How to Provide Professional References

Written By City Personnel Arrow

Reach out to your references ahead of time to ask if they’re willing to be your reference. Give them a heads-up when you’re on the job hunt so they can expect a call or email from a hiring manager.

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Even if you’re not looking for work, maintaining relationships with your references is always a good idea. Reach out to them once or twice a year to say hi and stay on their radar.

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The best type of reference is from past employers. Whether this is a boss, manager, or fellow employee, it is essential to have references that can attest to your work ethic. If you only had one previous position, then it will be time to look for a reference, such as a professor, coach, or a volunteer group leader.

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Having three professional references is standard for any job opening. However, having references from over five years ago will be useless for employers, so make sure to keep them up to date. Also, try not to exceed five unless asked otherwise.

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Reaching out to references before listing them is now an essential part of the job search. The last thing you want to do is list someone as a reference and have them not remember who you are. That is why reaching out to them beforehand to catch up is the best idea.

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You should always update your references regularly. Most employers will like at least one reference from your most recent position. If your reference list is a year old, you may want to update it. Update the list with an employee or manager from your most recent experience.

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How to Provide Professional References

Reach out to your references ahead of time to ask if they’re willing to be your reference. Give them a heads-up when you’re on the job hunt so they can expect a call or email from a hiring manager.

Staying in Touch

Even if you’re not looking for work, maintaining relationships with your references is always a good idea. Reach out to them once or twice a year to say hi and stay on their radar.

Staying in Touch