How to choose your referees

‘You will find it a very good practice always to verify your references, sir’ – Martin Routh, scholar and academic. Gwen Cheeseman helps you pick the right person

Read the application details carefully – make sure you know exactly what kind of referees you need to provide and how many. If you have been given an application pack, all these details should be included. If you are only sending a CV and covering letter, and haven’t been asked for any specific references, then it is perfectly acceptable to state ‘References available on request’ at the end of your CV. If they’re needed, you will be contacted and asked to supply details.

Know the right people for the job – most often, the only reference you will be asked to supply will be from someone you worked with in your previous employment. However, some jobs also require you to supply an academic referee such as a tutor, and a character reference, as well as someone who has employed you.

Forewarned is forearmed – there are two vitally important things to do when it comes to referees. First, ask each of them if they are happy to provide references for you. Second, ensure that you inform them every time you list them in an application. It is very easily overlooked, but it makes such a bad impression if your prospective employer telephones for a reference and your referee knows nothing about it. If you have supplied the details of your tutor, think of how many people they have taught in the past. It may well take them a few minutes to remember you. Keep your referees up to date. Tell them what you have been up to since you last saw them. They should have as clear a picture of your skills as you have.

Briefing is best – even better is to brief your referees about the jobs that you are going for. If it’s a job where communication skills are important, bring this to their attention. They can then mention your strengths in this area, and how you work well with people. This means your prospective employer will hear exactly what they want to hear. References are about confirming to your employer that they have made the right decision to consider you as the best person for the post, so make sure you and your referees make them feel that they have made the perfect choice. Sending your referees a copy of your CV is always a good idea too.

"Some jobs also require you to supply an academic referee such as a tutor, and a character reference, as well as someone who has employed you"

Don’t keep it in the family

When you’re asked to supply a character reference, don’t choose a parent or someone in your family. They will, naturally, be expected to sing your praises, and an employer certainly won’t take you seriously if you give them a reference from your mother. Choose a friend, or family friend whom you have known for a good while. It is also important that they have a responsible job. A professional is ideal – and if they work in the same industry as you, even better. Remember, who you choose reflects on you – even before your prospective employer reads or hears what they have to say about you.