and professors can be ideal references. In addition to your academic ability, they can attest to how well you work on projects or as part of a team.
Whom Not To Ask for a Reference
There are some people you shouldn’t ask for a reference. It’s not a good idea to ask a family member for a reference, for example, simply because they are family, and the employer is going to expect them to say positive things about you. Unless you know someone is going to give you a solid endorsement, don’t ask them. Also, don’t ask people who aren’t relevant to the job or the prospective employer. References need to be able to provide a meaningful recommendation that impresses the hiring manager.
How Many References To Have Ready
Try to get a list of more references than you think you’ll need for one job. Employers will rarely ask for more than three references, but having a larger pool will allow you to choose among them strategically based on the different requirements of each job. Three or four references is fine for most applications. For high-level positions, five to seven references are appropriate. Having more references lined up than you need is better than having to scramble to find more if an employer wants them.
Know What Your References Will Say About You
Always choose references who have agreed to provide positive recommendations. The last thing you need when job searching is a negative reference, so be sure you are clear on how your references will endorse you.
How To Choose Which References To Use
References who will take the time to prepare and deliver specific recommendations are often the most powerful. Your best references will be able to speak concretely and anecdotally about your skills, work ethic, and achievements on the job, in the classroom, or in your community.
Match Your References to the Job Requirements
Ask yourself which of your references can provide the most compelling evidence that you have the assets to excel in the job you’re applying for.
Pick and Choose Depending on the Job
Think of your reference selections as a group. One reference may be able to speak to a critical strength such as problem-solving while another might be able to endorse your presentation skills, for example. Make sure your roster of references for a particular job can cover as many of the core job requirements as possible.
Use Internal References if You Have Them
Internal referrals are highly valued by employers. If you have any connections within the company you’re applying to, ask if they would be willing to stand as references for you.
Keep Your Reference List Updated
Add new references and move individuals off your list if they seem less than enthusiastic or if a lot of time has passed since you’ve worked with them. Take the time to follow up to let your references know the status of your job search, and advise them when you get a new position. If you’re concerned about what might be disclosed, you can check your state labor department website for information on labor laws in your location.
