How To Provide References for a Job and Who to Include
References are people who can attest to your work experience, education, character, skills, and habits. Who you choose to be a reference is up to you, and you should choose them carefully. Make sure that you are on good terms with them and that they know they are your reference. As well, make sure they they can speak highly of you and the experience you had working together.
During the job search process, an employer may ask you to provide some references who they may contact. As discussed in a previous blog post, your references should not be listed on your resume. You should wait until the employer asks for them to allow for better preparation and a better outcome.
Typically, if you are asked to share your references after an interview, it is a good sign that the employer is interested in your application. Before sending your references to an employer, make sure that you contact each reference to inform them to expect a call from the employer (Provide company name and contact person), as well as information regarding the job. The best thing is to send them the job posting along with your resume so they can prepare.
WHO TO INCLUDE AS A REFERENCE?
- Work References – Previous Manager, Supervisor, Co-Worker, etc.
- Academic References – Teacher, Tutor, Colleague from the same Program, etc.
- Character References – Landlord, Friends, Clients, etc.
Most employers prefer work references as they can provide the most detail to what they are looking for in a reference. Work references have the experience of your work habits, transferrable skills, and personality. Try to have all work references listed, but if you are new to the country or do not have much work experience, then list an academic or character reference as well.
*Note: If you are currently employed, do not use a reference from your current job if the company is not aware of you looking for a new job.
Academic references are good if you are a fresh graduate or new to the country and studying. Keeping good relationships with teachers in your program are vital to help you in the future. If you are in a large university, you could use someone in the same program as you who has done some assignments with you. This way they have an understanding of how you work and handle some situations.
Character references should be used if you have no one else as they usually do not know how you are in the workplace. These references can provide information on your personal qualities. Relatives are not allowed to be used as references as there is a strong bias.
WHAT TO INCLUDE?
You should list all of the relevant contact information for each person on your reference list. This includes Full Name, Job Title, Company, Phone Number, Email. If they are a character reference, it is best to list your relationship with them.
Work / Academic Reference Example:
John Smith
Manager, Swift Connect Inc.
Office Phone: 604-503-9446 ext.1
Email: info@swiftconnect.ca
Character Reference Example:
Jane Doe
Landlord
Phone: 604-123-4567
Email: jane.doe@gmail.com
