When you’re looking for a job, it’s not just about the qualifications on your resume that you add yourself. It’s also about who can certify that you have those skills. People who can attest to your value at work first-hand are called professional references.
They can tell employers about your hard work and your positive attitude in the workplace.
That’s why it’s critical to pick someone who knows you well.
References show you have people who support you not only as a professional but on a personal level as well.
If you’re interested in adding them to your resume it can be hard to know exactly where to include them.
Don’t worry! We have a free resume building tool that can help you with just that.
Want to know more about why these references are essential? Who should you ask? and… how to ask someone to be a reference?
Keep reading, and you’ll find out exactly how they can help you get the job you want.
How Professional References Are Helpful
Wondering just how helpful, giving names of people who can talk about your productivity and personality really is?
Well a lot of companies and employers, almost 90% of them, screen candidates before they hire them. One way they do this is by talking to the references you give.
This means they might call or email these people to ask about you.
Your references can:
- Explain your qualifications
- Say good things about your personality
When they share this with a company that wants to hire you, it can really help!
Imagine your old boss saying great things about you. That would make any hiring manager excited to see your resume.
Should References Be Included on a Resume?
Most of the time, companies don’t specifically ask for names of people who can talk about your work.
However, it’s not a bad idea to have them on your resume since there are companies that prefer candidates with references on their applications.
It’s important to remember that your resume should be easy to read and not too long. If you try to fit everything on one page, it might look too crowded.
So, what if you need to add references?
In that case, it’s okay to add a second page or even a third page if you feel it’s necessary.
Here’s a way to list your references on that extra page:
References
Michael Smith
Accounting Manager
XYZ Firm
123 Main Street, Buffalo, New York, 112233,
555-7878
MSmith@gmail.com
If you’re not sure how to tie all this info together, using one of our resume templates can help you make an organized application.
How many references should be included?
How many people should you list to talk about your work? Well, it depends on the job you want and where you are in your career.
Usually, you should have at least 3 references ready to vouch for you.
If you’re trying to get an important role, like being in charge of a whole department, you might need more. Maybe even more than 6 references should be on your resume.
Who Should You Ask to Be Your Professional Reference?
When choosing someone to be your professional reference, it’s important to consider several factors carefully. You wouldn’t ask someone who doesn’t hold a favorable opinion of you to vouch for your work, so thoughtful selection is key.
Of course, you wouldn’t ask someone who doesn’t like you to talk about your work. This is why it’s key to think hard about who you pick as your reference.
Before asking someone, ensure they meet the following criteria:
- Familiarity with Your Work: They should have firsthand knowledge of your skills, work ethic, and achievements.
- Insight into Your Problem-Solving Skills: Choose someone who has seen how you handle challenges or complex situations effectively.
- Credibility and Relevance: A reference from someone with authority or experience in your field can add weight to your application.
- Professional and Personal Knowledge: The best references can speak about your character as well as your professional abilities, offering a more holistic view of who you are.
- Willingness to Advocate for You: Ensure the person is genuinely willing to invest time in endorsing your capabilities.
Good reference choices should include people that know know you well, whether it’s from work or somewhere else. Apart from your professional qualities, the best references can talk about who you are as a person.
Here are some ideas for people who might be just right to be your reference:
Your former manager
A boss you had before can be a great person to ask. They know about your results and how you get along with others. They can also talk about what your skills are and the kind of person you are. If possible, choose a supervisor who was in a good relationship with you.
Carefully consider whether to contact your old manager if you two are not on the best of terms. If you need to speak to a manager who has not been helpful, here are some tips:
- Maintain poise and optimism: Be respectful, light, and friendly through the tension in the air.
- Be professional: Keep the past behind, and focus on your advancement and future ambitions.
- Be specific: Clearly state why you are reaching out and what you expect to accomplish.
- Make it clear that their time is valuable: Acknowledge their busy schedule and propose assistance.
- Prepare for rejection: Appreciate their decision, if they refuse your request to speak with them, and be gracious about it.
Your current manager
It’s not a bad thing to ask your current manager even if it may feel a bit strange.
Unless you have a bad relationship with your boss, then asking them to be your reference doesn’t have to be a bad choice.
The important thing is to be honest. Just like on your resume, you never want to lie to an employer.
Mention that you’re thinking about moving on to a new job and explain why. Let them know you believe it’s a good move for your career and not for something negative in your current job.
Coworker
Anyone you’ve shared a job with for a while can be a strong reference.
If you have a good connection, and they can talk about your skills and the work you’ve done. By doing so, you can really boost your chances of getting the job.
A coworker that has worked with you a lot can also explain to a hiring manager that you know how to be a team player.
Teacher or professor
If you’re just starting out after college, you might not have lots of work references yet.
There’s no need to worry, your college professor or a teacher can still vouch for your abilities.
Try to pick someone who taught a class that’s connected to the job you want as well so they can mention how much you know about the subject.
This means you should avoid asking a professor who gave you bad grades.
Asking a former client to be a reference
Can a former client be a reference? The answer is yes, but keep some factors in mind.
When asking a former client to be a reference, it’s important to approach the request professionally and thoughtfully to maintain a positive relationship.
Start by reaching out via email or a phone call, clearly explaining your purpose and why you believe they are the right person to vouch for you.
Be sure to mention specific projects or achievements you worked on together to remind them of your contributions and their impact. Always ask for their permission first, and ensure they feel comfortable providing a reference.
It could be a good idea to provide details about the role you’re applying for, so they can tailor their feedback to align with the skills and accomplishments most relevant to the position. Finally, express your gratitude, as this shows respect and appreciation for their time and effort.
Alternative Resources for Job Seekers Without Strong References
If you lack strong professional references, there are still a few ways you may take to improve your job search and demonstrate your value. Here are some alternatives:
Explore LinkedIn recommendations
LinkedIn is a goldmine for networking. Ask one of your former classmates, colleagues, or, even, someone you considered a mentor to write a recommendation where they can highlight your work ethic, character, and skills.
Build strong relationships
Always remember that any industry requires references. Building sincere relationships means that eventually, you will have references, which will give you immensely important support for your career.
Use character references
In the absence of professional references, character references can help. While not as valuable as a strong, professional reference, they help an employer to see your trustworthiness, work ethic, and personal qualities.
Advice for Building Relationships with Possible References
Keep constantly building your network. This will pay off in the future. Here are some ways to maintain and grow professional relationships with your possible references:
Don’t lose contact
Talk to mentors, professors, and previous employers, even if you have nothing special to say. A casual conversation or update on a new project shows that you are interested in the connection.
Be genuine
Build authentic relationships and provide support. Mutual trust and respect will be held as the foundation for a reference request in the future.
Request feedback
Ask for constructive criticism on your performance. This indicates that you have placed their opinion very highly and would continuously be in search of ways to improve yourself.
Communicate achievements
Let them know of the good happening in your career by mentioning milestones and accomplishments. Update your LinkedIn profile to share your progress and growth in your expertise regularly.
Offer help
Ask if they need your assistance whenever appropriate. As you grow professionally, you could offer your support or advice to those who previously helped you along the way. Giving back strengthens bonds over time.
Ways to Ask For a Professional Reference
Once you know who you want as a reference you must ask them in the correct way.
Even if you’re close to the person you will ask to be your reference, it’s a good idea to be polite and formal.
Here are some good ways you can ask:
- Send a formal email
- Meet face-to-face
- Call them when they are available
Give them enough time to think about it and write a positive recommendation. Do not rush them.
Also, give them as much information as possible. Tell them a lot about the job and the company you’re applying to.
They might have to write a professional letter, answer questions, or talk to the company’s HR about you.
If they agree, remind them to mention:
- Several skills of yours that are relevant to the job
- What makes you better than other candidates
- Projects you’ve worked
Most importantly, always remain honest about your relationship and never fabricate connections.
If you do all of this, they’ll be ready to make you look like a stand-out when the hiring manager gets in touch.
Remember to Show Appreciation
No matter what happens at the end of the application process, it’s important to show your appreciation to your references. Thank you emails aren’t just for after an interview.
Demonstrate that you appreciate their help and the time they gave to try to help you get hired.
One way of doing so is to keep your references updated on what you’re up to and how your career has been moving forward since you last talked.
You may just need to ask them for the same favor in the future.
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