She only doing what she know… 🏁 #grandnationa She only doing what she know… 🏁 #grandnationaltour #stl
MAY tings… MAY tings…
A rooftop situation is always a good idea! Recentl A rooftop situation is always a good idea! Recently, I was invited to a Happy Hour of bites and beats at @angadartshotel’s @artbar.stl and when I say the food, drinks, and the vibe were necessary during these stressful times. I see another visit soon in my future. Cheers! 🥂
April photo dump. And things of that nature. ✨✨
Are we twinning or nah? 😂😂😂 Are we twinning or nah? 😂😂😂
4/10 should be declared a national holiday because 4/10 should be declared a national holiday because on this day a king was born! Happy birthday, son. Love you more than words can say! 🎉🎉🎉
May we continue to have crazy/fun adventures toget May we continue to have crazy/fun adventures together. You deserve an overflow of serendipity, and all the joy I can provide. Still celebrating—Happy Birthday, Mommy! 🎉🎉🎉
Worked hard all week so we deserved a little treat Worked hard all week so we deserved a little treat. ✌🏾
My novel ‘A Clermont Lane Wedding’ is certainl My novel ‘A Clermont Lane Wedding’ is certainly not biographical, but there are traces of my life all up and down this book (hint hint). It’s a perfect Spring Break read!

It’s got romance, intrigue, a little mystery, and a family legacy on the line. On sale on Amazon, eBooks and paperback, link in bio.
  • Blog
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Legal
  • Contact
  • Media Kit
  • Home
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Media Kit

The Cubicle Chick

Career | Midlife | Style

  • Home
  • Career
  • Style
  • Family
  • Travel
  • Culture

Career · July 12, 2017

How to Choose Job References That Can Help You Land the Job


How to Choose Job References That Can Help You Land the Job

I worked as a Human Resources Manager for over 7 years, and you would be shocked to learn that when it came to the final steps of selecting a candidate, I was often left in a fog. A lot of this had to do with the fact that when it came time to reach out to the job references the applicant left on their resume or application, it fell flat.

Most people think that putting down close friends, relatives, and coworkers are the best way to go when selecting their job references, but oftentimes, this is a problem. Close friends, relatives, and coworkers may not be the best representation of you, your work ethic, and the goals that you have set forth. Sure, these people may love you and care for you, but they may not be the best to help represent you.

Job references are different than personal references, and most employers ask for job references. They don’t really care what Aunt Gloria or your mom has to say about you. They care about talking to an “expert” who knows the expert in you.

Recently, I was called upon to be a reference for a friend who used to also contribute to this site, and it got me to thinking about this process. I can assume that he put me down as one of his job references because he knew I could speak well of him, his skill-set, and his character. We aren’t the closest of friends, and we haven’t talked in years, but he gave me one of his coveted job reference spots because it is about closing the deal—and he knew I could help him close it honestly.

This post is all about how to choose job references that can help you land the job because it is needed. Following this guide can help you get a step closer to getting the gig you want.

They should know your work ethic

A good job reference should be able to speak to your worth ethic. How you make moves, what your strengths and weaknesses are, etc. They should also be able to answer in detail any questions that the interviewer has, without hesitation.

If your proposed job reference can’t do that, don’t put them on the list. They should be able to answer the questions, not create more of them.

They represent you, so choose accordingly

Job references must be articulate, well spoken, well-written, and most importantly, represent the professional that you are. This may not be your closest friend or your colleague, but that is okay. Again, this is not about personal relationships, but more about how you can be an asset to an employer.

They should be professional

While writing this, I felt this should be a non-issue, but in reality, it isn’t. I’ve called many a job reference that was smacking on the phone while talking, using slang, etc. Make sure that the person you put down is professional and is about business. If the reference is being sent via email, select someone who has a professional email address as well.

Impressions are everything. Who you put down as job references says a lot about you.

They should be prompt at responding

The recruiter or hiring manager doesn’t want to spend time chasing down your contacts. Select a job reference who can be available to take the call or answer the email in a timely fashion. Keep in mind their schedule, workload, and availability.

Giving a heads up to the job references on your list is also a good idea, so they can anticipate the call.

They should be able to give examples

The best recruiter will want to get to the heart of what you can and cannot do, so they are going to require answers that give examples of your work, your personality, etc. Make sure that your job reference can speak to that and be able to answer those questions. The more of a picture your reference can paint for them, the better.

People who make good job references

Those that could potentially make good references for you are mentors, college professors, colleagues, network or club members, collaborators, previous bosses, and team members.

The end goal is to get the job, and who you select as job references is an integral part of that. Here’s to selecting awesome references that help you get that offer letter.

What tips do you have for selecting good job references?

How to Choose Job References That Can Help You Land the Job


Related Posts

  • Five Tips for Dealing with Difficult Coworkers

    No one likes working with people who are hard to work with, but we've all…

  • Land your dream job by befriending the office gatekeeper

    In this difficult time of employment and job opportunities, it takes a little creativity and…

  • Fall Family Prep, Fall Job Search + Interview Attire: Work It Podcast----Episode 6

    In Ep. 6 of the WORK IT Podcast, we discuss Fall related items including family…

In: Career · Tagged: career, career advice, Job search, job tips

join the cube

You’ll Also Love

ou are in your professional zone, but networking in your 40s is just as important as when you first began. Here's why.From Experience to Influence: Networking in Your 40s
Navigating Career Challenges During Midlife
Navigating midlife professionally can be a daunting task. I'm sharing essential career tips for women over 40 that can help you be successful.Navigating Midlife: Essential Career Tips for Women Over 40

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Next Post >

Reacquainting Myself with Memphis History, Music, Culture, and Dr. King

Advertisement


Hi there! I'm Danyelle Little, a St. Louis blogger, mom & and empty-nester. This site is for those of you who like to get the best out of both worlds-personally and professionally. Learn more about me HERE!

Buy My New Holiday Novel

join the cube

Recent Posts

  • Career Options in Medicine: Exploring PA and MD Pathways
  • Planning a Vacation to Orlando: The Best Places to Shop and Explore
  • Seattle Round Trip: Elliott Bay, Hawaii, Alaska and More
  • Letter To My Daughter As She Turns 21: The World Is Yours
  • Ten Sexy Date Night Ideas for Couples Over 40

The Cube on Facebook

Checkout my NEW podcast

Listen on Spotify
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Google Podcasts

Affiliate

Perdue Farms Special Offer

trending now

Load More Posts

instagram

Follow @thecubiclechick

She only doing what she know… 🏁 #grandnationa She only doing what she know… 🏁 #grandnationaltour #stl
MAY tings… MAY tings…
A rooftop situation is always a good idea! Recentl A rooftop situation is always a good idea! Recently, I was invited to a Happy Hour of bites and beats at @angadartshotel’s @artbar.stl and when I say the food, drinks, and the vibe were necessary during these stressful times. I see another visit soon in my future. Cheers! 🥂
April photo dump. And things of that nature. ✨✨
Are we twinning or nah? 😂😂😂 Are we twinning or nah? 😂😂😂
4/10 should be declared a national holiday because 4/10 should be declared a national holiday because on this day a king was born! Happy birthday, son. Love you more than words can say! 🎉🎉🎉
May we continue to have crazy/fun adventures toget May we continue to have crazy/fun adventures together. You deserve an overflow of serendipity, and all the joy I can provide. Still celebrating—Happy Birthday, Mommy! 🎉🎉🎉
Worked hard all week so we deserved a little treat Worked hard all week so we deserved a little treat. ✌🏾
My novel ‘A Clermont Lane Wedding’ is certainl My novel ‘A Clermont Lane Wedding’ is certainly not biographical, but there are traces of my life all up and down this book (hint hint). It’s a perfect Spring Break read!

It’s got romance, intrigue, a little mystery, and a family legacy on the line. On sale on Amazon, eBooks and paperback, link in bio.
The miracle of being a WOMAN. A life giver. A soul The miracle of being a WOMAN. A life giver. A soul nurturer. A blessing. ✨
Follow on Instagram

Work With Me

  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Media Kit

join the cube

Site Info

  • Privacy Policy
  • Legal
  • Site Disclosure

Copyright © 2025 The Cubicle Chick · Theme by 17th Avenue