Choosing Your References 

If you’ve been searching for guidance during your work search stage, it’s likely that you’ve heard the advice: “don’t choose your immediate family as a reference”. It’s true! Although your relatives might know you well, they won’t be able to speak about your qualifications and skills as an employee (unless you have worked for them). However, there’s more that should come to mind when selecting your references. 

A reference is somebody that you know who is able to tell a potential employer positive things about you, such as your strengths, skills and your work ethic. There are two different types of references: professional/work references and personal references. 

If you have work experience, a professional reference could be somebody that you worked closely with and is able to positively talk about your character. This person can either be a recent or former employer, co-worker or supervisor. But be careful to not choose a former colleague that you didn’t get along with, as they might negatively impact your application.

A personal reference can be a good choice if you don’t have much work experience. They can be a professor, coach, landlord, or a leader of a religious or community group. As long as you make sure that you don’t use the same person as both a professional and personal reference!

Finally, make sure to ask your potential reference if they are comfortable with you listing them down as a reference. Don’t put your reference on the spot!  It is wise to give them at least a few days to prepare for your potential employer to contact them and to reflect on your best qualities.