Candidate References

If you’ve ever interviewed for a job (and since you’re reading this, I assume you have), you’ve almost certainly provided references to the company you wanted to work for. It doesn’t mean that every company will check references (they won’t) or that every reference you provide will be called (they won’t). But you’ve still got to be able to provide them.

References are still relevant

Reference checks are “social proof.” They’re the Yelp reviews of the job world, evidence that you’d be a good employee because you’ve been a good employee in the past. Reference checks are evolving, too. Some people still check references by making a phone call. But it’s increasingly common to use online services for reference checks, responding to questions using a standard template – like a survey. Besides being less time-consuming for the person checking, there’s less risk of misunderstandings and introducing bias into the process.

Whatever the method used to collect them, references are important in two ways. They can still turn up reasons not to hire a candidate – sometimes because the candidate didn’t ensure that the reference would be positive. More often, the reference check revealed that the candidate misrepresented something about their experience. References are also a meaningful way to learn about new employees before hiring. Companies can find out what brings out the best in the person and what kinds of things they excel at, to make their new job as good as it can be.

Who should you ask to be a reference?

First, let me be clear about who you shouldn’t ask: anyone you haven’t worked with. Yes, that includes your friends, your partner, and your mom. Unless a company explicitly asks for personal references, they should be strictly professional.

Providing three or four contacts is typical. Previous supervisors or managers are the best references and are usually required. If you’re providing two previous managers, giving the name of one peer-level colleague is fine unless requested otherwise. Previous managers are still best if you’re in a management role, but including a colleague is a good complement. If you’re applying for a position where effective staff management is a crucial function, you may even wish to provide the name of someone who reported to you in addition to two or three managers and a peer.

Should references be included on your resume?

This is an easy and definitive answer: NO. Never. Your references should?always?be in a separate document which you only provide when asked for them.

Today’s databases and applicant tracking systems mean that companies keep resumes on file for a long time. That means if you list references on your resume, they could get a call at any time. That’s a bad thing for two reasons.

First, a reference should never be caught off guard by a reference check. It’s not professional to put someone in that position; if you do, you risk that reference not being good. When you give your references to a prospective employer, call the references and provide them with a heads-up.

Maybe even more importantly, this is a missed opportunity! When you call to ask whether someone is willing to be a reference for you, it gives you a chance to tell them why you’re a good fit for the job. Talking to them about what the employer is looking for, and connecting the dots between that and your skills, is a great way to turn your reference into your cheerleader.

Don’t risk catching a reference unaware, and don’t miss this opportunity. Keep your references out of your resume, and always contact them to ask permission to be listed. Oh, and you don’t need to say ‘References available on request’ anymore, either. It’s now generally taken for granted that this is the case. I often say to candidates, “if they want them, they’ll ask, and if they don’t, they won’t – regardless of what you offer on your resume.”

References are here to stay

Reference checks are still an important stage in the hiring process, which will not change anytime soon. Make all your reviews five stars! If you’re on the market, keep your references up to date about the positions you’re applying for, and make sure they’re ready and willing to speak on your behalf.

Additional Resources

Indeed.com: References:?Types, What to Include and How to Get Them

TheLadders.com:?The 12 best people to pick as job references

Glassdoor.com:?Who to Use as A Reference? 5 References That Should Be on Your List to Land the Job

JimNewcomb.com:?Resources

Last week’s blog, in case you missed it:?Resolutions

[Jim Newcomb has been a Senior Recruiting Partner with?Goodwin Recruiting ?since 2013, 2016 Partner of the Year, 2017 Ambassador of the Year, 2018 Extensive Support Coach of the Year, 2020 created Daily Positive Thoughts, and 2021 created JimNewcomb.com website for consistent contribution.]