What do references mean on a job application




















When you need a more personal character reference, you can ask one of the following:. Once you make connections on the job, you can begin to build a network of professional references.

You can use the following contacts as professional references on a job application:. If you're searching for a new job and you want to avoid disclosing this to your current employer, it's perfectly acceptable to use previous supervisors or even people you've helped out doing small jobs, like moving furniture or painting a house.

Consider these steps as you ask someone to act as a reference for a potential job:. When you ask someone to be a reference, make it as personal as possible.

If you can ask them in person, do so. If not, send a thoughtful email or call them to inquire about how they are doing, then ask them if they are able to help you as you pursue the next step in your career. Share your goals with your potential reference. Tell them about the position you're applying for and how it fits your experience. Tell them what you think the employer needs to know.

Share any concerns you have about why you may not get the position. If you need to ask someone from your past who you haven't spoken to in a longer period, contact them first to ask if they will help. When you reconnect, remind the person how you know each other.

For example, if you are asking a high school teacher, remind them that you were in their chemistry class in 10th grade and you asked them for help with your award-winning science fair project.

Once someone agrees to be a reference, send them a brief biography to help them share your history with potential employers. You may also want to send them a copy of your resume. Thank your reference for agreeing to help you. Share how your relationship with them has impacted your life. Leave your reference with a positive feeling about you before they speak with a prospective employer. If they have firsthand knowledge of your work skills, that is even more useful.

Close relatives are not generally acceptable references and neither are people who do not know you well. You may not want to include references from areas of your life you prefer to keep private or that may conflict with your interviewer's values. For example, personal counsellors, therapists, religious leaders or leaders of political or military parties in your home country may not always be appropriate references.

If you still do not have enough references, you may want to consider taking a course in your field of interest. If you participate in class and make a good impression, the teacher or other program staff may be willing to act as a reference for you.

Volunteering is also a good way to develop references. However, some organizations do not provide references for volunteers, so it is a good idea to check what the policy is. Once you have good references, you should try to keep in touch with them frequently. Let them know how your job search is going and thank them for their efforts. You should ask someone if they will be a reference for you before you give their name to a potential employer.

Once you've secured at least three references or up to six for higher-level jobs , prepare a list of names and contact information you can give to potential employers. For help, review the tips below. To learn more about securing and providing professional references, check out the resources below. Job Applications: Obtaining References. How to ask for a reference Always ask potential candidates if they'll provide a reference for you.

Click the arrows in the slideshow below to find out how to secure a reference. Creating a list Once you've secured at least three references or up to six for higher-level jobs , prepare a list of names and contact information you can give to potential employers.

Use a word processing program such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs. Presenting your references in a neatly typed list will make a much better impression than writing them by hand. Use a conservative font. For a consistent, professional look, use the same font that's on your resume. 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.



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