In today’s ever-increasing competitive employment landscape, candidates need to do everything they can to separate themselves from their competition during their job search. One often-overlooked aspect? Professional references.
But where to start? We break it down for you.
Who to Ask?
When providing your references, list current or former managers or colleagues.
“Choose individuals who have directly observed your work and can confidently speak to your ability to perform under pressure, navigate complex challenges, and contribute meaningfully to a team,” says Toney Rish, Senior Technical Recruiter/Team Lead at TM Floyd & Company (TMF).
If you are a recent graduate, you can also consider listing a former professor in your major.
Important: You will want to contact your potential references to get their approval before adding them to your list.
Also, be aware that some companies have policies that prevent employees from providing references. Be sure to check if your contact is allowed to serve as a reference.
How Many?
TMF Technical Recruiter Wessli-Ann Singleton recommends having a certain number of references. “I strongly encourage my candidates to provide at least three professional references,” she advises. “Professional references tend to carry more weight than personal ones. Friends and family can vouch for your character, but employers are looking for insight from people who’ve seen you in action in a professional setting.”
Reference Details
The more information on your reference that you can provide, the better. An example would be as follows:
- Name
- Current job title
- Company
- Email address
- Phone number
- Reference description(e.g., how you know them and in what capacity)
Follow Up and Follow Though
Let your references know as early as possible that they may be contacted, who will be reaching out, from what company, and for which position. If you have job details to share, even better—this helps them better understand the role you’re applying to and to tailor their responses accordingly.
Keep your references updated on your job search progress. Regardless of the outcome, always thank those who agreed to support you. A simple, sincere thank-you note goes a long way in showing appreciation and maintaining the relationship. If they’re local, consider treating them to coffee or lunch.
“In today’s competitive job market, the right reference can be the differentiator that sets you apart from other candidates,” states Rish.
Need Help?
Our experienced recruiters at TMF can help answer your questions about references and other job-related aspects. Contact our team today.
