Providing References When Applying for a Job

by Ron Kurtus (updated 17 December 2021)

When you apply for a job, you are often asked to provide character and professional references. The reason is an effort to assure the employer that you are what you are type of person you claim to be.

You should make reference preparations before you send out your resumes. Character references can be friends or those who have dealt with you. Professional references include past supervisors and fellow workers.

Questions you may have include:

What reference preparations should you make ahead of time?
What are character references?
What are professional references?

This lesson will answer those questions.

Prepare ahead of time

You should prepare to provide your references before your job interview.

Select people to have as references and ask for their permission ahead of time.

Never list references on your resume. You can state, "References available upon request" in your resume, although it really isn't necessary.

Only give the interviewing employer your references when you go in for your job interview. However, employers often ask for references when you fill out an application. Thus, it is a good idea to bring your list of references and their contact numbers with you.

Don't waste your references on temporary or fill-in jobs. People do not want to bothered to have to give numerous references. Also, they may give the best reference to a minor job and not for a job that you really want.

Character references

You can get friends, religious leader and former teachers as character references. Employers usually frown on character references from close family members.

If your character reference is from an official who knows you, a letter of reference is sometimes handy. Ask the person for such as letter. Sometimes the person will tell you to write a letter, saying that you have good character or are an outstanding member of the community, and then the person will sign it.

Professional references

Professional references are fellow workers and past supervisors.

Obviously, you wouldn't ask your existing supervisor to be a reference, if you are seeking a job while still working at another company. In such a situation, you need to be careful not to offend your boss if the other job does not pan out.

You can also provide a letter of reference. Often, you can write one up yourself and ask your reference to edit and sign it.

Summary

You are often asked to provide character and professional references when applying for a job. You should make reference preparations before you send out your resumes. Character references can be who have dealt with you. Professional references include past supervisors and fellow workers.

Build a good reputation