Who To Use For References?

The 8 Best People to Choose as Job References

• Recent Bosses.
• Coworkers.
• Professors.
• Friends… But Only if They’re a Professional Reference.
• Group Members.
• Any Place You’ve Volunteered.
• The Person You Babysat for or Whose Lawn You Mowed Every Summer.
• High School Teacher or Coach.

Who should you not use as a reference?

Hiring managers generally assume your parents can’t give an objective view of your work history or how you’ll behave as an employee, so don’t put them down as references. That goes for all family members, as they will most likely think you’re pretty great, Banul says.

Who can be your reference?

Consider these eight people when making your reference list:

• Recent bosses.
• Co-workers.
• Professors.
• Friends… but only if they’re a professional reference.
• Group members.
• Any place you’ve volunteered.
• The person you babysat for or whose grass you cut every summer.
• School teacher or coach you still talk to regularly.

Can I put my friend as a reference?

Most of the time, it’s best to leave your friends off your list of references. However, there are two occasions when using a friend as your reference can be acceptable: They‘re currently employed at the business to which you’re applying. They were your supervisor.

Can a friend be a character reference?

The reference needs to be someone who can speak to your character, personality, abilities and qualities. While family members can provide character references, they will likely be more meaningful coming from someone unrelated to you. Consider asking a longtime friend, neighbor, mentor, coach, teacher or professor.

Can a family friend be a reference?

Personal references are commonly provided by teachers, lecturers, group or club leaders, neighbours, friends and family members. Those providing the reference should know you well and be able to give examples that back up statements about your character.

Can a colleague be a reference?

Colleague
Someone you worked alongside at a previous job, even if they weren’t your boss, can be an excellent reference. They will be able to speak about things you worked on together and what you achieved as a team.

Can a family member be your reference?

You can select personal references from many parts of your life, including volunteering, school, personal associations and longtime friendships. You should avoid listing family members or your spouse as personal references, as they might be perceived as biased.

What if I have no references?

As long as you can find a trusted contact who will speak positively about your character, you can supply a reference. Even if you’ve only interacted with someone a few times, they can still act as a reference. Make a list of people you’ve interacted with besides family.

Can I use a classmate as a reference?

Professional references should consist of people who can vouch for your work ethic, skills, competence and character – think of former supervisors, current colleagues, subordinates, fellow classmates, etc.

Can a cousin be a character reference?

If a grandparent, aunt, uncle or cousin holds a recognised profession, you can use them as a character reference.

How do I write a personal reference?

How to write a character reference

1. Start off by discussing your relationship with the applicant.
2. Establish how long you have known the applicant.
3. Talk about their positive qualities and give examples.
4. Finish with a recommendation for the position.
5. Include your contact information.

What do I put for references?

What to Include on a Reference List

• Your name at the top of the page.
• List your references, including their name, job title, company, and contact information, with a space in between each reference.
• Include at least three professional references who can attest to your ability to perform the job you are applying for.

Is it illegal to not give a reference?

There is no legal obligation to provide a reference except in a few sectors, such as financial services, but any reference that is provided must be true, accurate and fair. Your employer owes a duty both to you and any prospective employer.What happens if my employer ends my contract without giving me any notice?

Do I have to ask someone to be my reference?

Your references should be people you have worked for or worked with. Don’t use someone as a reference without asking them first. Do not assume your favorite teacher or former supervisor will give you a reference. Always ask for permission first and ask far enough in advance so they have enough time to say yes or no.

Should I put my current boss as a reference?

Most employers will ask for references later in the interview process – after they have decided you are worth considering further. However, sometimes employers do ask for references in their job posting. If so, it is fine to omit your current employer.

Can an employer call a reference without permission?

Candidates should have given permission, generally, for reference checking to be conducted. Reference checkers should not reach out to anyone the candidate has expressly asked not be contacted. Reference checkers should not contact references from a candidate’s current employer without express permission.

What if you can’t use your boss as a reference?

What to do if a former employer won’t give you a reference

1. Lean on your other references.
2. Get a reference from someone else within the company.
3. Be honest and unemotional.

When should I ask for a reference?

Employers could ask for references at any point in the hiring process. It’s usually helpful to prepare a list of references when you first start looking for jobs so you can offer it whenever the employer asks. This shows that you’re prepared and eager to get the job.

Do entry level jobs require references?

Entry-level typically asks for at least 3 references, whereas senior positions might require more. You should always have a master list of contacts to choose from. This can either be a spreadsheet or a business card file.

Can I use a student as a reference?

However, there’s always someone, so getting a great recommendation from a student or two tells little about how the other students felt. If you have broader evidence too, such as strong teaching evaluations from your students overall and a positive letter from a faculty member, then this would not be a difficulty.