The job search can be exciting and nerve-racking, especially when it comes to the last step of the hiring process: references. Potential employers often ask for a list of professional references to confirm your work experience, skills, and character.
In this article, we'll share some tips and tricks for choosing professional references that will help you stand out from the competition and increase your chances of getting your dream job.
A professional job reference is someone who can effectively advertise your professional capabilities.
Typically, this is someone from your workplace, such as a supervisor or colleague. However, if you have a unique employment situation, a client or supplier may also give you a professional recommendation.
Individuals who can vouch for your personal character but not your professional skills are considered personal references. They can attest to your honesty, trustworthiness, and overall character, but they may not be familiar with your expertise in areas such as social media marketing.
It's worth noting that employers typically don't request personal references. While you may be inclined to use a personal reference as a professional reference, it's generally not recommended.
Sometimes it’s hard to find professional references, especially if you haven’t had a lot of work experience, have had some jobs that you’d like to leave off your resume, or have employment gaps.
Sometimes it’s hard to find professional references, especially if you haven’t had a lot of work experience, have had some jobs that you’d like to leave off your resume, or have employment gaps.
Family While family members may seem like an easy choice, they are not the best choice for a professional reference.
Friends Like using family members as references, friends may not be the most suitable option unless they are capable of speaking to your professional competencies and expertise.
Supervisors Supervisors generally make fantastic professional references.
Coworkers Past and current colleagues are great references when you can’t use a supervisor.
Someone at the Company If you happen to know someone that works at the company you’re applying to, try to use them as a professional reference.