Tips on selecting referees

It's common practice for hiring managers to ask job applicants to provide references from past employers - and you should expect your referees to be contacted by any prospective employer before you are given a formal job offer.

That means a good (or bad) reference can be make or break to landing the next step on your career path. Even the best interview performance won't get you the job if your references offer cause for concern.

With that in mind, here are some top tips on how to choose referees who will give you the glowing report you deserve - and how to treat them fairly by way of thanks.

1. Let the referee know

It's good practice to ask your referee's permission before putting their contact details on your CV. This isn't just a courtesy; it also makes sure your referee is prepared and can avoid the embarrassing scenario of someone point-blank refusing to provide a reference.

2. Prepare the referee

This goes a little beyond just asking the referee's permission to include their contact details. If you're in regular contact with them, let them know when you have an active application and what the role entails, and they can tailor their reference to focus on relevant skills and responsibilities.

3. Choose a professional

Remember that references are usually professional, not personal. Don't just name a friend or family member, unless that friend is also your line manager. You don't have to use your immediate boss as your reference, but try to make sure you choose someone with some authority and with whom you have worked closely.

4. Make it positive

It goes without saying that a positive reference is more useful than a negative (or even ambivalent) one, so try to find someone who has good things to say about you. Again, that could be a close colleague or supervisor, rather than your direct line manager. But keep it professional; don't name a colleague as your referee just because you're friends.

5. Keep it clear

Clear and effective communication can help make sure that your referee makes the right impression. Choose someone who you know can speak or write clearly and concisely, including when they have not pre-planned what they are going to say, to further enhance the positive impact of your reference.

6. Update your referee

Let your referee know how your job search is going, how many active applications you have made and when you no longer need them to be 'on call'. Again, this is common courtesy, but it also means your referee will be ready if they're needed several weeks after you first asked them.

7. Alternative contact details

Where possible, provide two or more methods to contact your referee. That could be a (direct) telephone number and an email address, and potentially also a main switchboard phone number where they could be reached indirectly. Give potential employers every chance to make contact successfully and to make certain that your references are genuine.

8. Multiple referees

If you have more than one person who would be a good referee, it's OK to include several on your CV or cover letter. You can specify any differences between them, for example if you have worked with them on different projects or in completely different roles. Again, give the hiring manager information and options to check your track record.

9. Reliable availability

Don't force the interviewer to contact your referees at a specific time. Ideally they should be available at almost all times (or all normal business hours) if needed. Everybody is busy at some time or another, and contact methods like email allow your referee to reply at their leisure, but in a time-pressed recruitment process, any delay that can be avoided is a good thing.

10. Speak to your referee after your interview

Again, if you're on good speaking terms with your referee, let them know if you've had a positive interview experience, as it's highly likely they'll be contacted soon after. This continues the common courtesy mentioned earlier, as well as the chance for your referee to prepare and give you the best reference possible - even taking into account things you mentioned or remember from the interview.

Doing it right

Finally, a bonus tip: instead of including your referees in full on your CV, just write 'References available on request' and let the hiring manager ask for those contact details.

This is good for several reasons:

  • You know the hiring manager is interested in your references
  • You can choose specific referees for the role
  • You can let the referee(s) know that a call or email is coming

Providing a reference is a courtesy, so remember to say thank you to your referees - you never know when you will need them again in future.

Read more Michael Page job search advice or register for MyPage to track all your current applications. If you need any more help finding your next job opportunity, get in touch.