Reference Requirements

• It is possible that the employer will require that all of your references be former or current supervisors. If you cannot provide the names of supervisors, you can substitute these names with former employees, but you must let the employer know your relationship with each listed reference. It may look odd if you cannot provide former supervisor names; however, circumstances such as death, lack of contact information, security concerns or lack of work history may prevent you from listing supervisors.
  
  

Selecting References

• Using a former employee is preferred over a personal reference from a friend or family member. Some employers may specify that references cannot be a friend or family member. Former employees are often excellent sources to provide information about your personality, job duties and what is was like to work for or with you. While it is preferred that you list former supervisors as references, former employees, mentors or teachers are also acceptable. Listing personal references only is a red flag to anyone considering hiring you.
  
  

Importance of References

• Recruiters and hiring managers use candidate references as a tool to verify employment history, including dates and job duties. References may also provide insight into a candidate's management style or work ethic, personality, adaptability and reliability. The employer may rely on this information from former supervisors and employees and confirm that there were no major issues between the candidate and former employer. Additionally, employers want to hear candid answers regarding how the candidate's past duties may apply to the job she is seeking.
  
  

Reference Notification

• As a courtesy, you should contact each person you wish to use as a reference. Ask the potential reference if you can list him as a reference and confirm his preferred telephone number and email. This conversation allows you to determine if the person is comfortable with giving you a reference. It allows prepares the person so he is not caught off-guard when called as a reference. Lastly, contacting your potential references in advance allows you to provide information about the job you are seeking.