Many job seekers have difficulty getting the right person as their point of reference. This question comes up during the job search process or the interview stage, mostly stated in your CV. You need to understand exactly what references and referees are. Providing appropriate references can be a challenge for newcomers especially if you don’t have work experience.
What is a reference?
References are people who can talk about your work experience, work habits, character, and skills. It is a good idea to choose people who can speak or write favorably about you and your work, this will improve your chances of getting the job. The people who will give these testimonials are called referees.
In this article, we will explore all you need to know about providing a reference.
Some standardized questions will be solicited from your referees. Most prospective employers ask the following questions from referees to establish more information about you so the employer can make a more informed decision;
1. Why did they leave their role?
A. List Reference On Your CV
Many employers prefer work references, you might include at least one on your list as long as they are comfortable to speak for you when the prospective employer calls to make inquiries. If possible, you should choose someone who has ever supervised you professionally or who has worked closely with you. It’s advisable to choose a familiar face as your reference.
B. Choose The Right Reference For The Job
Employers are looking for unbiased views of your character, performance, and work ethic. As a result, former bosses, colleagues, and clients can all make good referees. If you are a recent school leaver or graduate with little professional experience, you can ask lecturers, tutors, or careers advisers instead.
Most prospective employers will ask for two references. One of your referees should be your current or previous employer. The second is likely to be someone else who has had close contact with you in a professional environment, such as a co-worker.
C. How Do You Ask For A Reference
You need to ask someone to be your reference ‒ do not assume you have their permission. Not only is it polite to ask if they will be your referee, but it will also give you some indication of what they may say.
How you ask the person will all depend on your relationship with them. If you're in regular contact, asking them face to face or on the phone is best. You can openly discuss your job hunt and the roles you're looking for so they know what to expect. Plus, this is the opportunity for you to thank them in advance.
CONCLUSION
Choosing the right references for your job application isn't a difficult task, but it must be handled with care and professionalism. Whilst it may be tempting to include them.