Selecting the right references can be the finishing touch that secures your next job offer. Here’s how to make thoughtful, strategic choices—and ensure your references are ready to advocate for you.
Build a Balanced Reference List
You should aim to include three references who represent different aspects of your professional life:
- A current or former manager
- A current or former coworker
- A current or former direct report
Choose people who have worked closely with you and can speak in detail about your skills and accomplishments. The more recent, the better. If you’re conducting a confidential job search, it’s perfectly acceptable to explain to a hiring manager that you can’t list your current supervisor. They’ll understand—but you should be able to offer a former supervisor instead.
Prioritize Enthusiastic Supporters
Never list someone as a reference unless you’re confident they’ll speak positively about you. A lukewarm endorsement can do more harm than good. If you’re unsure whether someone will provide a strong endorsement, it’s okay to ask directly. A simple question like, “Do you feel comfortable giving a strong reference for me?” can provide clarity. If there’s any hesitation, it’s better to move on and choose someone else.
Match the Reference to the Role
Tailor your references to fit the opportunity. If you’re applying for a leadership role, choose someone who can highlight your management and decision-making skills. For a team-based role, pick someone who can speak to your collaboration and communication.
Prepare Your References
This step is all too often left out. Many candidates ask someone to act as a reference and then hope for the best. But you have more control than that. Help your references help you. Many people aren’t accustomed to giving references, so it’s important to guide them:
- Share your resume. This gives context about your experience and career trajectory.
- Share the job description. Let them know what you’re aiming for so they can tailor their comments accordingly.
- Highlight key talking points. Remind them of relevant projects or accomplishments you’d like them to emphasize—whether that’s your leadership, problem-solving, or contributions to team culture.
- Keep them informed. Let them know when and where you’ve interviewed so they can be prepared if contacted. A well-informed reference can confidently respond with something like, “Yes, I’d love to speak about Alex—I worked with her closely at XYZ Corp.”
Say Thank You—and Stay in Touch
Always follow up with a sincere thank-you, regardless of the outcome. Expressing gratitude keeps the relationship positive and makes it more likely they’ll be willing to support you again in the future.
Even outside of an active job search, check in with your references periodically. A short note every few months keeps your network warm and ready when you need it.
How 20/20 Foresight Can Help Curate Optimal References
At 20/20 Foresight Executive Marketing & Job Finding, we help you position every element of your candidacy for success, including your references.
Our approach includes:
- Strategic selection: We perform extensive due diligence on your references to ensure they add to the positive picture you want to portray. In fact, many clients are surprised to discover that the references they’ve relied on are not as strong—or as enthusiastic—as they assumed. When this occurs, we work closely with you to identify and prepare stronger alternatives who will truly advocate on your behalf.
- Alignment of references with specific job opportunities: We strategically pair references with specific job opportunities to ensure each contact can speak credibly and enthusiastically to the qualifications that matter most to that employer.
- Reputation Management: There are times when an employer gets feedback outside the references you have provided. We work with you to identify and counteract any potential negative references—either through clarification, rebuttal strategies, or supplementary endorsements.
- Reference Relationship Strategy: We work with you to manage sensitive conversations with your references, helping you communicate expectations and maintain professionalism throughout the process.
We understand that a great reference isn’t just someone who knows you—it’s someone who can champion you in the context of your next big opportunity. Let us help you get this critical detail right.