Who Should You Use as a Job Reference?

When applying for a job, your resume and cover letter present essential details about your qualifications, but many employers also request references. These references serve as a way for hiring managers to gain a deeper understanding of your skills, work habits, and character beyond what is listed in your application materials. Choosing the right references can significantly strengthen your candidacy and improve your chances of securing a position. A personal reference is someone who knows you outside of a professional setting and can vouch for your character, integrity, and interpersonal skills, which can be particularly valuable when an employer wants insight into your personality and reliability beyond your work experience.

This article explores the importance of job references, the different types of references you can use, and how to determine the best individuals to list. It also examines the distinction between personal and professional references, providing clarity on their roles in the hiring process.

Related: How to Write a Personal Reference Letter

Understanding Job References

A reference is someone who can speak about your skills, work habits, and personal character. They might be a former manager, a colleague, a mentor, or even someone from outside your professional life who knows you well. Selecting references carefully is crucial, as they can provide hiring managers with valuable insights about you that go beyond your resume.

Benefits of Providing References

Including references in your job application offers several advantages:

Different Types of Job References

There are three primary categories of references: professional, character (or personal), and academic references. Each serves a different purpose and is useful in different job application scenarios.

Professional References

Professional references are the most commonly requested type. These individuals have direct experience working with you and can offer insights into your work performance, skills, and behavior in a professional setting. Examples of professional references include:

Character (Personal) References

Character references, often referred to as personal references, are individuals who can speak about your personality, integrity, and overall character outside of a work setting. They do not have a professional working relationship with you but may know you through community involvement, volunteer work, or long-standing friendships.

Examples include:

While personal references may not carry as much weight as professional ones, they can be useful in roles where character and interpersonal skills are highly valued. However, direct family members, such as parents or spouses, should be avoided as references, as they may be seen as biased.

Academic References

Academic references are useful for students, recent graduates, or professionals in research-intensive fields. These references are typically professors, advisors, or classmates who can provide insights into your academic performance, work ethic, and potential for growth.

Examples of academic references include:

Personal vs. Professional References: Understanding the Difference

A key distinction exists between personal (character) and professional references. Many job seekers mistakenly believe that a close colleague who is also a friend can serve as a personal reference. However, this is not the case.

A professional reference is someone who has worked with you in a professional capacity and can discuss your job performance, management style, or technical skills. Even if they are a close friend, their reference is considered professional if their primary interaction with you has been in a work environment.

A personal reference is someone who has never worked with you professionally but knows you well enough to vouch for your character. This could be a teacher, a mentor, a member of a civic group, or someone you’ve worked with in a non-professional setting, such as a church committee or a volunteer organization.

Understanding this distinction is crucial, as some employers specifically ask for both professional and personal references to get a well-rounded view of an applicant.

Steps to Determine Who to Use as a Reference

Selecting the right references requires careful thought and strategy. Follow these steps to ensure your references strengthen your application:

1. Identify the Type of Job You’re Applying For

Consider the role you’re applying for and what kind of references would be most relevant. If you’re applying for an academic position, professors or research advisors may be the best choices. For corporate roles, former managers and colleagues are often the most valuable.

2. Consider Connections Within the Company

If you know someone within the company, they can serve as a powerful reference. Employers value insights from their own employees, as they trust their judgment. If a current or former employee can vouch for your abilities, it can give you an edge over other candidates.

3. Check for Mutual Connections

If you don’t know anyone directly within the company, check if your professional network includes someone who does. Even a second-degree connection who can speak to your work ethic may be beneficial. However, only list individuals who genuinely know you and can provide meaningful insights.

4. Evaluate the Strength of Your Relationship

The length and depth of your relationship with a reference matter. Someone who has worked with you for years will be able to offer a more detailed and credible account of your abilities than someone who has only interacted with you briefly.

5. Anticipate What They Will Say About You

Before listing someone as a reference, consider what they are likely to say. If you had past conflicts with a former manager or coworker, their feedback might not be as favorable. Choose references who have consistently viewed your work positively.

6. Keep Your References Informed

After listing a reference, notify them about the job application. Provide them with details about the position and why you’re interested in it. This helps them prepare for potential calls or emails from hiring managers, ensuring they can give relevant and positive feedback.

7. Consider Response Time and Availability

A reference is only effective if they are responsive. Listing someone who rarely checks their emails or is frequently unavailable may delay the hiring process. Choose references who are easy to reach and willing to take the time to speak on your behalf.

Conclusion

References play a critical role in job applications, offering hiring managers insights beyond what is written in a resume. Selecting the right individuals as references—whether professional, personal, or academic—can enhance your credibility and improve your chances of securing a job. By understanding the difference between personal and professional references and carefully choosing individuals who can provide strong, relevant feedback, you can maximize the impact of your application.