Job References?

Before making a hiring decision, most employers want to speak with people who know a candidate well. How do you enlist good job references?

First, you should contact 3 to 5 people who you think will agree to provide favorable recommendations about you to future employers. Choosing these references can be difficult, especially if you have little work experience. But there are more options than you might think.

The people you ask to be references should be familiar with your abilities. Supervisors from either paid or unpaid jobs, teachers, coaches, advisors, and coworkers are all good choices for references. Select the most willing, articulate people you can. And always ask permission of the people you ask to be references before including their names on your reference list.

After choosing and contacting references, type a list providing their names, addresses, telephone numbers, and relationship to you. Bring copies of this list with you to interviews.

When people agree to be references, help them to help you. Provide a copy of your resume or application to remind them of your important accomplishments. Tell them what kinds of jobs you are applying for so they know what types of questions to expect.