Advice On Using References

Who to Use as a Reference

Your list of references should include professional connections who can attest to your qualifications for the job. Your references don’t have to be people who work at your current job; in fact, you shouldn’t use references from your current manager or co-workers if the company isn’t aware you are job searching. The last thing you want is for your boss to learn from one of his or her competitors that you have approached them regarding a new job.

Instead, you could use colleagues from previous jobs, professors, clients or vendors, people you have worked with if you have volunteered or belonged to a church or sports group, or a former employer (if you’re sure that they would provide you with a positive reference). You might also use LinkedIn connections whom you feel you have a good rapport with.

If you are short on references because of a limited work history, is to use a personal reference who can attest to your character and abilities (such a teacher, pastor, or club sponsor).

Permission and Confidentiality

It’s always a good idea to ask for permission to use someone as a reference in advance – before you give out their name. This will allow you to determine, by their response, whether they feel like they could provide a positive reference. If they (or you) have any doubt as to the strength of the reference they might provide, look for someone else who would be more willing to vouch for you.

Verify that you have the correct contact information and ask the reference how they want to be contacted – phone, email, etc. Also, ask if there are specific times during the day when they would be willing to be contacted, should they allow you to provide their phone number. If possible, give them a list of the jobs you have applied for so that they are aware ahead of time of which employers might be contacting them. Finally, ask if you can send them a current resume or any other information they might need in order to be prepared to provide a glowing description of your work and of your character.

In addition, if you are currently employed, ask your reference giver if they can keep your request confidential. As mentioned above, you don’t want your employer to find out through a third party that you’re job searching.

Finally, remember that asking for references is a key part of professional networking and that the favor goes both ways. If you ask someone for a reference, offer to stand ready to provide them with one should they ever need it. Always write a formal thank-you note or email both after they’ve agreed to serve as your reference and after you’ve landed a job. People like to know that their efforts have contributed to another’s success. Here’s more information on who to use as a professional reference.