Your professional references are often the last voices a potential employer hears before deciding whether to extend a job offer. A strong reference reinforces the positives they saw throughout your interview process, while a weak one may leave them questioning your candidacy. No matter how many times you’ve provided references, taking the time to ensure you’re making the most of this ask can determine whether you’re offered the position.
Choose people wisely.
The most impactful references have worked closely with you and can speak to various aspects of your work. Former managers are usually expected and can vouch for your results, growth and professionalism with a specificity that carries substantial weight. You may choose to also include peers who worked alongside you for additional insight around your work style. Ideally, aim for three individuals, plus a backup or two, who offer a mix of perspectives. Consider these points as you curate your list:
- Choose people you’re confident will speak highly of you.
- When possible, select references based on the role. For example, someone who saw you lead cross-functional initiatives and teams is better equipped to speak to your potential in a leadership role than someone who knew you in a narrower capacity.
- If most of your career has been at one organization, consider colleagues from other departments, mentors, or clients and partners who relied on you. If it’s early on in your career, a professor or internship supervisor is likely able to speak to your reliability and work ethic.
- Leave your current employer off, unless there’s a specific reason to include them, such as a transition that’s already been disclosed.
- Confirm contact details. Verify you have their current phone number and email address before sharing with potential employers.
Ask first.
Before you list someone as a reference, make sure you ask. Not only is it a courtesy, but you also don’t want to risk someone being caught off guard and unprepared.
- Depending on your relationship, this may be by email, text, LinkedIn or phone call.
- Share the role and company you are applying to, the name and title of the person who will likely contact them, and when they can expect to be contacted.
- Even before you need a reference, make it a habit to keep lines of communication open with past managers and colleagues. Reaching out every few months – even if it’s a comment on their LinkedIn posts – can help make future asks easier.
Provide the necessary context.
Do as much of the work as possible for your contacts. People are busy; offering specific details and thought starters will help them be prepared and best able to highlight your attributes.
- Provide the job description for the role you’re hoping to land, so they know what the employer is evaluating.
- Recap your time working together: your position title, the dates you were employed, and a project or two you worked on at that organization.
- Share two or three of the strengths you demonstrated in your position, and how those will be beneficial to the role.
- Mention anything the employer may inquire about, such as a career pivot, a gap or a skill you’re stretching into.
Close the loop and follow up.
After your references have been contacted, make sure to follow up.
- Show your gratitude with a thank you note.
- Let them know how things turned out. Your references invested time and energy into your interview process and sharing the outcome is not only courteous, but it gives another reason to connect.
- Offer to return the favor to show the support goes both ways.
References are more than just a formality at the end of an interview process. In some cases, final hiring decisions are dependent on them. By approaching them with the same intention and care you bring to the rest of your professional journey, you’ll be best set up to secure your next role.