References are people who will vouch for your overall character and work ethic, as well as your qualifications, when speaking with an employer who is considering whether or not they should hire you vs. another candidate.

Ideally, references will be people who saw you demonstrate your strengths and best attributes, when you worked (for pay or not) under their supervision. They also have to give you permission to list them as a reference when applying for a job. 

Even though it doesn’t matter if you were paid or not for this work, do not use family members or friends as references, since their inherent bias will reduce the employers’ confidence about what they share about you.

When there aren’t other options, teachers/professors and co-workers can serve as references.  Employers hope to get assurance from your other employers or other people in positions of authority, that you will be a responsible, diligent, and capable worker who is a good fit for their business.

Sometimes people serve as references informally, when they put in a good word for a job candidate, because they happen to know them as well as the employer.  These references can be extremely influential.  In fact, most jobs are acquired through networking versus submitting applications to employers with whom there are no shared professional or personal contacts.

As mentioned previously, References are especially critical for those who have no or very limited employment history – in general or within a given field. When you have a job (paid or unpaid), do everything in your power to meet your employer’s / supervisor’s expectations.  If you work hard, perform well, behave respectfully, and give ample notice (2-week minimum) before leaving a position, you will likely be able to procure one or more good professional references from each work experience.

Having multiple references to choose from will make it possible for you to provide prospective employers with references who are especially relevant to the job you are applying for.

Set yourself up for success by generating a list of potential and confirmed professional references – including their full name, title, and contact information.

• Reference Sheet Template
• How to Write a Resume Reference List/Examples

Write down all of the relevant information you have at this time.

Get permission from individuals before you use them as a professional reference.

If you ask and they don’t appear to be enthusiastic about helping you in this way, either:

1. Check in with them to see if you there are any past misunderstandings or conflicts that can be resolved (OR)
2. Don’t include them as a reference when applying for jobs.

Your references need to give future employers a great impression about who you are as a worker and person.

Each time you re-engage in the job search process, reconnect with past references to make sure they are still willing to serve as a reference.  When you get a job, update them and thank them again.  Also, offer to give back in some way, if at all possible.

When you are granted permission to list a person as a professional reference in online job applications or your reference sheet, confirm the following information:

• Spelling of First and Last Name
• Current Professional Title
• Current Place of Employment
• Current Workplace Postal Address
• Preferred Email Address (Work or Personal)
• Preferred Phone Number (Work or Personal)

Even if they want employers to use their work phone number or email address, ask if you can have their personal phone number and email address for your own records. That way, if they change jobs, you will still have a way to confirm their contact information for future job applications.

Having multiple references to choose from will make it possible for you to provide prospective employers with references who are especially relevant to the job you are applying for.  Additionally, if any of your references can no longer be contacted, you will have others to include in your job applications. Ask people to serve as references on an ongoing basis and add these contacts to your “catch-all” Reference Sheet.

• How to Write a Resume Reference List/Examples
• Reference Sheet Template

Considering that you need strong references in order to get a job, these people and their recommendations are priceless.

Whether this is your first job search or a new job search, the following best practices are recommended:

• Confirm that your references’ contact information is up to date;
• Brief your references about your current job search goals and prospects;
• Provide references with any information or support they need in order to do well by you;
• Express your gratitude on a regular basis;
• Send them a thank you note and share your excitement, when you secure a new position;

Each time you re-engage in the job search process, reconnect with past references to make sure they are still willing to serve as a reference.

When you contact a reference or promise to follow up in any way, make sure you have a reliable system for remembering this information and following through.

As mentioned previously, you can’t get a job without them.  Professional references are usually provided within applications or submitted to employers as a reference sheet before or after being interviewed for a position. If you do not provide employers with the number of references they requested, it is extremely likely that you will be eliminated from the hiring pool.

If the employer is interested in hiring you, they will call two or more your references to help them determine whether or not you would be a responsible, diligent, and capable worker as well as a good “fit” for their business.

References are especially critical for those who have no or very limited employment history – in general or within a given field.