Selecting Your References

The first step is identifying whom you should consider choosing to be your references.

Generally, a potential employer will want at least two of your references to be former employers. The advantage of preparing your references in advance is that you can take the upper hand, identify the “best” references, and control whom you offer the employer as your references. (You can provide your list of “preferred” references in the order you’d like to have them contacted. That doesn’t guarantee that the prospective employer won’t contact people who aren’t on your reference list, but sometimes they will take what you give them.)

You will want to select three to seven individuals to be your “preferred” references. These folks may be current or former managers or supervisors, co-workers, peers, or team members, current or former customers of the company, vendors or suppliers, and people you have supervised. If you don’t have recent work experience, it can be members of committees you volunteer with or pro bono clients (unpaid work experience is still work experience). If you have recent educational experience, you can also ask professors, faculty members, and advisors.

The best references should be able to talk about your day-to-day job performance — so it’s best to choose people who supervised you or worked with you closely and know you well.

You want someone who has seen you in action and can speak to your abilities. It’s better to have someone who can speak to your skills and accomplishments than a “big name” on your list of professional references. If someone seems hesitant to serve as your reference, ask someone else.

There are several reasons to consider, including “personal” references. These people meet the criteria of providing “character” references. The main criterion for personal references is that they should not be related to you. A personal reference should know you well and have known you for a significant period (at least five years). Possible personal references include business acquaintances, coaches, neighbors, and community leaders.

Start Contacting Your References Early

The best time to start thinking about your references is when you’re putting together your resume, not when you’re submitting applications. Please don’t wait until you’re getting called in for interviews to contact people you want to use as references.

It can take some time to track down and reach references, catch them up on where you are in your career, and obtain their contact information. You don’t want to do that while researching and preparing for a job interview.

If you’re also asking your reference to provide a recommendation for you on your LinkedIn profile, you don’t want all your recommendations coming in on the same date or within two or three days of each other.

Also, having your references ready when they are requested shows professionalism. If your goal is to get a job, you should be ready to provide references when asked.

Get Permission from Your References

Once you’ve decided whom you would like to be your “preferred” references, always contact these individuals and ask their permission to use them as a reference. Call your references directly (don’t just email them). You may also consider scheduling an in-person meeting if possible. If the reference acts surprised when contacted by a potential employer, it makes you look disorganized and unprofessional.

According to a CareerBuilder Survey:

Will your references have positive words to say about you? Your work ethic and your job performance? Three in five employers (62 percent) reported that when they contacted a reference listed on a job application, the reference didn't have good things to say about the candidate.

Keep in mind: Not everyone you’ve worked for — or worked with — will be a good reference for you. You want a reference who can be as enthusiastic about you as you are about getting the job. Not all potential references can provide this kind of stellar recommendation. But some of your references may be hesitant to say no to you directly if you ask.

So, you can give them a way to let themselves off the hook without turning you down directly. Instead of asking, “Will you be a reference for me?” Ask them, “Do you feel you know me well enough to be a reference for me?” Or ask, “Will you be a great reference for me?” If the answer is anything less than enthusiastic, you can collect their information but not list them on your “preferred” reference list. It’s perfectly fine to ask for a reference to support you but not use them when applying to specific jobs.

Verify each reference’s contact information, including their preferred email addresses and phone numbers (cell, home, work).

This is also an appropriate time to ask for a LinkedIn recommendation. (Check if they are on LinkedIn first, as they will need a LinkedIn account to recommend you.)

You want to update them on what you’ve been up to (especially if they knew you at a previous job) and what you’re looking for in your next job.

Immediately send a letter or email thanking them for serving as a reference and provide a current copy of your resume (or let them know you will send them a copy of your resume soon if it still needs to be completed). Also, let them know that you will send them a copy of the job posting if you give their name as a reference. After all, it will be easier for them to talk about your exceptional performance, talents, and skills if they know the most important criteria of the position you are applying for.

Providing the most appropriate references can make or break your chances of landing a job offer. Let an expert Life Working® career coach help you find the right people, provide them at the optimal time, and format them to fit industry best practices. Our clients are often contacted for an interview within 24 hours of applying.

For more information, check out our blog, “Great References Seal the Deal,” our career coaching services, resumes & writing services, and schedule your free consultation.