22 Reference Types and Examples of People to Ask
You will need to identify three to five people who know you and can speak positively about you to a potential employer. Usually, employers expect three references; however, this may vary from company to company.
Types of references and examples of each type are listed below.
You must ask permission before you use someone as a reference.
If they decline or do not respond to your request, do NOT use them as a reference.
Most employers prefer professional (employment) references, but current students, recent graduates and others with limited working experience may use personal (character) references.
- Professional or employment references can speak about your specific employment experience.
- Examples:
- current or past supervisors or managers
- co-op employers
- field placement, practicum, or internship supervisors
- coworkers
- people for whom you have performed paid or voluntary activities, including babysitting, lawn mowing, or other odd jobs
- Examples:
- Character or personal references can attest to your character and your abilities outside of work.
- Examples:
- teachers
- professors
- neighbours
- community members
- roommates or friends
- Examples:
Do NOT use family members as references.
If you haven’t had much experience and therefore have limited references, consider volunteering in the community, at your place of worship, or at your school. If a job interview opportunity comes up before this, be honest; let them know you haven’t had much professional experience and offer up some long-time personal contacts.
Activity
Try this activity to review what you learned about references.
