We often hear the question: "How important is a reference really?" Many job seekers assume their references won't be contacted or asked about their performance as employees. The reality is quite the opposite. References are contacted, and they are asked a series of detailed questions about you as an employee. Therefore, having at least two great references when applying for a job is crucial.

But who should you ask? And what specifically will they be asked? Let's help you with these questions right now!

Do They Qualify?
Who should you ask to be your reference? It’s simple. Choose someone you reported to directly or someone in a supervisory role over you. This means not your friend, family member, or a fun colleague who sat across from your desk.

But why?
Your reference will need to answer in-depth questions about you in the workplace. Someone you reported to is a credible source regarding your performance. Additionally, having a superior as a reference demonstrates confidence in the work you’ve done. Choose someone you trust and who has your best interests at heart. If you reported to multiple people, ask the one who was most satisfied with your work and liked you.

Why Pick You?
So, what will your reference be asked? They will need to share your skills, such as what computer packages you are familiar with and the programs you can use. They will also be asked about your strengths. What have they noticed about you while being your superior? Are you a hard worker? Is the quality of your work high?

Essentially, your reference needs to provide reasons why the potential employer should hire you. The questions are fairly standard and are not designed to highlight your flaws. Recruiters and employers simply want an honest opinion of you as an employee.

Nobody's Perfect
We all make mistakes, and potential employers want to know about them. Your reference will likely be asked if there were any problems with your performance, work ethic, attendance, and punctuality. They will also be asked about your weaknesses and areas for improvement.

Choosing a trustworthy reference ensures they will share any mistakes professionally and will keep their feedback work-related, not personal. This is why it’s important to pick someone who can provide a balanced and fair assessment of your work.

In the Workplace
Still not convinced that you can't ask a family member? Consider whether your family member can answer these questions:

How did you perform in a team?
Can you work independently?
How do you respond to management?
How do you handle feedback?
Can you follow instructions?
Trust us, we have been doing this for a while. Often, if your reference is not a previous employer, they won’t be contacted at all. So, there is no point in listing your favorite aunt as a reference.

The "BIG WHY"
Before we proceed, a crucial point: PLEASE TELL YOUR REFERENCES THAT THEY ARE YOUR REFERENCES AND WILL MOST LIKELY BE CONTACTED.

Having a reference that is unaware or unwilling to help reflects badly on you. Ensure that you ask or inform them about being a reference and confirm their willingness to help.

Every future employer will want to know why you left your previous company. Share this information with your references when you ask them to be one. Whether it’s for personal reasons, family matters, retrenchments, or a new opportunity, make sure they know the context.

Know Who to Ask Yet? Still a Bit Confused?
Let’s simplify it: your references should be:

Someone you have worked for/reported to directly.
Someone you trust to give a good, professional, and honest reference.
Someone willing to be your reference and answer questions about you when the time comes.
And it’s as easy as that! Don’t overthink it.

Talk soon,
Headhunters Team