Don’t Just List Names – Build a Strong Professional Reference List
When you update your resume and prepare responses to potential job interview questions, don’t forget your professional reference list! Having a strong list of references can make a big difference in advancing during the job interview process. I recently spoke to an HR recruiter who shared a story of a candidate they were strongly considering. When they reached out to one of the candidate’s references, it turned out the person did not exist.
Whether that candidate told a lie or provided incorrect information, there are three steps you can take to avoid encountering any issues with a potential employer contacting your professional references.
1. Connect and Stay in Touch
The first step is figuring out who to include on your professional reference list. It’s great to have made at least one professional connection at each job listed on your resume, but ultimately, you should aim to have at least three references on your list. Ideally, this person should be your direct supervisor or manager. If this is not possible, choose a direct teammate or a colleague in your department. If that is also not feasible, find someone in another department and be sure to follow Step 3 below.
Again, ideally, you’re already in touch with this person, whether it’s exchanging emails over the years or being connected on LinkedIn. Pro tip: Always try to establish that LinkedIn connection as soon as you sense that the person would be good to have in your professional network.
Make it a point to keep in touch with former colleagues because you never know when you might need to ask them for a favor. If you prefer not to reach out semi-regularly, remember that being connected on LinkedIn means your contacts may see your posts or interactions with others. This serves as a reminder to be active on LinkedIn! Seeing your activity can remind them of you and help them feel more connected since you worked together.
2. Provide Advance Notice and Ask for Permission
Before adding individuals to your professional references list that you intend to provide to a potential employer, ensure you reach out to them and obtain their permission to include them on your list first. No one likes to be caught off guard by an employer who wants to ask questions about a direct report or a former coworker that they’re not even sure they remember.
Reaching out serves multiple purposes. It gives a potential reference a chance to jog their memory and remember who you are, provides them with time to consider whether they wish to be listed as a reference, and allows you to obtain current contact information (providing outdated or non-working contact details leaves a poor impression on a potential employer).
3. Prep References for Your Success
One of the most underestimated (and arguably the most impactful) steps is equipping your references with tools and resources that support your case for being the best candidate for the position. Share the job listing and explain why you want the role. Help them understand why you are a good fit for this opportunity. Suggest specific projects or skills that you’d like them to communicate to the potential employer.
For a reference that didn’t work directly with you and who may be more of a personal than a professional connection, be sensible and considerate. Provide talking points that speak to your qualifications that they’d feel comfortable speaking to. Consider these questions: In what way did they observe your job performance? How does their viewpoint reflect your professional skills?
Your references are often busy with their personal and professional lives and won’t have the time to reflect on when they worked with you. Giving them talking points and reference materials will make it much easier for them to express what you hope they’ll say, and they’ll genuinely appreciate not having to do all the homework.
With all the different things you must do to apply for and secure a job, putting together a professional reference list can seem like an afterthought. As someone who’s been both a reference and a reference-checker, the individuals you choose and how they speak about you can exponentially increase your chances of getting that new job.
If your professional contacts agree to be a reference, they want to help you get the position and can serve as your greatest cheerleaders. Invest in building strong relationships throughout your career, showing intention and care. When you need them to be a reference, give them the information they need to effectively highlight your qualifications and experiences.
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About the Author: Marcia Silva is the director of marketing and communications at the Higher Education Recruitment Consortium. She strives to create engaging, research-informed content that empowers job seekers and employers committed to creating inclusive workplaces. She is passionate about using digital media and technology to encourage participation and strengthen communities.