When searching for a new role, understanding the purpose and importance of reference checks is an essential factor in your success! There may be confusion regarding why references are required or who the best people to list are. Here is a breakdown of what you need to know:
What is a reference check & how is it different from an employment verification?
Reference checks are direct reach-outs to individuals whom you have worked closely with in the past. These individuals, like a manager or coworker, should be able to reflect on how you conducted your day-to-day work and give specific feedback on your performance, work ethic, and skills.
An employment verification is simply that – the verification that you worked in a certain position in the timeline you provided. Employment verifications typically go to an 800 number to confirm when you worked there and your position within the company. These likely won’t go to any coworkers at your previous employer, such as your supervisor or HR. The questions asked will be factually based on dates and will not reflect performance or skillsets in any way.
Who should I list as a reference?
When providing references to a potential employer, it is important to provide the contact information of individuals you have a professional relationship with and have worked directly with. Although someone like a good friend or family member would probably give you a glowing review since the relationship with them is personal rather than professional, their feedback could clearly show bias, and they may have no idea how you perform in the workplace. The individuals who are contacted have worked with you directly but have also seen you in action. They should be able to speak to your strengths, competencies, responsibilities, and areas for improvement.
Ideally, the references you provide to your potential employer should only consist of peers/coworkers, and at least one supervisor or direct manager. These people will be able to give the most accurate and relevant feedback regarding your performance in the workplace.
When choosing these professional references, it is crucial to be mindful of where you stand with that individual or the company. If perhaps you left on less-than-ideal terms or you didn’t have the best relationship with that person, you may not want to list them as a reference. Choose people with whom you have positive relationships and who would provide a favorable reference.
Who you should list:
- Managers
- Supervisors
- Peers
- Colleagues
Who you should NOT list:
- Friends
- Family
- Past coworkers that you did not directly work with
- Previous managers, supervisors, or coworkers you do not have a positive relationship with
How should I prepare for reference checks?
If your potential employer has asked for references, congratulations! You have made it to the final stage of the
interview process. References are typically one of the last steps an employer will take before choosing a candidate.
Before you provide the contact details of your references to the employer, it is important that you personally reach out to them individually to give them a heads-up that they should be expecting a call or email from the company you applied to. If your references are notified, they will be able to think ahead about their answers to provide comprehensive and thorough feedback. They will also anticipate a phone call or email and be more likely to respond to the inquiry promptly. Playing phone tag with references can hold up the process, so getting swift replies makes all the difference.
Why are reference checks important?
References are a helpful tool for employers to get insight into how you performed in previous roles. In some instances, references can make or break you getting the position you want!
Be sure to choose people who you have worked with closely and know how you behave and execute your responsibilities. Ensure that you will receive a positive reference by carefully curating who you include as a reference! Stick to only including those with whom you share a professional relationship–personal references do not carry the same weight as professional ones.
Lastly, give your references a solid heads-up that they will be hearing from your potential employer. It’s helpful to provide them with details about the company that will be calling and the job you are running for, so they have all the information to provide a solid recommendation.
If you have questions regarding references or need professional feedback about your job search, contact us to access our free job seeker services.
Author: Katherine Hudson, Organizational Support Assistant