Choose the right reference person

In the application process, references are increasingly playing a major role in addition to resumes, letters of motivation, and job references. A reference can both increase and decrease an applicant's chances.

Therefore, it is important to be aware of the importance of a good reference and to choose the right person for the job. In this week's post, we have summarized for you some important points to consider when choosing a reference.

Where should you put your references?

Basically, there are several ways to include your references in your application. On the one hand, you can mention them directly in your resume as the last item. However, it is advisable to mention only the name of the reference and his or her position for the time being and to give out the telephone number or e-mail address only if required. In this way, you can prevent the person from being contacted by the recruiter without being asked. Another common practice is not to mention any names in the CV, but to write "reference on request".

On the other hand, it is also possible to include references in the cover letter. An example of this would be: "If you would like to know more about my work and my projects, my former employer, Mr./Mrs. XY, is at your disposal. I would be happy to provide you with contact information if needed."

Questions for reference person

References are primarily used by recruiters to obtain more detailed information about an applicant. Not only the professional competence of a person is checked, but also his social competence and his so-called soft skills. Typical questions may relate to the person's working style, leadership style or ability to deal with conflict. Questions are also often asked about the reason why the person left the company. Dealing with stress or deadlines is also of interest, as is what added value the person's employment can bring to the company.

Basically, the aim of a reference check is to find out whether the applicant also matches the organization in terms of values, needs and corporate culture. By talking to the reference person, one can consequently also learn more about the character and his or her behavior in the workplace. It can also clear up any ambiguities that may have arisen, for example, during the job interview or assessment.

Choose reference person

The reference person must be able to provide satisfactory information about the applicant. However, this requires that the reference person knows the person well enough to provide an accurate picture. Therefore, it is best to choose a person with whom you have worked in the last five years. In addition, she should be aware of the applicant's strengths so that she can highlight them during the interview. She should be competent to describe the applicant's experience and skills in detail. 

It is recommended that you specify a person who is at least one level above you in the hierarchy and has a high level of competence. It is even more important that you trust the person, that he or she can credibly confirm your abilities and present you in a good light. Therefore, choose a person with whom you have had positive experiences if possible.

Ideally, you should provide several people as references. This is because if there are any inconsistencies in the information, you have the possibility that another person could solve this discrepancy. In principle, however, two to four persons should be sufficient.

Let reference person know

One of the most important points is not to name a reference person without their consent. It is best to ask them in advance by phone or e-mail. After all, the reference information should be as advantageous as possible for the applicant. Preferably, you should also contact the person every time you mention his or her name in an application. In preparation for the reference check, it is recommended to provide the person with information about the desired position and the company, as well as the person who will contact him or her.

After the reference has been contacted, it is also important to show gratitude to the reference and to inform him or her about the outcome of the application process. A good reference is always handy, which is why it is recommended to stay in touch and maintain the relationship.

We hope to be able to help you with these tips and wish you every success in the next application process. If you are currently thinking about a career change, please take a look at our Jobsite drop by or deposit your documents in our Expert Pool.