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Tip Sheets
Requesting a Reference: Who and How to Ask
When you’re being considered for a job, having effective references can increase your chances of being hired. Knowing who to ask and how to ask for a reference is key to your job search.
Test your reference knowledge with the following True or False quiz:
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A reference is someone who knows you and can tell an employer about your character, skills and work experience. |
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Most employers don’t check references. |
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Once someone has agreed to be your reference, you don’t need to contact him or her again. |
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You should prepare your reference list before you begin your job search. |
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How did you do? Take a look at the correct answers below:
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True. Your best references will be people who know you and have worked with you, such as a supervisor or manager. They can speak or write to a potential employer about your experience, skills, accomplishments and work ethic.
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False. Most potential employers will follow up with at least three of your recent references when you’re being seriously considered for a job.
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False. It’s good manners and professional courtesy to contact your references each time you provide their name to a potential employer.
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True. Even though you usually provide your reference list to a potential employer at the end of an interview or when you’re being considered for a job, it’s a good idea to begin gathering references before you start your job search. |
Now that you’ve had a chance to test your reference knowledge, take a look at the following suggestions for more information on the who, what and how of requesting references.
Who do I ask?
Start by making a contact list of people who can speak about your character, skills and experience. If you’ve been in the workforce for a while, think of recent and former employers, supervisors, managers, co-workers and clients. If you’re just starting out, think of teachers, coaches, group leaders (Girl Guide or Boy Scout leaders, for example), neighbours, community elders or volunteer, religious or community leaders.
Next, review your contact list. For each person on your list, consider:
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your relationship to that person. Your reference list should include at least three people who have supervised you either at work, at school or in a volunteer role. A reference from the company president may look impressive, but unless you’ve actually worked closely with this person, it’s better to request references from people who are familiar with your work |
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the kind of job you’re applying for. Can this person evaluate whether your skills are a good match for this job? |
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how recently you’ve worked with this person. Potential employers tend to focus on your most recent work experiences. |
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their communication skills. Can this person express himself or herself clearly in a letter or a telephone conversation? |
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what he or she will say about your background and performance. Will this person give a positive description of you and your abilities? |
Based on the suggestions above, choose three to six people from the list who you will ask to be your references.
If you’re concerned about your references, read Unavailable or Problem References? What You Can Do (see Other Relevant Tips).
What do I ask for?
Ask each of your three to six contacts for either an employment reference or a character reference.
An employment, or performance, reference is usually given by a former employer. It often includes the length of time you worked for the employer, your job title and description, and details of your skills, experience and accomplishments. It may also refer to your character, especially in the area of work ethics and attitudes. Keep the following points in mind when you’re asking for employment references:
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Before you ask your current employer for a reference, think about how your organization views people who change jobs. For example, do supervisors in your organization support employees who move to other jobs? Or are people who change jobs considered disloyal? If you think your supervisor may not support you, it may be best to keep your job search confidential. In that case, you could ask a co-worker or client at your current job for a reference if you know they will keep your request confidential.
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Because of potential legal issues, some employers will only confirm basic employment information for former employees, such as dates, position and salary. Even though it’s simply company policy and not a reflection on you or your work, this kind of reference can sometimes be mistaken for a bad reference. If one of your references is restricted in this way, you may want to ask them to let potential employers know this response is company policy and no reflection on your performance. To find out more about this situation, see How to Give a Reference (see Other Relevant Tips). |
A character, or personal, reference is typically provided by someone outside of the workplace who has known you for several years and is not a family member. Character references will describe your personal qualities and may also refer to tasks you’ve performed in your community or at school.
How do I ask?
After you’ve identified your contacts and decided what type of reference you will ask for, it’s time to contact each person on your list. Usually, you’ll ask for a reference in person or by phone, but you can also make your request by e-mail or in a letter. Asking questions like, “Do you feel you know me and my work well enough to be comfortable giving me a reference?” or “Do you feel comfortable giving me a good reference?” will help you decide whether or not the person is willing to provide a reference. This approach gives them a gracious way to say “no” if they are uncomfortable providing a reference for you. If the person says “yes,” you can be fairly certain that he or she will say positive things about you. Ask whether they would prefer to provide their reference to potential employers by phone, e-mail or in a letter. Note their preference on your contact list.
Although most employers prefer to talk to references by phone, a reference letter—sometimes called a letter of recommendation—can be useful if an important reference is no longer with the same organization, has retired, or is located out of the province or in another country.
Once you’ve contacted your references, create a list of references to provide to potential employers. Make sure this list includes up-to-date information for each reference, including their name, position (if applicable), company (if applicable), address, phone number, e-mail (if provided) and how they prefer to be contacted. It’s also a good idea to briefly describe the reference’s relationship to you—for example, immediate supervisor, client, neighbour, teacher.
Help your reference help you
Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when working with references:
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Always ask for permission before providing someone’s name as a reference. |
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Contact your references each time you provide their name to a potential employer. |
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Give your references enough time to respond to requests from potential employers. Allow references at least a few days to prepare for a phone call and two weeks to provide a letter of recommendation.
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During your job search, be sure to give your reference the information he or she needs to provide an effective reference:
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Provide your reference with an up-to-date resumé or summarize your skills and accomplishments and the work you did for him or her.
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Describe the position you’re applying for and the skills needed. If possible, send a copy of the job posting.
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Make sure you both agree with the details of why and how you left your job. Your explanation must be the same as your reference’s. It should be as positive as possible.
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A potential employer may ask both you and your reference about your perceived weaknesses. Tell your reference about any steps you’ve taken to improve your performance.
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Let your references know how your job search is going.
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A little thanks goes a long way
Your references are giving their time to help with your job search. Whether or not you get the job, it’s important to thank them each time you use their names. If a reference writes a letter for you, a letter is the appropriate way to say thank you.
Keep your references current
Maintaining and building your reference list is a good way to nurture your network:
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Share your success. Let your references know about recent projects and accomplishments. |
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Stay in touch with your references. Call, e-mail or write your references from time to time, even after you’ve found a job. |
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Each time you leave a position, ask for a letter of recommendation or a reference. |
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Stay on good terms with past employers. Don’t burn your bridges. |
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Keep a compliments file in your portfolio that includes positive performance reviews, letters of praise or thanks and testimonials from clients and customers. For information about creating a portfolio, check out Portfolios — The Art of Finding a Job (see Other Relevant Tips). |
Good references are key to a successful job search. Someone who gives you a reference is doing you a favour. By treating them in a polite and businesslike way, you show them that you value their support.
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download an online copy or order the publication from the Publications website at alis.alberta.ca/careershop |
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call the Alberta Career Information Hotline at 1-800-661-3753 toll-free or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton |
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visit your local Alberta Employment and Immigration service centre. To find the centre nearest you, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline. |
Last Updated: May 30, 2006
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