Managing Your Professional References

By Brenda L. Peterson, The Layoff Lady

About References

When you’re getting ready to apply for jobs, at some point, those companies will ask for professional references. Some organizations will ask for references during the initial application. Other employers will ask as they approach the final stages of their interview process.  Let's look at how you can select and communicate well with these people who you want to vouch for you and your skills.

About Professional References

Your professional references will speak well of you and help potential employers see your value. While personal references are generally people who can vouch for your character, professional references can share their experience with you in a work-related capacity.  Typically, you'll need the names and contact information for three people who can share their experiences with you.

Selecting Your References

When selecting your professional references, here are a few ideas on who you may want to use:

• Previous managers
• Coworkers
• Direct reports
• Contacts from professional organizations
• People with whom you've volunteered
• Someone who is referring you for a role

Overall, it's helpful to find people who have worked for you doing relevant work (paid or volunteer) and who can attest to your skills. Here are a few of the people I have used a reference in the past:

• A recent manager when I was in an individual contributor role.
• A director who was not my immediate manager but who I collaborate with on projects
• A colleague who I worked alongside when we each led different teams
• A project manager who managed a team I was on
• One of my direct reports
• Someone who I interacted with while I volunteered for a professional development organization
• Someone who was also a contractor for the same company I worked for
• A parent who also volunteered to chaperone a school event  

Which References To Use

When I apply for jobs, I have two references I use consistently.

• One is a colleague I've worked with at three different companies. I have worked with him for over ten years. I first had him as a trainee in a class, then we both worked at another company in different departments, then he was my direct report at another company.  He is one of my go-to references because he has seen me work in several roles, can comment on me as a leader, and has first-hand experience with my instructional design skills. 
• One is a recent manager of mine.  I worked with her on a small team in a large organization. She can also attest to my skills as a learning consultant and in a technical role while commenting on how I work on project teams and meet deadlines. Having at least one former manager as a reference is essential. 

Depending on the role for which I am applying, I will choose which other reference might be the most helpful: 

• For a role focused on finance, I might include a former colleague of mine who was a  retirement coach.  He and I have collaborated on projects, created financial education materials, and fine-tuned a process for coaching individuals on retirement planning concepts. 
• For a role with a healthcare company with an opening for a technical trainer, I might include a former colleague of mine who used to work on the same team as me. Since she and I had worked together to co-facilitate classes, she could speak to the specific skills I would bring to the role. She could also refer me for that role as well. 
• For a role focusing on career coaching and resume development, I might include a board member for a professional organization where I put together and regularly deliver content on career development. 

Overall, make sure that your references can speak to your skills as they might pertain to the specific job. 

Information To Include

Make sure to collect the following details on your potential references so you are ready to share it with possible employers:

• First and last name
• Current company and job title
• LinkedIn profile (if available)
• Phone number
• Email address
• Background information on your relationship

Asking People To Be Your Reference

Before you start giving out people's contact information, be sure to confirm they are okay with being your reference. I suggest doing this before a specific job asks for references. I usually send them a message via email, LinkedIn, or text that reads something like this:
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Hi, [first name].  I'm launching my job search, and I'm wondering if you'd be willing to be one of my professional references. If so, please share the following contact information details with me:
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• Current company and job title
• Preferred phone number
• Preferred email address

Thank you so much for your assistance!
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The Heads Up Message

After you have their initial permission to give out their name as a reference, be sure to also inform them if they should expect someone to reach out to them. In addition to letting them know who may contact them and the type of position, it's also good to share a reminder of your previous work relationship so they aren't scrambling. Here is an example of that type of message.
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Hi, [first name]. Thanks for being willing to be my reference!

I recently applied for a [job title] position with [company name]. I am in the final stages of their interview process, and they may contact you via phone or email.

As a reminder, you and I worked together at [company] from [date range] when I was a [my job title] and you were the [their job title].  

Thanks again for your help!
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Learn More

• The Layoff Lady: Customizing Your Resume for Each Job Application 
• The Layoff Lady: Prioritizing Job Applications​​