Having a polished resume is the first priority when applying for a job, but having a solid reference list is essential and often overlooked by hopeful applicants. If you have good references, it will give you a valuable edge over the competition. But who should you choose as references to speak on your behalf? And how do you go about asking them for their help?
There are some key factors to consider when choosing suitable references. Explore our valuable tips on how to go about picking the best people to vouch for you with your prospective employer.
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Picking the right people to be your job references is crucial. The people you choose should respect you, believe in your work ethic, and be well-spoken. You should also make sure they’re happy to be used as a reference before including them on your list.
Tip 1: Pick professional people of good standing or colleagues who have worked with you in the past. They must have a reasonable opinion of your work ethic and your character to enable them to sing your praises to your potential new boss.
Tip 2: Don’t pick a best friend or a close family member. Relatives and friends can be biased and will probably be less effective in convincing your potential future employer of your many admirable qualities.
Once you’ve chosen the people you want to ask for references, the next step is to reach out and ask them. You’ll want to give them a heads-up that you’re applying for a job and would like to use them as a reference.
It’s also important to provide them with all the relevant information, such as your resume, the job listing, and other pertinent information. The last thing you want is to be caught off-guard when receiving that call from the hiring manager. Here is a list of the best people to use as a reference:
A previous/current boss or supervisor is a great person to ask for a reference. They’re in an excellent position to speak to your work ethic and how you handle responsibility, punctuality, deadlines, stressful situations, etc. If you have a good relationship with your superiors at work, they will be more than happy to put in a good word for you with your potential employer.
Coworkers are another excellent source of job references. They can attest to your skills and abilities and how you work within a team. If you have a good working relationship with your colleagues, they should be happy to vouch for you.
If you’re still in school or have recently graduated, your professors or teachers can be a great asset. They can talk about your academic abilities and any skills you’ve acquired that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Former clients in your line of work can also be good references. They can attest to your abilities as well as your customer service skills. If you’ve left your company on good terms, old clients should be more than willing to provide a reference for you.
Good professional contacts in your industry, such as architects, engineers, or lawyers, can be the perfect people to ask for a reference. Their word carries more weight than most, and they can attest to your skills and knowledge in your field and provide insight into your character.
If you’re just starting out in your career, your school counselor can be a good character reference. They can speak to any skills or abilities they think would make you a good fit for the job you’re applying for.
You may not have much work experience to draw from If you’re just starting your career. In this case, you can ask someone who knows you well – such as a mentor. They can vouch for your character and any abilities they think would make you a good fit for your new job.
When reaching out to your contacts for a reference, be sure to:
By following these tips, you’re sure to put together a reference list that will give you a decisive edge over the competition. Just remember to choose people who are not only prepared to vouch for you but who also have a good relationship with you. With a little effort, you’ll be well on your way to impressing potential employers and landing the job you want.
