When should I provide a reference?
Most people write on their résumé “References Available Upon Request” and don’t include names. If you have been asked to bring references to an interview, take them on a separate sheet of paper and indicate if they are work, character, or academic references. If references are required after the interview, let them know that you will email this list to them. Emailing allows you time to choose your references based on the information you now have about the position.
A reference letter is a letter of recommendation from a former company (outside source) to provide along with new job applications and to new organizations. The letter highlights the skills of the person, the qualifications, and the responsibilities portrayed in the former organization. Employees often seek an employee reference from existing companies
It is essential to keep few things in mind while writing an employee reference letter.
Think carefully about approval for writing the reference
Make sure that you give your approval to write the reference only if you can write a positive reference/recommendation. Don’t write the reference if you’re not comfortable doing it. It’s wise to decline than to jot down something that’s not a strong endorsement of the person.
Prioritise job description
Ask the employee for the copy of the job description wherein they have applied the new job. Review the description and then jot down how the employee will be an efficient match for the position. If you will write a general recommendation/reference, ask for details about the position and the industry they are applying to.
Collect information about the person
Before writing down the reference, it is essential to know more about the person, the skills, capabilities and everything required for jotting down a good reference. Ask for a copy of the CV of the person so that you get a fair idea about the roles and responsibilities that the person undertook in earlier company and the skills of the person.
Include relevant examples
Mention examples how the employee stood out as an asset to the company. Try to incorporate the skills portrayed and give numbers, if possible, to quantify the success of the person.
Be positive
Always write the reference in the positive sense. Highlight the person as a strong candidate and incorporate words like you would “recommend the person without any reservation,” or you “would hire the person again”. Emphasize the words in the beginning and conclusion of the reference
Share your contact information
Provide your contact details for the employer to contact you for any further questions. Include the email address, phone number, or both at the end of the reference.
Sample Reference Letter
To Whom It May Concern:
I would like to recommend (name of the person) as a candidate for a position with your organization. In his/her position as (position name), (person name) was employed in our office from (year-year). Throughout the time with our organization, he/she demonstrated critical skills that would make him/her an excellent employee at your company.
(Person name) did a terrific job in his/her position and was an asset to our organization during his/her tenure with the office. He/ She has excellent written and verbal communication skills, is extremely organized, can work independently, and is able to effectively multi-task to ensure that all projects are completed in a timely manner.
Because of his/her effectiveness, I even gave him/her additional responsibilities, including developing a training program for our interns. (Person name) went above and beyond in that assignment, as he/she does in all tasks.
(Person name) was always willing to offer his/her assistance and had an excellent rapport with the many constituents served by our office including clients, employers, and other professional organizations. This would be particularly valuable for your company, as you state you are looking for a candidate who can effectively communicate with people across departments.
He/ She would be an asset to any employer, and I wholeheartedly recommend him/her for any endeavor he/she chooses to pursue. Please let me know if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
(Your name)
Job Title
Company
Address
Phone
Email
One of the most important tasks when job hunting is rounding up references who can attest to your qualifications and abilities to do a job. Your references can help you make a compelling case as to why you’re the best candidate for the job, but a less-than-enthusiastic endorsement can knock you off an employer's list of candidates.
Note
Tip: A strong recommendation from the right reference can convince an employer that you have the right skills and experience to excel in the job.
Review tips on whom to ask for a reference, how to ask, which of your references to use depending on the role you're applying for, and how to be sure that your references are giving you a strong recommendation.
Key Takeaways
There are different types of references you can use when applying for a job, including academic, employment, personal, and professional references.
The references you choose should be able to speak to the skills, abilities, qualifications, and other assets that qualify you for a position.
Create a list of three or four references you can use when you apply.
Types of References You Can Use
When you’re job hunting, there are several different types of references you can use.1 These include:
Academic references: Teachers, college professors, instructors, guidance counselors, career counselors, and vocational counselors.
Employment references: Past employers, co-workers, direct reports, clients, and vendors.
Personal references: People who know you well and can attest to your ability to do a job.
Professional references: Business and professional contacts.
Whom To Ask for a Reference
Who’s the best person to ask for a reference? What’s most important is to line up references who can discuss the skills, abilities, qualifications, and other assets that make you a fit for the job for which you’re applying.
Former Managers
A manager from a previous job is one of the best people to ask for a reference because they can speak to your ability to succeed in the workplace and can discuss how you added value to the team, department, or company.
Colleagues and Co-workers
References don't necessarily have to be people you worked for. You can also ask former co-workers you had a good relationship with to act as references.
Personal References
If you have any involvement in continuing education, volunteering, or community work, supervisors or peers in those roles will be able to provide references.
Note You could even use a friend as a reference if they can attest to your qualifications for the job.
Faculty References
Especially when you’re applying for an entry-level role and don’t have much work experience, teachers and professors can be ideal references. In addition to your academic ability, they can attest to how well you work on projects or as part of a team. Whom Not To Ask for a Reference
There are some people you shouldn’t ask for a reference. It’s not a good idea to ask a family member for a reference, for example, simply because they are family, and the employer is going to expect them to say positive things about you.1
Unless you know someone is going to give you a solid endorsement, don’t ask them. Also, don’t ask people who aren’t relevant to the job or the prospective employer. References need to be able to provide a meaningful recommendation that impresses the hiring manager.
How Many References To Have Ready
Try to get a list of more references than you think you'll need for one job. Employers will rarely ask for more than three references, but having a larger pool will allow you to choose among them strategically based on the different requirements of each job.
Three or four references is fine for most applications. For high-level positions, five to seven references are appropriate. Having more references lined up than you need is better than having to scramble to find more if an employer wants them.2
Know What Your References Will Say About You
Always choose references who have agreed to provide positive recommendations. The last thing you need when job searching is a negative reference, so be sure you are clear on how your references will endorse you.
Note It’s always a good idea to offer a prospective reference an out when you ask for permission to use them. Phrase your request as a question. For example, ask the person if they would be willing or would have the time to recommend you. That way, if they aren’t comfortable endorsing you, they can say no.
How To Choose Which References To Use
References who will take the time to prepare and deliver specific recommendations are often the most powerful. Your best references will be able to speak concretely and anecdotally about your skills, work ethic, and achievements on the job, in the classroom, or in your community.
Match Your References to the Job Requirements
Ask yourself which of your references can provide the most compelling evidence that you have the assets to excel in the job you're applying for.
Pick and Choose Depending on the Job
Think of your reference selections as a group. One reference may be able to speak to a critical strength such as problem-solving while another might be able to endorse your presentation skills, for example. Make sure your roster of references for a particular job can cover as many of the core job requirements as possible.
Use Internal References if You Have Them
Internal referrals are highly valued by employers. If you have any connections within the company you're applying to, ask if they would be willing to stand as references for you.
Keep Your Reference List Updated
Add new references and move individuals off your list if they seem less than enthusiastic or if a lot of time has passed since you've worked with them.
Take the time to follow up to let your references know the status of your job search, and advise them when you get a new position.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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