Checklist for references in your application

References provide potential employers with a quick way to learn what kind of employee you are. Many companies ask applicants to provide references. Our checklist helps you prepare and ensures you handle references correctly during your application process.

What is a reference?

A reference in your application is someone who can tell a potential employer about your work behavior and performance. Include the name, role, and contact details of your reference.

• Oral references are contacted with your permission.
• Written references are requested when leaving a company and presented only when an employer asks.

Employers should never inquire about you from previous employers without your knowledge. You don’t need to list references on your CV or cover letter. Stating that references are available upon request is sufficient.

If a job ad explicitly asks for references, you may include them in your CV.
Never post a CV online with your references' contact details for privacy reasons. For online references, invite someone on LinkedIn to write a recommendation, enhancing your profile.

Who can be a reference?

Choose someone who has worked closely with you and knows your work performance well. A reliable source is crucial for a potential employer. Go for someone who leaves an honest impression.

Consider employers, supervisors, former colleagues, or even a recruitment consultant who knows you well. Do your references tick these boxes? Then you’re good to go!

• Do they know you and your working style well enough?
• Can they provide positive feedback on your performance?
• Can they diplomatically express less favorable traits?
• Is the collaboration fresh enough in their memory to answer questions smoothly?

Ask permission from the person

Always contact the chosen person before listing them as a reference. Ask for permission:

• Are you comfortable being a reference for me?
• Do you think you know me and my work well enough to be a reference?
• What times are you available to be contacted?

Keep your references informed. Before applying for a position, notify the person in question. Got the job? It’s the perfect moment to thank them.

What makes a good reference?

A good reference paints a positive yet nuanced picture of how you work and handle situations, typically through situational descriptions. They should be able to place critical remarks in context.

Review common reference questions together, so you know how your reference will respond.

• What was your working relationship with the applicant? Were you their colleague or superior?
• How long did you work together?
• What did a typical workday look like for them?
• Why did the candidate leave your company?
• What were the challenges in working with this person?
• Would you rehire them?

If your contact finds these questions difficult to answer, they might not be the best reference.