How Do I Choose Professional References?

When providing professional references to a prospective employer, think carefully about the suitability of each person on your list. It’s important to select people who know you and your work well and who will portray you in the best possible light. Review the description for the job that you are applying for and select the former colleagues or supervisors who are most familiar with your abilities in those areas as your references. When possible, select at least a few references from your current or latest employer, as a hiring manager will likely be interested in learning about your performance in your most recent job.

During a job search, it is likely that prospective employers, recruiters, or employment agencies will ask you for a list of professional references. If possible, clarify the type and number of references required. Some employers may only contact former job supervisors, while others may be interested in talking to co-workers as well. Keep in mind that, out of fear of lawsuits, some companies have a policy against providing references for former employees beyond confirming employment dates. If your most recent employer has such a policy, you may want to select professional references from people who no longer work for your former employer.

If you are a recent university graduate or have been out of the workforce for a while, you may not have any co-workers or supervisors whom you can use as professional references. In the first situation, ask your professors if they are willing to provide you with a reference, particularly if they specialize in a discipline that is related to your career ambitions. Unfortunately, if you are reentering the workforce after a long break that did not involve returning to school, you may have to dig a little deeper to find good references. Try to locate a former colleague or supervisor to see if he or she is willing to vouch for you, even if it has been a long time since you worked with him or her. If you participate in community service projects, engage in volunteer work, or are an active member of a religious congregation, ask a clergy person, volunteer coordinator, or committee officer if he or she would be willing to provide you with a reference.

Before providing an employer with your list of professional references, contact each person on the list and confirm that he or she is willing to provide you with a good reference. Taking this step will not only prevent an embarrassing situation if the individual isn’t comfortable giving you a reference, but allows you to confirm the accuracy of his or her contact information. You can also use this opportunity to advise your references of the type of job for which you have applied so that they can tailor their recommendations accordingly.