Who to Ask for a Reference
That's why it's important to have a list of professional references, in addition to employment references, that you can provide to employers. Who should you ask to provide references? Supervisors and colleagues (if company policy permits) may be able to provide a reference for you.
Business contacts, customers, clients, vendors, and other individuals you have a professional relationship with can be used as references.
Professional vs. Personal References
In addition to professional references, personal references, also known as character references, can be used for employment purposes.
Neighbors and family friends may be willing to write a reference for you. Teachers, professors, academic advisors, volunteer leaders, coaches, can all provide personal references.
How Many References to Ask For
Employers expect a list of three references, so have at least that many people ready to recommend you. It's important to know your references, to know what they are going to say about you, and to get their permission to use them as a reference.
It's also important to select references who will respond in a timely manner to inquiries from prospective employers. When an employer is serious about possibly hiring you, you will want to have references who will get back to them right away.
Reference Articles and Advice
