Choosing references for your CV or Resume

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Creating a compelling and impressive CV or Resume is essential for any job seeker. However, there is no one-size-fits-all formula for crafting the perfect document. The right references can make or break your application and is essential to land your dream job. However, what’s more, important is choosing the correct references to vouch for your skills, work ethic, and achievements. Your references are crucial in convincing potential employers or recruiters about your suitability for the job. But how do you choose the right ones? In this blog post, we’ll provide valuable tips on selecting the best references to help you stand out and make a lasting impression on recruiters and employers. So, let’s dive in!

Understand the different types of references

You can use many references in your CV or Resume, and it is essential to choose the right ones to create a strong impression. Here are some of the most common types of references:

1. Professional references: These are references from past employers, clients, or colleagues who can attest to your professional skills and abilities.

2. Character references are personal references from friends, family members, or others who know you well and can attest to your character and unique qualities.

3. Academic references: These are typically from professors or other academic mentors who can speak to your intellectual abilities and strengths.

4. Personal references: These are people who know you personally but are not related to you, such as a close friend or neighbour.

When choosing references for your CV or Resume, it is crucial to understand the type of reference best suited to your skills and experience. It is also essential to be clear about who will provide the reference and ensure they can speak to potential employers. It is important to select individuals who will be able to provide positive and articulate testimony about your skills and accomplishments. Ask each potential reference if they feel comfortable strongly endorsing them before including them on your list.

Who can provide you with a reference?

There are a few key people you can ask to provide a reference for you:

 1. Your current or previous employers

2. Clients or customers you have worked with

 3. Colleagues or classmates you have worked with

 4. Friends or family members who know you well

5. Your Church, Synagogue, or Mosque leaders

Once you have selected your references, it is important to contact them and ask if they can provide a reference. It is also essential to be clear about the reference type you would like them to provide. Ensure to provide them with all the necessary information to write a solid and helpful reference or do so telephonically.

Choose your wisely

Here are some tips on how to select suitable references for your CV:

1. Make sure they’re relevant. The best references are those who can speak to your skills and experience in the field you’re applying for. If you’re applying for a job in marketing, it wouldn’t be helpful to have a reference from your previous job as a cashier.

2. Make sure they’re available. There’s no use listing a reference who’s impossible to contact. Before you list someone as a reference, make sure they’re okay with it and that you have their current contact information.

3. Choose people who will speak highly of you. It’s worth mentioning nonetheless: choose references who will say nice things about you! Avoid anyone who might give you a bad review, no matter how well-connected they may be.

Do a dummy checks on your references

At Chick my Resume, we offer Reference Checking Services to assist candidates in either preparing their referees for the questions or checking what their potential references will say about them. Finally, a report will be drafted focusing on whether having a specific person as a reference is beneficial based on their answers when contact was made with them.

To check out our reference-checking services, click HERE

Conclusion

Finally, doing a dummy reference check on your references is always a good idea. This will help you gauge how employers might respond to them and give you an indication of how beneficial they could be for your job search. When selecting references, ensure they are from reputable sources and have valid contact details. As long as you keep these tips in mind, it should be easy for you to find appropriate professional references that will do justice to your résumé. We do hope that you enjoyed this article and will make use of our services in the future to determine which references will be beneficial to your growth on your journey of employment.