A Guide to References
References are a part of virtually every hiring process, however for many jobseekers, they tend to be a bit of an afterthought. Many employers will accept personal or ‘character’ references, but what are they and what’s the difference? Also, what sort of people should you ask for a reference and how would you go about getting one from somebody?
In this guide, we explain what a reference is, why they’re important and how you should go about obtaining one.
What are references?
To put it simply, references are people employers can ask to vouch for your character. Whereas your CV is your chance to sell yourself to employers, references allow them to check that you’ve been truthful in all that you’ve said, and therefore live up to expectations. They may also be used to learn more about how you interacted with staff at the company.
The importance of references
References give hiring managers the chance to talk to previous employers or colleagues and find out more about your personality. This number may differ, depending on your profession. However, we’d always suggest having two solid references as a general rule of thumb.
Who to ask
Former bosses or line managers, colleagues and even clients all make good references. Employers are most interested in gaining an unbiased view of your personality, work ethic and performance. For this reason, friends and family members should generally be avoided, no matter how professional your relationship with your mum is. If you don’t have much in the way of work experience, asking a form tutor, former teacher or professor, is also acceptable. The key is to ask people you trust, and those who you can count on to be positive about your contributions.
Asking for a reference
You shouldn’t use someone as a reference without their permission. Even if you consider it a foregone conclusion that your choice will be complimentary, giving a heads up provides at least some indication of what it is they will say. If you’re in regular contact with somebody you are thinking of asking for a reference, asking them in-person or on the phone is the best way to approach the subject. That way you can explain exactly what kind of jobs you are applying for and thank them accordingly. If you haven’t spoken for a while, sending a polite email to your perspective reference is likely more appropriate.
Do I need to include references somewhere on my CV?
In many instances, you shouldn’t need to provide a reference before you reach the interview stage. Generally, writing ‘References will be available upon request’ is sufficient, however it’s advised that you plan who your references are going to be in advance, just in case they ask you to provide details on your interview.
