Here's a quick guide to job reference etiquette:
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Ask permission before listing | Surprise your references |
| Choose people who know your work well | Use the same people too often |
| Provide job and resume info to references | Forget to follow up after interviews |
| Keep references updated on your job search | Use outdated contact information |
| Thank your references | Put references on your resume |
Key points:
- Always get permission first
- Brief references on the job you're applying for
- Choose former bosses, coworkers, or mentors as references
- Keep references informed throughout your job search
- Show gratitude with a thank-you note or small gift
- Use a separate reference sheet, not your resume
- Stay in touch with references to maintain relationships
Following these tips will help you manage your job references professionally and increase your chances of landing the job you want.
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5 Things to Do
1. Ask Before Listing
Always get permission before using someone as a reference. Tell them about the job you want. This shows you respect their time and helps them be ready to say good things about your work.
2. Choose Good References
Pick people who know your work well and can say positive things. Good choices are:
| Type of Reference | Why They're Good |
|---|---|
| Former bosses | Can talk about how you work |
| Coworkers | Know your teamwork skills |
| Mentors | Can speak about your growth |
3. Give Them Info
Help your references by giving them:
- The job description
- Your resume
- Key points about your work you want them to mention
This helps them talk about why you're right for the job.
4. Keep Them Updated
Tell your references:
- When they might get a call
- How your job search is going
This keeps them ready to help when needed.
5. Say Thanks
Show you're grateful:
- Send a thank-you note
- Give a small gift if you want
This helps keep good relationships with your references.
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5 Things to Avoid
1. Don't Surprise References
Always ask before using someone as a reference. Tell them about the job you're applying for. This helps them be ready to talk about your work.
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Ask permission | List without asking |
| Brief them on the job | Assume they remember everything |
2. Don't Overuse People
Don't ask the same people too often. Use different references for different jobs. This shows you know many people and have many skills.
3. Don't Forget to Follow Up
Tell your references what happened with the job. Keep in touch with them. Thank them for their help.
| When to Follow Up | What to Say |
|---|---|
| After the interview | How it went |
| When you get the job | Thank them for their help |
| If you don't get the job | Thank them and update on your search |
4. Don't Use Old Contact Info
Make sure you have the right phone numbers and emails for your references. If you haven't talked to someone in a long time, check if they still want to be a reference.
5. Don't Put References on Your Resume
Keep your list of references separate. Only give it when the employer asks for it. This shows you respect people's privacy.
| Where to Put References | When to Give Them |
|---|---|
| On a separate sheet | When the employer asks |
| Not on your resume | Not with your initial application |
Conclusion
Main Points to Remember
Here's a quick recap of the key job reference etiquette tips:
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Ask permission before listing | Surprise your references |
| Brief references on the job | Use the same people too often |
| Choose people who know your work | Forget to follow up |
| Keep references updated | Use old contact info |
| Thank your references | Put references on your resume |
Keeping in Touch with References
Staying connected with your references is important for your career. Here's why:
- It can lead to new job opportunities
- You might get more recommendations
- It helps build your professional network
To keep good relationships with your references:
- Stay in touch even after you get a job
- Let them know how your career is going
- Thank them for their help
FAQs
How do you ask for a job reference?
Here's how to ask someone to be your job reference:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Ask before using their name |
| 2 | Call or email them |
| 3 | Tell them about the job |
| 4 | Send your resume |
| 5 | Thank them |
After they agree, give them details about the job. Always thank them for their help.
Should I tell my references they might get a call?
Yes, you should. Here's why:
| Reasons to Tell References |
|---|
| It's polite |
| They can prepare |
| They won't be surprised |
| They can give better answers |
Letting your references know helps them give good answers about your work.
