CV references are usually straightforward. They're people who can give first hand information relevant to your job applications and testify to your skills, character and experience. Choosing references, however, can be considerably more complex in some cases.
Choosing your references
You need a good references who can speak on the same professional level as your new employer. In principle, the preferred choices of referees are managers or supervisors who can speak to other managers and supervisors on the same level. This does mean "speaking the same language", in terms of employment prospects, looking at your application from the same perspective.
Although many supervisors and managers will be happy to provide references, you need to consider which of them will make the best impression on a potential new employer. Some references mean well, but they're not great talkers. Don't ask a reference for something that's impossible for them to deliver.
Choosing your references
You need a good references who can speak on the same professional level as your new employer. In principle, the preferred choices of referees are managers or supervisors who can speak to other managers and supervisors on the same level. This does mean "speaking the same language", in terms of employment prospects, looking at your application from the same perspective.
Although many supervisors and managers will be happy to provide references, you need to consider which of them will make the best impression on a potential new employer. Some references mean well, but they're not great talkers. Don't ask a reference for something that's impossible for them to deliver.
- The preferred profile for a good referee is:
- Articulate, able to express themselves well.
- Well spoke, clear speaker easy to understand.
- Authoritative, sounds like a boss.
- Knowledgeable about your work and personal achievements.
Problems with references
Your employment history tells a story. One of the most common questions about references is "Why no references from this recent employer?" You may well have a very good reason for that situation, but the gap is still noticeable, and needs filling. In some cases you actually have better references from other sources. You may never want to see your recent manager again.
Whatever the reason, prepare a response to this inevitable question, so you don't trip over it during an interview. You may be able to get a reference from the prior employer from another source. You may want to point out that under the circumstances of your departure from that employer you didn't consider it appropriate to ask for references. You can then add that one of your other references is a fully qualified person to provide references in relation to the job.
Professional references
In some professions and industries, your references are themselves a quality check on your application. Working for big name employers is a real career asset, and so are their references. However, the same criteria apply for choosing your references, with some additional considerations created by your line of work:
Business references: Target your references, using appropriate managers or supervisors in relation to the new job. If you're going for a sales job, you'd use a sales manager as a reference.
Technical jobs and IT job references: These jobs really do involve speaking another language, and your reference must be able to deal with any technical questions about your work. Technically qualified managers or highly qualified technical experts are the best references.
Academic references: For postgraduates, academic references in some professions and sciences can be difficult/impossible for those outside the profession. Your reference must be someone who can deal with advanced questions at this level. A former lecturer or a recognized expert in the field is the best reference.
Your employment history tells a story. One of the most common questions about references is "Why no references from this recent employer?" You may well have a very good reason for that situation, but the gap is still noticeable, and needs filling. In some cases you actually have better references from other sources. You may never want to see your recent manager again.
Whatever the reason, prepare a response to this inevitable question, so you don't trip over it during an interview. You may be able to get a reference from the prior employer from another source. You may want to point out that under the circumstances of your departure from that employer you didn't consider it appropriate to ask for references. You can then add that one of your other references is a fully qualified person to provide references in relation to the job.
Professional references
In some professions and industries, your references are themselves a quality check on your application. Working for big name employers is a real career asset, and so are their references. However, the same criteria apply for choosing your references, with some additional considerations created by your line of work:
Business references: Target your references, using appropriate managers or supervisors in relation to the new job. If you're going for a sales job, you'd use a sales manager as a reference.
Technical jobs and IT job references: These jobs really do involve speaking another language, and your reference must be able to deal with any technical questions about your work. Technically qualified managers or highly qualified technical experts are the best references.
Academic references: For postgraduates, academic references in some professions and sciences can be difficult/impossible for those outside the profession. Your reference must be someone who can deal with advanced questions at this level. A former lecturer or a recognized expert in the field is the best reference.
But Remember Including list of references to CV is acceptable only if you have a lot of space place in your document. In other cases it’s better to pay more attention to your profession description and attach CV Reference List as separate file to your CV. This document should be formatted the same as your CV – that makes it look more attractive. At the top of the page write your name, address, phone number and e-mail address, then type the title References. All these things must be placed in center. Now you can give a list of references, at least 3, but not more than 6. Choose the people, you’ve worked with at least one year and be sure they will speak about you positively. The best variant is when these people are from various companies or departments and characterize you from different sides. Ask their permission about adding their names to references and tell some words about the work, you’re applying for. That helps them to suppose what information potential employer is going to hear from them. When you’ve got agreements from references you can make a list, which includes next information: name, position, phone, and e-mail of collaborators. Sometimes you can also mention for how many years you’ve been working together.
It’s very convenient to have ready-made reference list on your computer, so ensure yourself 1-2 collaborator’s permissions to use their names in reference list when you’re changing your place of employment.
“References available on request” can be typed if you’re going to post your CV on website, in case not to trouble your references too often.
Some job-seekers prefer to submit their CVs without references. Such situation isn’t strictly condemned, but taking references list with yourself to the interview is a must. More than half of all employers prefer to call references after successful interview, so don’t miss a chance to show your serious attitude to this work and be ready to give your list on first request.
