That is why choosing a reference deserves careful thought. The most useful reference comes from someone who knows your work well and can clearly explain your strengths. This could be a former manager, a colleague you collaborated with on a project, or a client you completed assignments for. Their firsthand knowledge of your work matters more than their job title.
Consider the position you are applying for, too. If it requires organisation and coordination, choose someone who has worked with you on tasks involving deadlines and multiple stakeholders. If it calls for expertise in a particular field, select someone who can speak about your knowledge and achievements in that area. This will help the employer understand how your experience could translate into a contribution in the new role.
If you are at the start of your career, you do not need a former employer to provide a reference. An internship mentor, a professor you worked with on a project, or a volunteer coordinator can speak about your approach to responsibilities, willingness to learn and ability to work with others. Choose someone who has had the opportunity to get to know you through practical work.
Before listing someone’s name and contact details, speak to them and ask for their permission. Explain the role you are applying for and why you believe their experience of working with you is relevant. This conversation also gives you an opportunity to check whether they feel comfortable providing a reference for you.
It is helpful to send them the job advert or briefly explain the responsibilities of the role. You can also remind them of projects and tasks you worked on together, particularly if some time has passed since your collaboration. The aim is to give them enough context to offer an independent, honest assessment supported by examples.
Check that their contact details are correct and agree on how they would prefer to be contacted. If the employer has not requested references in the job advert, you can prepare them and provide them when needed. If your job search is confidential, make this clear in advance and agree on when the person may be contacted, especially if they work at your current workplace.
A good reference offers a clear and credible picture of how you work. Choose people who know your abilities and can support their comments with firsthand experience of working with you. Their reference is most valuable when it helps the employer better understand what you can contribute.