A request for your references is often the last hurdle before your job offer comes through. If the company is hesitating or deciding between you and another candidate, then a great reference is crucial in gaining that advantage.
It is essential that you carefully consider who you will ask and that your referee fully understands the type of role you are applying for and the type of skills and experience that the job requires.
Who should you ask?
Try to find a balance between asking someone who appears quite senior and therefore more credible, with someone who has detailed knowledge of your capabilities. This may be a university professor, former boss, past supervisor. Approaching people who did not work closely with you could be pointless if they are unable to provide real insight into your career history.
If someone appears reluctant to provide a reference, don’t try too hard to persuade them. Most likely they either are unwilling to provide a favourable reference or feel unable to offer a meaningful perspective on your work. Either way, your ideal referee should be positive and enthusiastic about assisting you not begrudging.
Who should you ask?
Try to find a balance between asking someone who appears quite senior and therefore more credible, with someone who has detailed knowledge of your capabilities. This may be a university professor, former boss, past supervisor. Approaching people who did not work closely with you could be pointless if they are unable to provide real insight into your career history.
If someone appears reluctant to provide a reference, don’t try too hard to persuade them. Most likely they either are unwilling to provide a favourable reference or feel unable to offer a meaningful perspective on your work. Either way, your ideal referee should be positive and enthusiastic about assisting you not begrudging.
How and when to ask
Send an email, call or if possible visit the person and discuss why you’d like to use them as a referee. Try to give them as much notice as possible so that they have time to prepare. Ensure they have a clear picture of the type of role you are applying for so that they understand what is relevant. Give them a copy of your CV to refresh their memory.
If possible have a discussion with them about the possible things they might say. Ask them what they would say your strengths were when you worked with them, that should get the ball rolling.
Send an email, call or if possible visit the person and discuss why you’d like to use them as a referee. Try to give them as much notice as possible so that they have time to prepare. Ensure they have a clear picture of the type of role you are applying for so that they understand what is relevant. Give them a copy of your CV to refresh their memory.
If possible have a discussion with them about the possible things they might say. Ask them what they would say your strengths were when you worked with them, that should get the ball rolling.
Courtesy
In order to avoid your referee being contacted unnecessarily, don't include their information at the end of your CV unless explicitly asked to do so.
In order to avoid your referee being contacted unnecessarily, don't include their information at the end of your CV unless explicitly asked to do so.
Keep referees informed of your progress. Don’t forget to thank them whether or not you get the job. After you find work, keep in touch. You may need to ask them again in future and they will be less inclined to help you if you seem unappreciative or remote. Staying in touch is also a useful way of maintaining a good professional network. The person you use as a referee may be inclined to recommend you for other opportunities they hear about.
In conclusion, think carefully about the appropriate person to ask. It helps to ask someone who not only is knowledgeable about your capabilities but also you have the good rapport with. Give referees plenty of relevant information and as much advance warning as possible. And always say thank you!
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