By Lily Sachs on May 17th, 2022
Key Points:
- Why are professional references important?
- Identifying the proper professional reference
- How to ask for a reference
Commonly, you are approached about your professional references towards the end of your interview process. Way to go! You’ve now made it to the end of the interview process. This is always an exciting time, but with feedback, we’ve found that many job seekers feel fear when they receive a request for their professional references. – & we get it! But this blog will show you why networking is essential and how you should approach these individuals.
- The definition of a professional reference and its importance
A professional reference is an individual that can confirm your qualifications for a new position based on their experience working with you. This background can apply to both your skillset and your work ethic, and a reference can sometimes be the determining influence as to whether you move forward in the interview process. So, making sure that you choose the correct reference is crucial.
- Identifying your best professional references
We understand the concept of lending a hand to your neighbors, but this is a perfect example of whom you shouldn’t utilize as your reference source and vice versa. Any person that you ask for a professional reference should be someone who has worked closely with you and can positively share feedback on your skillset and ethics.
This could be a current or former coworker or manager, and if your current manager doesn’t know you are seeking a new opportunity, don’t put them down as a reference. Also, be diligent in explaining this to the hiring manager interviewing you.
When you send over your references to your potential employer, include the reference’s first and last name, phone number, email address, and their relationship to you. I also like to provide my reference’s availability. Now you have shown the hiring manager effort to accommodate a seamless interviewing process from your end as well.
- How to ask for a reference
Now that you know who you should ask, you probably wonder the best way to ask that individual for their reference is? Asking for a professional reference is a personal endeavor, so the way you request one should be as well.
There are a few things you should do when reaching out to someone to be your professional reference. First, make certain you are still in contact with this individual. With our everchanging job market, it might not be possible to meet them in person. But, if you can, you should, even if it’s a quick coffee shop catch-up. However, if you’re unable, you should send a detailed email about the reference needed and ask to catch up.
While writing your detailed message, make sure to include the below three points:
- State the job you’re applying for and briefly share how your skillset and ethics are a good fit for the company and position. A great way to do this is to use the job description to deduct what skillsets you should pick out and share first and foremost.
- You should educate your reference with the details about the job you are applying for and share a copy of your most up-to-date resume. This can also refresh your reference’s mind when recalling your time working together.
- If this individual accepts, you should ask them if they would mind providing a general reference letter so that you can give these references to all your new potential opportunities without the hassle of bugging them each time.
You now have all the information needed to receive an excellent professional reference. Lastly, make sure that you thank all of the individuals that agreed to be your reference! They have taken time out of their day to support your change in position. A thank you email, or a card can go a long way to show your gratitude.
& if you’re still struggling with who to choose, a great rule of thumb is that if you can’t text this individual personally to say hello, direct their attention to your email, and ask to catch up, you should move on to the following reference on your list. For more tips on your job search, learn more here.