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3 Characteristics of a Great Job Reference

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A fantastic professional job reference can add serious credibility to your candidacy, but choose wisely—a terrible reference can take you out of the running. Anything but a formality, potential employers put a lot of stock into statements made by your references. The people you choose know you well enough to be willing to speak on your behalf. Employers are likely to weigh what they say heavily in the decision-making process, so it pays to learn how to choose references that will show you in the best light—and help you land the job.

What Exactly is a Job Reference or Character Reference?

Most employers will ask you to provide references as part of the job application process. Sometimes they prefer a personal reference, also known as a character reference. In others, they will want to see a professional reference. Here are a few key differences between personal and professional job references:

Personal References

If an employer asks for a personal reference, they want to hear from someone who knows you outside of work. They are likely looking for information about your character, personality, behavior, and integrity that goes beyond what is covered by the skills and experience section on your resume. Potential employers want to get a sense of who you are as a person, so they can envision how you will mesh with their existing team. Often, job skills can be learned, but employers depend on personal references to identify individuals who will be a great cultural fit and drive productivity and profitability for the organization.

Professional References

Professional references include people who have worked with you and can share information about your performance, time management skills, reliability, and work habits. Employers want to learn more about your duties and responsibilities in your previous position. Choose those with intimate knowledge of your work and character, so they’re equipped to answer all questions asked.

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Why Are Job References Important?

You might know your professional strengths and weaknesses—and even spell them out in black and white on your resume—but employers will not always want to take your word for it. They use professional job references to confirm the information in your cover letter and resume, learn more about your skills and accomplishments, and gain knowledge about how you will fit into their workplace.

Employee turnover is expensive, and potential employers want to know if you have the right qualifications to succeed in your desired role. Often, recruiters and hiring managers can’t get much more information than your job title and dates of employment from your former employer, so your references provide a valuable opportunity to learn more about your character and work ethic.

How to Choose the Right Person for a Job Reference

Your friends and family are always happy to sing your praises, but unless you’re specifically asked to provide personal references, never bring them into the mix. When requested, it’s always safe to assume references should be professional in nature — i.e., former boss, colleague, client, or professor.

Choose individuals with great things to say about your professionalism, ambition, and work conduct. People who have known you for a significant length of time and will be comfortable sharing the details about you are great choices for professional job references.

Employers will rarely ask for more than three references, but it’s a good idea to have a few more than that so you can choose your references strategically based on your desired role. When providing references, ask yourself which ones can provide the most evidence that you will be successful with the potential employer. Consider these tips for choosing your references:

  • Stay current. When asking for references, keep in mind how long it has been since you’ve worked with or been in contact with your professional references. If it’s been years, you may want to move them off your list and choose someone with more recent knowledge of you.
  • Identify your strengths. Spend a few minutes brainstorming your greatest strengths. Are you good at problem-solving? Organization? Management? Keeping the team on track? Think about who in your life might have the greatest insight into your strengths. Someone who has seen several of your strengths in action is a shoo-in for your list!
  • Customize. Look at the job requirements and decide which references can provide the best evidence that you can fulfill the duties and responsibilities desired by your potential employer.
  • Make diverse choices. It’s impossible to guess what kind of information recruiters and hiring managers would like to know about you, so it’s best to choose a diverse group of references so that an employer is more likely to gain the information they need.
  • Use your network. If you know anyone who works with your potential employer, ask them if they would be willing to speak for you. Employers highly value referrals!

3 Most Important Qualities in a Good Job Reference

Not all job references are created equal. It’s crucial that your professional job references strikes the right note. You want them to support your candidacy, not undermine your bid for your new opportunity. Whether personal or professional, the characteristics of a good job reference include:

1. Credibility

Even when asked to provide a personal or character reference, choosing someone with a little bit of objectivity is best. Employers know your mother or best friend is unlikely to provide a clear picture of your character. Of course they are biased—they should be! However, you don’t want to give the impression that you are trying to pull the wool over your potential employer’s eyes. Choose credible references who can confirm and give examples of your stellar personal and professional qualities.

2. Trustworthiness

It should go without saying, but never ask anyone to be a reference unless you’re absolutely certain they’ll sing your praises. For example, having a former manager on your reference list looks great on paper, but if the two of you didn’t get along, you can’t trust them to speak highly of you.

3. Reliability

When a potential employer asks you to provide references, they actually want to talk with the people on your list. Therefore, choosing people who aren’t hard to reach is important. Your reference might be an industry heavyweight with nothing but fabulous things to say about you, but this is useless if they never pick up the phone and don’t return messages. Always ask before adding anyone to your reference list, and make sure they understand they need to be available to give you a glowing review.

Examples of a Great Professional Job Reference

Who should top your list of people who can help you land your dream job? These types of people make great impressions on employers, recruiters, and hiring managers:

  • Supervisors or managers who can speak to your professional strengths and goals
  • Coworkers who shared similar responsibilities and understand how you contributed to the team
  • Professional mentors or academic advisors with insight into your professional growth
  • Internship managers or volunteer coordinators who have witnessed your dedication in action
  • Teachers or professors who have had you in class and understand your work ethic

What is the Best Way to Guarantee a Fantastic Job Reference?

As soon as you begin your job search, brainstorm a list of references. As mentioned, choose people you believe will be willing to say positive things about your character, skills, and work ethic. However, don’t leave it up to chance. Make it easy to recommend you by giving them details about the new role and how you think you’ll be a great fit. Review your professional strengths and achievements with them so that your qualifications are fresh in their minds.

If possible, let them know when your potential employers might be contacting them, and be sure to thank them in advance for being willing to help you in your new adventure!

Make It Easy to Check Your Professional Job References

Time is a precious resource for you—and for hiring managers. Make it easy to check your references by having your list ready, providing complete contact information for each reference, and asking if the employer can supply a timeframe for the call. If your reference is prepared and waiting to recommend you, you’re one step closer to closer to getting a job offer.

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If you’re ready to start the next chapter of your career, join forces with PrideStaff North Dallas to find your perfect fit. Our team is here to help you find the right temporary, temp-to-hire, or direct hire opportunity with a top employer in Dallas, TX. From North Dallas, TX, to Downtown Dallas, TX, and beyond, we know what local employers have to offer talented executives, finance professionals, and more. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills in temporary roles or you’d like to advance your career, review our current job openings or contact PrideStaff Dallas to take the next step!

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