An often overlooked aspect of applying for jobs is the professional references that you can provide. A professional reference is someone who can vouch for your work ethic, organizational skills, and professionalism.
A good professional reference will know you well enough to talk about you and your experience in a thoughtful, detailed manner.
You’ll want to choose someone you trust as a professional reference since they will need to explain how you’re the right person for a position.
After selecting who you would like as a reference it’s essential and polite to ask the right way.
That means avoiding a simple text or DM. You’ll want to ask formally to ensure your reference is in your corner and can provide a glowing recommendation.
If you can list your references correctly on your resume they can also be a great compliment to the rest of your career highlights and skills.
Placing references on a resume can be tricky. However, with our free resume-building tool, you’ll be able to easily insert your references correctly.
Keep reading to find out more about why professional references are essential in a job search and who you should ask to talk to a hiring manager to explain why you’re the perfect candidate.
How Professional References Are Helpful
If you still have any doubts about providing professional references because you may think they are unnecessary, think again.
Nearly 90% of employers conduct pre-employment screening according to an SHRM survey. Part of the process is, you guessed it, getting in touch with professional references.
That means they review who your contacts are and have a conversation with them either by a phone call or exchanging emails.
Your professional references can help you by:
- Attesting to your professional qualifications
- Providing a good review of your character
By passing along these details to a potential employer you’ll be given a huge boost in the application process!
Kind words on the part of an ex-employer sound great to any potential manager interested in your resume.
Should References Be Included on a Resume?
Nowadays, companies don’t usually ask for references. In fact, you should avoid adding them.
However, there are employers who do ask for references to be placed on a resume.
While you definitely don’t want to have your resume go beyond one page, you don’t want to cram a lot of information at the bottom either.
So how should they be listed if you must add references to your resume?
If you have to go beyond one page, don’t be afraid to do so. You should create a reference page to go along with your resume.
Have a look at the following example of how to include a professional reference on a resume reference page.
| References
Michael Smith Accounting Manager XYZ Firm 123 Main Street Buffalo, New York, 112233, 555-7878 MSmith@gmail.com |
If you’re not sure how to tie all this info together, there’s a great solution.
Using our free online resume builder! With our tool, you can create a job-winning resume that includes your references without making a huge mess.
How Many References Should Be Included?
The number of professional references you include depends on your career level and job type.
Typically, 3 is the minimum number of references that you should have.
This number will also depend on the position you are applying for as well. Let’s say you’re applying to become a real big shot at a new company for example a head of a department.
You may need to list over 6 different professional references to land the position.
Who Should You Ask to Be Your Professional Reference
It’s obvious you wouldn’t ask someone who has you on their enemies list. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t carefully consider who you’d like to ask to be your professional reference.
They should be able to speak to your strengths as a worker and how you deal with work challenges.
They can also be someone who knows you well inside or outside the workplace. Ideally, they will be able to provide a positive reference that demonstrates your character just as much as your job performance.
Have a look at some ideas for individuals who could be your ideal reference.
Your Former Manager
Your former manager is a good option for a professional reference because they can speak about your skills and how you interact with coworkers. They can also provide insight into your abilities and character.
Just make sure it was a former manager that liked you and didn’t fire you!
Your Current Manager
It may be a bit awkward to ask your current manager but if you have a good relationship, why not ask?
The key is to have an open and honest discussion with your manager. Let them know that you are considering leaving your position and explain why you feel this will help you to advance in your career.
Coworker
Anyone you’ve worked closely with for a long time can be a great reference.
If you have a good relationship, and they can attest to your skills and work you’ve put into the job it can make a positive impact on your chances of getting hired.
Make sure to ask someone who is familiar with your role, for example, someone in your team or someone who you worked with on a project.
Teacher or Professor
Are you fresh out of college? You may not have that many professional references.
However, a college professor or your teacher can attest to your skills and knowledge. Choose someone who taught a course related to the job you are applying to.
If you select all the above, remember that listing them neatly is critical. Our easy-to-use templates make it simple to create an organized list of references.
Ways to Ask For a Professional Reference
The way you ask for a reference is just as significant as who you ask.
Generally speaking, even if you are really close with the individual that you choose you should be formal and polite when requesting that they be your reference.
The best ways to ask someone include:
- A formal email
- A face-to-face meeting
- A call
When you ask for a professional reference, be sure to give them plenty of time to consider your request and prepare a positive recommendation. Also, ensure that they know the position you are applying for and the company.
They might need to write a letter, fill out a questionnaire or speak with human resources on the phone about your qualifications.
If they accept tell them to consider important details about you such as:
- 2–3 skills that are relevant to the position
- What sets you apart from other candidates
- Relevant projects that you’ve worked on
If you do all of this they will be prepared to make you look great when a hiring manager contacts them.
Remember to Show Appreciation
When it’s all said and done always thank your references for their help. Remember, thank you emails aren’t only for after an interview.
Show the person that you value them and their time. It’s important to update your references regularly on what you are doing and how your career has progressed since you last interacted with them.
After all, you may need their help again in the future.
