They’re often friends, coworkers or college instructors. While there may be many options within your life, choose your references carefully. Friends or coworkers who are more likely to speak favorably of you are the best options.
Who is appropriate to list as a reference?
Consider these eight people when making your reference list.
- Recent Bosses. …
- Coworkers. …
- Professors. …
- Friends… But Only if They’re a Professional Reference. …
- Group Members. …
- Any Place You’ve Volunteered. …
- The Person You Babysat for or Whose Lawn You Mowed Every Summer. …
- High School Teacher or Coach.
Who should you not use as a reference?
Don’t Do It: 7 People You Should Never Put on Your Reference List
- You Haven’t Had Contact With the Person in Years. …
- You Don’t Know the Person. …
- You Don’t Know the Person Well. …
- You Never Actually Worked With the Person. …
- The Person Has a Bad Rep. …
- The Person Has Been Out of the Workforce for a Decade (or More)
Can coworkers be references?
A professional reference for an experienced worker is from typically a former employer, a colleague, a client, a vendor, a supervisor, or someone else who can recommend you for employment.
Can I use a family friend as a reference?
While friends and family are acceptable referees, it is better for you to select someone who is not immediate family as their opinion may be construed as being biased.
Who is a personal reference?
A personal reference is a reference provided by an individual who knows you and can vouch for your character and abilities. Ask permission and prepare potential personal references.
Do employers actually call references?
Do employers always check references? Essentially, yes. While it’s true that not 100% of Human Resources (HR) departments will call your references during pre-employment screening, many do. If you’re about to begin a job search, you should expect to have your references checked.
Who should I put as references on my resume?
Generally, the best people to include as references are:
- Current or former manager or direct supervisor.
- Current or former co-worker.
- Current or former employees/direct reports.
- Academic advisor.
- Professional mentor.
Can a friend be a professional reference?
Friends can make excellent professional and personal references for your job search.
What do employers ask when they call references?
The standard questions you should expect potential employers to ask your references include: “Can you confirm the start and end dates of the candidate’s employment at your company?” “What was the candidate’s job title? Can you briefly explain some of their responsibilities in the role?”
Do you have to ask someone to be a reference?
Always ask permission before using someone as a reference during your job search. That way, they can expect to be contacted and will be prepared to discuss your qualifications for a job. You can ask someone to serve as a reference with a formal letter sent by mail or an email message.
How do I ask permission to use someone as a reference?
Always ask before including someone as a reference. Send a polite email or call them on the phone, offering a few details about the request including timelines. After your reference agrees, send them your updated resume and details about the position. Follow up in a timely manner, thanking them for their reference.
Who can I use as a reference for my first job?
Here’s who to include instead:
- Your Favorite Professor. Depending on how big your graduating class was, you may have a few professors you can think to ask, or you may have just one. …
- The Family Member or Friend You’ve Done Work For. …
- An Older Student You Shared a Class With. …
- A Leader From Your Past.