Introduction
Why do you need a reference?
Who to select as your reference?
How to ask someone to be your reference?
What are the things your reference might have to do?
How to thank your reference?
Introduction
For a person who is applying for a job mentioning two to three references in their CV is very important. In this blog, we will answer some of the basic questions like why does one need a reference? Who to select as your reference? how to ask someone to be your reference? What are the things your reference might have to do? How to thank your reference? In the end, we conclude our discussion with dos and don’ts.
Why do you need a reference?
Before going to know about how to ask someone to be your reference, first, let’s discuss why do we need a reference? When we are applying for a job or after we attend an interview for a company, the respective company people will try to confirm whether the information given by the applicant is correct or not. So, they need some proof of it, in this case, they will contact the references you mentioned at the time of your interview or in your job application or CV. What your reference speaks about you at the time of your selection process will have an impact on you. So, this is the reason why you need a reference. And your reference will play a crucial role at the time of your job selection.
Who to select as your reference?
Now it’s time to select your reference. As good references are very important, you have to take special care while selecting your reference. At the time of the job search itself, you have to make a list of all the people whom you think can be your reference. Your reference can be any one of the following people:
- Managers
- Colleagues
- Former employees
- Teachers
- Motivational speakers
- White-collared jobholders
- Connections from NGOs or any other recognized clubs
It would be better if you choose the one with a high job profile and is well known to you or else you can approach your higher authorities who appreciated your work at your previous work so that it will be easy to approach that person. The one you chose as your reference should speak high about you and should know you professionally well. First, make a list of people whom you can think of as your potential reference. Then shortlist the people who can bring utmost benefit to you. While applying for the companies you just need to provide 3-5 references. It’s better not to extend the number above 5. And try to get at least 2 references.
How to ask someone to be your reference?
Once you have decided whom to choose as your reference. Contact them and ask them whether they are willing to be your reference or not. If it has been long since you met each other, explain to that person about what you have been doing professionally and talk about your recent achievements. Make sure to send your resume and also give them details about the company and the role you have applied for. And ask them to talk about qualities that you possess that are also crucial for the job. Make sure to notify your reference or references before applying for the job. Because if you mention a particular person as your reference and when the respective company you have applied to have contacted that person and he has no idea that you have made him as your reference then there are huge chances to mess things up so, notify the person you chose to be as your reference before mentioning them as your reference while applying for a particular job.
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What are the things your reference might have to do?
When you apply to a company there may be a chance that the company may ask for a letter from your reference or may personally contact them and ask for details about you directly or through a phone call or an email. In case if there is something wrong with your CV and your reference has confirmed everything is correct with your CV then your reference may have to face some difficulties. Being a reference is not an easy thing. So, give them sufficient time to decide whether they want to be your reference or not. If they are unwilling to give you a reference then just give them a positive response because if they respond in any other way you may end up messing with your relationship with that person. Try to understand why they are unwilling to be your reference and don’t force them to be your reference. If that person agrees to be your reference then be grateful to your reference.
How to thank your reference?
When you get the job, contact your reference and tell them that you got the job and thank them for the time and effort they have spent for you. If contacting them personally is not possible then try to send a formal email thanking them and express your willingness to return their help in near future and be grateful to the people who helped you when you need them the most.
Let’s conclude this by following dos and don’ts:
Dos: for Mentioning Reference on Resume
- Make a list of potential references
- Reference can be anyone who is in a good position in a company or an organization
- You should have some previous contact with your reference
- Your reference should know you well professionally
- Choose your reference before applying for a job and take their consent, try to request them
- Before applying for a job, inform your reference about the job you are applying to.
- Thank your reference once you got the job
Don’ts: for Mentioning Reference on Resume
- Don’t proceed without a plan
- Don’t choose a stranger as your reference
- Don’t choose a person who is not related to any company or an organization at present or even in the past
- Don’t force someone to be your reference
- Don’t mention a person as your reference without that person’s consent
- Don’t mention more than 5 references
- Don’t forget to thank your reference
Also Read: Most Common Interview Questions
