The power of references: How to identify and build relationships

By Vicki Salemi, career expert at Monster.com

Resume? Check. Cover letter check? References, what references?

When you look for a new job, your resume is a top priority. You’ve probably reviewed, edited, tweaked, and polished it multiple times. The same applies to your cover letter. Plus, you’ve likely researched companies, practiced answering common interview questions, and just like that, you’re ready to crush that interview! 

One crucial piece that you may be overlooking is references—someone who can vouch for your work ethic, skills, experiences, and overall character to a prospective employer. At Monster, a leading job search and online recruiting platform, we know that references are part of the application and hiring process. You may be wondering who makes a good reference and how to get one, so let’s get started.

What is a reference?

Think of your reference as an advocate who can provide testimonials on your behalf. They’re someone who has your back—it could be a former boss, colleagues, clients or vendors. Your reference doesn’t have to be solely based on a professional work experience like a past internship. For instance, it could be a professor you’ve done research with or a supervisor at a volunteering role. 

You’ll need to seek out a reference and ideally, you’ll have more than one. Three is a sweet spot. When I worked in corporate recruiting, reference names and contact information were part of the application. Typically, three was a solid number. Although my employer didn’t consistently call them, we did prefer to see names and phone numbers listed even though we didn’t always reach out to them. Other employers make it a priority to talk to at least one reference before they extend an offer. 

Bottom line: assume potential employers will ask you for references and actually contact them.

How to identify references

Think of securing a reference the same way you would approach finding a mentor. They’re usually someone from your past who you had a great relationship with, who supported you, guided you, and respected you.

Once you’ve compiled a list of a few names, reach out to them. Tell them you’re looking for a new opportunity and ask if they’ll be a reference. It really is that simple. If you feel like you’re imposing on someone or you’re asking for too much, you’re not. 

On the receiving end, when someone’s your advocate, they’ll want to help you and sing your praises, not the other way around. If they refrain, don’t take it personally; accept that they wouldn’t have been the best advocate for you anyway.  

How to build and main relationships

Often times, references are former bosses and colleagues. Stay in touch with them when you exit a job When you wrap up an internship, that’s an ideal time to thank them for the opportunity and to mention, “I’d love to stay in touch. Will you be a reference for me?”

There are so many ways to stay in touch whether it’s an email, phone call, or even better—in person, and of course, on social media. Be intentional. Don’t let them fall off your radar screen and don’t only reach out when you’re job searching, when you need something. Remember their birthdays, ask about their families, and stay in touch. 

This way, when you apply to jobs and need to include their name and contact information, their information is already at your fingertips. You shouldn’t just put someone’s name on your application without clearing it with them first. So, if you completed a summer internship this past summer and you apply to a new job now, reach out and confirm they’re on board to be your reference. 

How to make their role easy for them

You don’t need to reach out for every job you’re pursuing, but you should get an overall green light. Then, if you start a new job search two years from now, hopefully you’ve stayed in touch, and then you can ask again if you can include their name on your applications. By then, you will have more work experiences and more potential references to tap. That said, it’s not about quantity, but more about quality. You don’t need six references who barely know you. You do need, however, at least two to three references who know you pretty well and can attest to you and suggest hiring you in a heartbeat.

At least one reference should be from a somewhat recent role such as within the past couple of years. It’s okay to include references from a while ago, too for diversity, but having at least one recent one can attest to your professional attributes today. 

For previous references, provide them with a “tip sheet” of your most recent accomplishments and skills to highlight, especially your soft skills. Typically, employers call references toward the end of the process close to getting an offer. You may want to ask your references what the employer asked them about to get feedback, and always thank your reference for their support, time, and investment in your career journey.