Who Should I Ask to be a Reference?

This is a very common question.  You'll need three references and in certain situations, coming up with three people who can speak to your value as an employee can be difficult.  For example, if you are a new graduate with little or no work experience-who can you ask?  Or you might have been self employed for years and now want to apply for a job-who can you ask?  Or if you just plain didn't get along with your last boss or were fired-then what?  Or perhaps you are employed but don't want to ask your current employer to be a reference because you don't want her to know that you're looking for another job-then who do you ask?

Let's address each of these separately.

New graduate or no work experience

Even though employers want to have references from people who can talk about your work habits and skills, if you don't have them, well you can't make them up.  But in that situation, I'm assuming that you're applying for an entry level job where that is to some extent to be expected.  In that case, you can ask teachers or professors, or perhaps people who know you from some volunteer work you were involved in. 

Self employed for years

This one is actually pretty easy.  I suggest a three way approach.  Ask a client who can speak to your ability to meet their needs and deliver on what you promise. Then choose a colleague, perhaps a supplier, someone who can speak to your character and reliability.  The third reference can be an employee, someone who can talk about what kind of leader you are. 

Fired or just didn't get along with your boss

This one is tough.  You will be expected to give a work reference, and most likely they'll want one from your last employer.  First of all, if you didn't work there that long, leave that job out if you were fired.  Some basic formatting of the resume can minimize the damage on that.  If you have to put it in, did you have a previous boss before the one you didn't get along with?  How about a colleague who would give you a good reference?  Definitely ask the individual before you put them down as a reference - that's a rule that you should always follow - and if you don't know what they'll say, ask them outright what they will say about your performance.  Tell them that you are concerned and want to make sure that the reference doesn't prevent you from moving on.

Don't want to use your current employer

If you're looking for work but don't want your current employer to know, don't put their name down until you have to.  Find three other references first.  Then if the potential new employer asks specifically for your current employer, say something like, "I'd be happy to give you the contact information for my current employer but I would prefer that he not be contacted unless I am being seriously considered and will have a job offer if the reference is satisfactory."

A few basic rules:

• Always ask someone before you put their name down as a reference
• The focus should be on people who know you in a professional capacity, friend and character references are virtually useless
• Only list your references on your resume if you are at entry level; anything above that be ready to provide them when asked
• If the job posting requests references, include them

If you have some questions related to your career planning, resumes, interviews, or job search, please contact me and I'll try to address your issue in a future blog.  Or consider one on one coaching.