What makes a reference professional

Company reviews. Find salaries. Upload your resume. Sign in. What are references? Ways to list your references. If there is no way to list references on the application itself, you can provide a reference list during your interview.

You may also include a brief statement on your resume or cover letter that you can provide "references upon request," which can ensure you use the one or two pages of your resume for your employment history, education and accomplishments. Sometimes, an employer will request a reference letter or send an email containing a link to a reference form. If the company prefers a reference letter, it is customary for your reference to send it directly to the company.

If your reference gives you the letter to deliver to the company, they should sign or stamp over the envelope seal to show that the envelope was delivered unopened. Other times, the company will call your reference to ask them questions. Why do businesses ask for references?

To get a better understanding of how you perform at work, as well as your strengths and weaknesses To determine if your work style is a good fit for the position Your professional ethics, values, character and personal integrity Your interactions with coworkers and superiors, and how you might fit into the company culture To confirm your work history.

For example, some employers want to speak with your former supervisor or the human resources department to check the dates of your employment, your job title and your role's responsibilities. In this case, references also may be part of a background check for certain roles, such as law enforcement and government agencies. Difference between professional and personal references.

Professional reference. Personal reference. How to ask for references. Choose your references carefully. You want to select references who will speak highly of you and demonstrate how you are an excellent candidate for the position.

Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Job Searching Job References. Table of Contents Expand. Table of Contents. What Are Professional References? How to Find the Ideal Reference.

How to Provide References to Employers. By Alison Doyle. Alison founded CareerToolBelt. Learn about our editorial policies. Updated on June 09, Article Sources. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for TheBalanceCareers. From Your email address. Your email has been sent. Thank you. When you apply for jobs, you will be asked for references. What types of references are important? Employment references include past employers, co-workers, subordinates, or clients.

They can speak about your specific employment experience. You can also list people for whom you perform volunteer activities, babysitting, lawn mowing, and other odd jobs. Professional references are people who know you on a professional basis. They may include contacts from business and sales, clubs, or professional or community organizations. Academic references are instructors and vocational counselors. They can speak about your academic activities.

These are most appropriate for current students or recent graduates. Personal references are people who know you personally and can describe your skills. Only use this type of reference if you do not have the other types. Use the names of people who can tell an employer you can be depended on to do a good job. How do you choose people? Select people who honestly know you and will speak objectively. Avoid using family members or close friends as references.

Avoid references that may be controversial or may concern the employer. This includes clergy, counselors, or social workers, less they are relevant to the job.

Someone who is influential in the community or business may be an effective reference, if they can speak about you related to employment. How can you prepare a reference for the employer's contact? Find out how the reference would prefer to be contacted. Get permission to give out his or her contact information: name and phone number or e-mail address. Find out the best times to reach her or him. Discuss your job search goals and the specific employers who may be calling.

Many references prefer to see the job description and your resume so they can answer specific questions. What other documents might help? Job Search. Top Questions. How do I get started looking for a job? Where can I get help with my resume?