What to do if someone lists you as a reference?

When Someone Asks You for a Reference

What the Experts Say. Providing a reference for a worthy employee is not only kind, it’s a smart career move.
Decide whether you want to do it.
Be honest.
Prepare.
Use specific examples.
Be positive.
Follow up.
Principles to Remember.

What does it mean to be someone’s reference?

References are people who can talk about your work experience, work habits, character and skills. You should choose your references carefully. As part of the job search process, you may be asked to provide the names of people whom a potential employer can contact to find out more about you.

Who would be a good person to list as a reference?

Who Should I List (or Not List) as a Reference?

Your current manager or supervisor.
Your prior managers or supervisors.
Your current peers or clients (if you’re interviewing for a client-facing role)
Your prior peers or clients.
Your personal references or friends who will vouch for you.

What should I say as someone’s reference?

Here are five elements all personal reference letters should include:

Start by explaining your relationship to the candidate.
Include long you’ve known the candidate.
Add positive personal qualities with specific examples.
Close with a statement of recommendation.
Offer your contact information.

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

While you can list anyone you’d like as a reference, it definitely isn’t a good idea to do so without asking them for permission first. Giving a potential reference a heads up can only benefit you by giving them time to think about how they might answer questions about your character and performance.

Can personal references be friends?

Personal references are commonly provided by teachers, lecturers, group or club leaders, neighbours, friends and family members. Those providing the reference should know you well and be able to give examples that back up statements about your character.

Who of the following should you never list as a reference?

People You Should Never Use as a Professional Reference

Family Members. Believe it or not, candidates have put a family member (or two) on their reference list.
Anyone Who Fired You. A person who fired you will either say one of two things:
Friends or Roommates.
Anyone Who’s Not Expecting a Call.

How often are references checked?

Most employers will call your references only if you are the final candidate or one of the final two. Occasionally the final three or four. Every now and then an employer will check all the people they interview, although to me that’s inconsiderate of the reference.

Can a friend be a personal reference?

Friends can make excellent professional and personal references for your job search.

What do personal references get asked?

Health issues, including a candidate’s medical history. (An employer can ask only if the candidate is capable of performing the tasks in the job description.) Credit history or credit scores. Family, including whether the candidate is married and has, or is planning to have, children.

How do I list my friends as a reference?

Asking a Friend to Be a Reference First, be sure to ask if they feel comfortable being a professional reference, and if so, let them know that you’re using them as one. Second, take the time to share the job description with them, and suggest some relevant skills they should mention that tie into the position.

Do employers care about references?

Do employers always check references? Essentially, yes. While it’s true that not 100% of Human Resources (HR) departments will call your references during pre-employment screening, most do. If you’re about to begin a job search, you should expect to have your references checked.