The Watercooler

The 5 Best People to Choose as Job References

The references you provide a potential employer matter. A lot.

Choosing employment references is an extremely important – yet frequently overlooked – part of the job search. Providing great references is more than a formality; it can make or break your chances of landing an offer.

Give this part of your job search process the attention it deserves! As general rules, you should:

  • Pick individuals who have known you for a long time. A person who has known you for five years will be in a better position to speak about your background, character, and strengths than someone who has known you for five months.
  • Choose people who know you professionally. Your mom may know you well, but a potential employer wants insights into your work performance.
  • Assemble a diverse group of potential references. You never know what specifics an employer may be looking for; providing a variety of references helps ensure the hiring manager will find the information they need.

Five types of people you should consider adding as references:

1. Employers or bosses.

They’re best suited to speak about your skills, experience, and work ethic.

2. Coworkers or colleagues.

Choose people who understand your job responsibilities and the role you play in your team or department.

3. Teachers or professors.

An instructor who taught you a course related to your major or desired job can provide a strong reference about the skills and education you picked up in their course, as well as your personal character.

4. Advisors or mentors.

An academic advisor or career mentor typically knows you well and can speak about your career goals and growth over time.

5. Intern supervisors or volunteer coordinators.

If you’re in the early stages of your career, these individuals can provide insights about your work performance, character, and likely your career passions.

Once you assemble your list, use these tips to ensure the reference-checking process goes smoothly:

Get permission from each reference you’d like to use.

Before providing the name for any reference:

  • Obtain that individual’s express permission.
  • Make sure they’re willing and able to provide a positive reference and answer questions about you in a timely manner.
  • Remember, sometimes former employers and coworkers are constrained by company policies and may be unable to provide a reference for you.

In any event, if a potential reference turns down your request for a reference, be gracious and don’t take it personally.

Keep your references informed.

When you get to the reference-checking stage with a potential employer, contact your references to let them know when and from whom they should expect a call. Then:

  • Explain how much the job opportunity means to you.
  • Recap the strengths, skills, and experience you’d like them to highlight when they get the call.
  • Thank them in advance for their help.

Looking for your next great job?

Put your local PrideStaff recruiters in your corner. We’re here to help you with every aspect of your job search. From improving your resume, choosing references, and boosting your interview confidence,  PrideStaff is here to ensure that you don’t just search, but succeed.

Contact the PrideStaff office in your area to find out more about great local job opportunities.

Job Reference FAQs

Who should you use as job references?
The best job references are people who can speak clearly about your work ethic, skills, reliability, and professional character. Strong options often include former managers, supervisors, coworkers, professors, mentors, and internship supervisors who know your work well.
Who are the best people to choose as job references?
The best people to choose as job references are individuals who have seen your performance firsthand and can give specific examples of your strengths. A former boss, team lead, colleague, professor, or volunteer coordinator is usually more valuable than someone who only knows you personally.
Can you use coworkers as references?
Yes, coworkers can be strong job references, especially if they understand your day-to-day responsibilities and how you contribute to a team. They work best when they can talk about your communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and consistency on the job.
Can you use a teacher or professor as a job reference?
Yes, a teacher or professor can be a great reference, especially if you are early in your career or applying for roles related to your education. They can speak to your work habits, subject knowledge, growth, and professionalism in an academic setting.
How many job references should you have ready?
Most job seekers should have at least three to five professional references ready. Building a mix of managers, coworkers, mentors, or instructors gives employers a more complete picture of your strengths and experience.
Should you ask someone before listing them as a reference?
Yes, you should always ask permission before listing someone as a reference. Giving them advance notice helps ensure they are willing to help, available to respond, and prepared to speak positively about your qualifications.
What do employers ask job references?
Employers often ask references about your job performance, reliability, attitude, communication skills, strengths, and whether they would work with you again. This is why it is important to choose references who know your work well and can give detailed, credible answers.
What if you do not have a lot of professional references?
If you do not have many traditional work references, you can use professors, internship supervisors, volunteer coordinators, mentors, or others who have seen your skills in action. If you are still building your experience, PrideStaff’s Job Seekers resources and Job Seeker FAQs can help you strengthen the rest of your application.
How do you prepare your references for a job search?
Let your references know what jobs you are applying for, what skills you want highlighted, and when they may be contacted. It also helps to share your updated resume and keep them informed throughout your search, especially if you are also working on related job search steps like updating your resume or preparing for interviews with guides like The Go-To Guide for Answering the Most Common Interview Questions.
Can bad or unprepared references hurt your chances of getting hired?
Yes, weak or unprepared references can hurt your chances if they respond slowly, sound uncertain, or cannot speak clearly about your strengths. Choosing the right people and preparing them ahead of time can make the reference-checking process smoother and more persuasive.
Where can you get more help with your job search beyond choosing references?
If you need more support with your resume, interview prep, or finding the right opportunity, PrideStaff can help. You can explore Quick Apply, browse locations, or connect with a recruiter through Contact Us.