Professional References: How to Choose and Ask for References
A strong professional reference can give an employer additional insight into your skills, reliability, and previous work. Choosing the right people and preparing them properly can make the reference process smoother for everyone involved.
Quick Answer
Choose references who know your work well and can speak specifically about your skills, performance, and professional character. Ask for permission before providing their information, explain what role you're applying for, and give them enough context to provide a relevant and accurate reference.
In This Guide
What Is a Professional Reference?
A professional reference is someone who can provide information about your professional abilities, experience, performance, or character to a potential employer.
A reference may be contacted by:
● Phone
● Email
● An online reference system
● Another formal process used by the employer
The employer may ask about your:
● Responsibilities
● Skills
● Reliability
● Communication
● Teamwork
● Achievements
● Professional conduct
The exact questions depend on the employer.
Who Can Be a Reference?
Potential references include:
Former Managers
A former manager may be able to discuss your responsibilities, performance, and development.
Current Managers
A current manager can be valuable, but you may not want them contacted before you're ready to disclose that you're looking elsewhere.
Former Colleagues
A colleague who worked closely with you may be able to describe your collaboration and day-to-day performance.
Clients or Customers
For some roles, a client who knows your work well may provide useful insight into your professionalism and results.
Academic Contacts
For students and early-career candidates, professors, supervisors, or internship managers may sometimes be appropriate.
The best reference depends on the role and your relationship with the person.
How to Choose the Right References
Don't choose someone simply because they have an impressive job title.
Look for someone who:
● Knows your work well
● Can describe specific examples
● Understands your professional strengths
● Is likely to respond promptly
● Will provide an honest and positive assessment
● Is relevant to the position you're applying for
✔ Strong Reference
A former manager who directly supervised your work for two years.
✖ Potentially Weak Reference
A senior executive who barely interacted with you.
The quality of the relationship matters more than the person's title.
Who Should You Avoid?
Avoid providing someone as a reference without first asking them.
Also think carefully before using:
● Someone who barely knows your work
● Someone with whom you had a serious unresolved conflict
● Someone who cannot provide specific examples
● Someone who is difficult to reach
● A personal friend with no professional connection, unless the employer specifically requests a character reference
How to Ask Someone to Be a Reference
Ask before giving their contact information to an employer.
Example Request
"Hi Sarah, I'm applying for a marketing manager position and wanted to ask whether you'd be comfortable serving as a professional reference for me. We worked together on several marketing projects at [Company], and I think you could speak to my experience in that area. I'd be happy to send you the job description and some additional context if that would help."
This gives the person an opportunity to accept or decline.
What Information to Give Your References
Don't simply say "Someone might call you."
Give them useful context.
Send:
● The job title
● Company name
● Job description
● Your updated resume
● Important skills relevant to the role
● Projects you worked on together
● Potential achievements they may remember
● Any important deadlines or expected contact dates
You aren't asking them to memorize a script. You're helping them understand what opportunity you're pursuing.
How Many References Do You Need?
There is no universal number.
An employer may specify exactly how many references they require.
If they don't, having several suitable professional contacts available can give you flexibility.
You don't need to publish every reference you've ever had.
Should References Be on Your Resume?
Usually, you don't need to include full reference details directly on your resume unless the employer specifically asks for them.
Your resume should primarily focus on:
● Experience
● Skills
● Achievements
● Education
● Relevant qualifications
If references are requested, provide them through the employer's preferred process.
If You Have Limited Work Experience
Students and people early in their careers may have fewer traditional professional references.
Depending on the situation, consider:
● Internship supervisors
● Project supervisors
● Professors
● Volunteer coordinators
● Managers from part-time work
● Clients from relevant freelance work
The important factor is whether the person can credibly discuss your abilities and professional behavior.
Ask Before You List Someone
Providing someone's phone number or email without permission can put them in an awkward position.
A simple request allows them to:
Agree → Prepare → Respond confidently
It also gives you a chance to discover whether they're comfortable providing a positive reference.
Common Mistakes
Avoid:
● Listing references without permission
● Choosing someone based only on their job title
● Giving references no information about the role
● Forgetting to update contact information
● Assuming every reference will say yes
● Asking a reference to exaggerate your achievements
● Providing outdated references
● Including unnecessary reference details on your resume
● Failing to thank someone after they help you
Reference Checklist
Before Providing a Reference
✓ Ask for permission
✓ Confirm their preferred contact details
✓ Explain which role you're applying for
✓ Send the job description when appropriate
✓ Provide your current resume
✓ Remind them how you worked together
✓ Mention relevant skills or projects
✓ Tell them when they might be contacted
✓ Thank them afterward
Best Practices
● Choose people who know your work directly
● Prioritize relevance over seniority
● Ask before sharing contact details
● Give references enough context
● Keep their information current
● Respect their time
● Never ask someone to provide false information
● Thank references for their help
● Maintain relationships with former colleagues and managers even when you're not actively job searching
Make Your Experience Easy to Recommend
A strong reference can reinforce the professional story already presented in your application. Resumee helps you organize your experience, skills, and achievements into a clear, tailored ATS-friendly resume before you reach the reference stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes a good professional reference?
Someone who knows your work well and can provide specific, honest information about your skills, performance, and professional behavior.
Can a coworker be a professional reference?
Yes. A former or current colleague can be appropriate if they have enough knowledge of your work to provide a meaningful reference.
Should I ask my current manager for a reference?
Only if you're comfortable with them knowing you're considering another opportunity. A former manager or colleague may be a better choice if your job search needs to remain confidential.
Should references be included on my resume?
Usually not unless the employer specifically requests them. Keep the resume focused on your qualifications and provide references separately when needed.
What if I don't have professional references?
Consider supervisors from internships, part-time jobs, volunteer work, academic projects, or other professional settings where someone can credibly evaluate your work.