When it comes to applying for jobs, many candidates spend hours perfecting their resumes, tailoring their cover letters, and preparing for interviews. However, one critical component that’s often overlooked is the choice of referees. References can play a pivotal role in securing a job offer, especially in a competitive landscape.
Why Your Referees Matter
Referees serve as your professional advocates, offering an important external perspective on your written application and interview process. In worst case scenario, a referee’s response can influence whether a company or organisation rescinds their job offer.
When recruiters and employers check references, they’re looking for confirmation of what’s listed on your resume and cover letter, but they’re also looking for deeper insights. A strong reference will be able to offer social proof of your professional reputation, produce examples of your accomplishments and highlights, and speak to your soft skills – such as teamwork, problem-solving and communication, which will give a fuller picture of your abilities and cultural fit for the hiring organisation.
Choosing Referees
Generally speaking, you will be asked to provide details for two professional referees. However, for more senior roles, you may be required to provide three or more.
When deciding who to choose, and given that you may only get two perspectives, we highly recommend:
Opting for Professional Referees that you reported to: Ideally, select referees who have worked closely with you in the last few years, such as a current or former supervisor, as they are likely to be the most relevant and impactful. They will be able to speak to your recent performance and growth. If you are being considered for a management or leadership position, you may also opt to include a referee from someone that reported to you, so they can provide insight into your leadership skills.
Avoiding Personal Referees: While family and friends may be your biggest supporters, they won’t be able to speak to your work experience in a professional setting (unless of course, you work together in a family business). It’s best to select people that are able to provide a more balanced, objective point of view.
Prioritising Referees from Relevant Roles: Where possible, choose referees who can speak to your experience in relation to the role you're applying for. For example, a supervisor from a similar job or industry will be more credible than someone from a completely different field. They will be able to understand the nuance of your industry and role.
Diversify your Referee Pool: Having a mix of referees from different roles can not only provide a more well-rounded view of your capabilities, but it will also stop overloading one or two people from receiving multiple reference requests should you be considered for more than one opportunity. If you have had a longer tenure at one business, you might like to select another leader from a different team or department, who you didn’t necessarily report to but worked closely with on projects or if there was meaningful crossover.
Approaching Referees
Once you have decided on which referees you would like to use, it’s essential to approach them the right way.
Ask First: Always seek permission before listing someone as a referee. It’s important to respect their time and check in whether they are comfortable to provide one. No one likes to get a surprise call!
Provide Context: Give your referees a brief overview of the job you're applying for and highlight the skills or experiences so they can tailor their response. It’s not the best impression for a recruiter or hiring manager if your referee doesn’t know anything about the role you’re being considered for.
Offer to Share Your CV: If a referee is from a previous role, it may be a good idea to provide them with an updated copy of your CV or dot points about your most recent role so they can understand your growth trajectory and career direction.
Follow Up: Keep your referees updated on the progress of your job application. After you’ve secured the job, don’t forget to thank them for their support!
Your choice of referees can be a powerful asset in your job search. Choosing the right people that can speak authentically about you and your experience may be the key to unlocking your next career opportunity!