Who counts as a work reference?

A professional reference is someone who has worked closely with you for at least six months within the past seven years. They are usually a coworker or immediate supervisor, but can also be a department head, higher-level manager or client if they interacted with you regularly.

What counts as a professional reference?

What are Professional References? Professional references are persons who can vouch for your qualifications for a job based on their insight into your work ethic, skills, strengths, and achievements. Typically, a professional reference is a former employer.

Who can you use as a reference?

The 8 Best People to Choose as Job References

Recent Bosses.
Coworkers.
Professors.
Friends… But Only if They’re a Professional Reference.
Group Members.
Any Place You’ve Volunteered.
The Person You Babysat for or Whose Lawn You Mowed Every Summer.
High School Teacher or Coach.

What do you put for references when you have none?

Here’s who to include instead:

Your Favorite Professor. Depending on how big your graduating class was, you may have a few professors you can think to ask, or you may have just one.
The Family Member or Friend You’ve Done Work For.
An Older Student You Shared a Class With.
A Leader From Your Past.

Is it OK to use someone as a reference without asking?

Your references should be people you have worked for or worked with. Don’t use someone as a reference without asking them first. Do not assume your favorite teacher or former supervisor will give you a reference. Always ask for permission first and ask far enough in advance so they have enough time to say yes or no.

What happens if your reference does not answer?

If the person doesn’t respond to you, strike that person off your list of references. Either way, give the employer another reference. I would always have a list of references that you have tested out that do respond. Sometimes a reference not responding in these challenging times could cost you a job offer.

What to do if you don’t have enough professional references?

If you’re new to the job market, you might not have enough professional references. In that case, personal references may be able to provide insight into your work ethic and capacities. If you’re not sure what type of reference a potential employer is looking for, it’s acceptable to ask whether personal or professional references are preferred.

What happens if you have no job references?

I assume since you have no current references, it’s been a while since you’ve worked. This will bring up gap questions. Also the fact that you’ve had quite a few jobs will raise questions. Still, it sounds like you have good reasons for leaving. Just be prepared to address the issues in detail during an interview.

When do you need a personal reference from an employer?

A personal reference is a reference provided by an individual who knows you and can vouch for your character and abilities. Most employers require professional references, but personal references may be acceptable if you don’t have enough professional references or if the employer specifically requests one.

What should you look for in a professional reference?

These people should be able to attest to your work ethic, skills and achievements in your past roles. By using people who can give specific examples of your work, credentials and reliability, you are giving your potential new employer great reasons to hire you.