Professional References, do you need to get them?
The simple answer is yes, professional references matter.
The reason behind a new employer asking for references can vary between companies. It is always important to know who you are going to ask for references.
Reasons for needing professional references:
A good reference can help an employer determine whether you are a good fit for the job and the company. It will also help verify the information you supplied on your CV. Additionally its equally important to ensure your dates are correct. Some employers require references to be obtained before a DBS is applied for to ensure your data is correct. So, attention to detail is super important.
Types of references
There are a few types of references that an employer may request. These can be a character reference, professional reference, or an educational reference. Majority of employers we work with do require professional references as they will confirm the details from your CV and generally employers will require two references.
Character reference is a reference from someone who knows you well on a personal level but you may not have worked with. They should include information on your personality, passions, communication skills and how reliable you are. These types of references help an employer gain a better understanding to who you are outside of the working environment. Also helpful for people with no work experience. These cannot be provided by family.
Professional reference is a reference from someone who knows you through a working environment. Such as a manager, supervisor, or mentor. The reference will confirm the dates you worked with the employer and confirm your job title as basic information. The referee can choose to comment on your time keeping, attention to detail, communication skills etc.
Educational reference is where you can ask a university professor, sixth form tutor or a secondary teacher to provide a reference to confirm your academic achievements.
Please keep in mind references can not be from family members. If you have worked for a family business you may need to ask someone who is not family within the business for a reference or have an alternative option.
How they deliver a professional reference
References can be obtained in a range of different ways depending on the preference of the employer. They could request a video call, phone call, professional posted letter, or an email. This is why it is important when you are giving the details of who you want to be approached for references you also advise the correct way of contacting them to request this. Speak to your references ask their permission to share their details to obtain a reference and ask them how they would like to give the reference. Email and phone tend to be the most popular options.
Who to ask
Take a moment look through your CV and make a list of who you think you could ask within the organisations. Find out if the person you are considering to ask is still working within the organisation. Ask yourself do they know you well enough to discuss your ability to do the job you did? Consider who can give the best answers to your ability to do the job.
Most clients we work with require an educational reference from university and your most recent employer. If you are a more experienced graduate we will ask for your last two employers.
If you would like any help or support with finding a Graduate role, then please do contact us and check out our LinkedIn for up to date job posts.
