The most common type of reference is a professional reference. In this case, your referee should be able to attest to your ability to get the job done. Another common type of reference is a personal reference. In this case, your referee should be able to attest to your character. If you have a LinkedIn profile, you have the option of obtaining a LinkedIn recommendation.
Don’t limit yourself to former or current employers. Co-workers, former teachers and professors, ministers, and even your attorney might be able provide you with a strong reference. [1] X Research source If you’re applying for multiple positions, consider asking different people to serve as referees for different positions. [2] X Research source Make a list of reasons why you’re asking a particular person to be a referee for you. Include details like the basis and extent of his or her relationship with you, his or her professional qualifications, and the kinds of things he or she will be able to say about you. Not only will this list help you narrow down your list of potential referees, it will also come in handy when you actually ask for references.
Whether you ask for a reference in person, on the phone, or in an email, give the potential referee the option of saying “no. ” Ask the potential referee, “Do you feel that you are able to give me a strong reference?” If a potential referee does in fact say “no,” be grateful. It’s far better to have someone who really wants give you a reference on your side. [5] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Business Review Online and print journal covering topics related to business management practices Go to source Be polite. Let your potential referees know how much you appreciate their efforts. And let them know that you’re available to answer any questions they might have.
You can offer them anything from a simple list to a full-blown draft of a letter of recommendation. The more specific and thorough you are, the more grateful your referees will be. Give your referees explicit permission to add or delete parts of your guide as they see fit. This will let your referees know that you trust their judgement. You can say, “This is just a guide. I hope that you will make whatever changes you think are necessary. ”
Whether or not you end up getting the position for which you applied, maintaining contact with your referees is a smart idea. You might need to call on them to provide references for other applications. And they might be able to alert you to job openings.
