Reaching the “checking references” stage of your job search is typically a positive sign—it shows your potential employer is interested in moving the application process forward. For many employers, it may even be the final step before making a decision between candidates. What your references have to say about your skills and job performance could even be the deciding factor in a job offer.
That’s why it’s important to ensure you choose the right people and follow a few key best practices. As you prepare the references list for your job applications, here are a few tips to keep in mind.
Choosing your references
References are people who are able to speak to your skillset. They may be former supervisors, co-workers, clients, or mentors. While your references don’t have to be from your current or most recent job, it does help to have people who are familiar with your current capabilities. Since most job applications will request more than one reference, you can also choose people from different parts of your background. If you know a VA employee, consider reaching out to network and ask for a reference. Referrals from current employees are generally highly encouraged and could give you an immediate advantage.
Occasionally, job applications may also request personal references. In this case, you can select friends, neighbors, or other people who know you in your personal life. When personal references are requested, hiring managers may want to get a sense of your personality and how you interact with people. Just remember, the people you choose to represent you should still provide only professional details.
Above all, the people you select as your references should be ready and willing to speak on your behalf. Since you control who you add to the list, make sure you are only providing names and contact information for people who you feel certain will provide a positive review. You can also distinguish the right reference for a particular job based on the skillset the job requires. For instance, if the job you’re applying for requires management experience, choose a reference who can speak to that qualification.
Checking contact information
Once you determine who to list as a reference on your application, it’s time to confirm their contact information. If you only ever communicated with them on a work email, they may prefer you use a personal email for this purpose. Similarly, your reference may have changed jobs or have a new title that you’ll want to ensure is accurate in your application.
Beyond taking the time to verify contact information, reaching out can also provide a good opportunity to ask if they would be willing to provide a reference. Even if you had a positive working relationship with someone, you never want to assume they’d be willing to speak on your behalf. By going through the extra step to confirm, you can avoid any potential issues in the final stages of your job application.
Preparing your references
Beyond simply giving your references a head’s up that they may receive a call from a potential employer, it can also help to provide them with details to tailor their comments. Be upfront about the types of jobs you’re applying for and the skills you want to highlight. If there’s a particular position that you expect will be calling your references soon, consider sharing the job description so they’ll be aware of specific requirements.
With a little extra preparation, your references can do more than vouch for your skills—they can help convince a hiring manager why you’re the right candidate.
Work at VA
With the right set of references, you can put yourself one step closer to securing a job at VA, where we’re All About Veterans. Here are more resources to help you find and land your next opportunity:
- READ more job news and advice.
- LEARN how to navigate the federal hiring process.
- REVIEW common application questions.
- SEARCH for the job you want at VA Careers.
