Almost 90% of hiring managers use reference checks as part of their selection process. Your referees are important in confirming the skills, motivation and attitudes included in your resume and demonstrated during your interview. Ideally, your referee is someone you have reported to in a professional capacity.
Choose referees who can confirm:
- your employment and responsibilities
- your strengths and possible areas for development
- the type of people you work well with
- the management style that suits you best
- your ability to work unsupervised and as part of a team
- your capacity to take direction, and most important
- your suitability for the role you are seeking.
Typically character references and written references are not as valued or requested.
Important tips
- Always have your referee’s permission before giving their contact details to a prospective employer. Your referee should never be caught off guard by an unexpected phone call, as this can work against you.
- Make sure your referees know about the role you have applied for so they can focus on your relevant skills and strengths.
- It’s good practice to contact your referees after the interview and let them know how it went. This way they can emphasise your key strengths or skills relevant to the job.