Who should you never use as a reference?

1. A former boss you didn't get along with. This might seem obvious, but if someone won't sing your praises or have negative things to say about you and your work ethic, they are not worth putting on the reference list.

Who should not be your reference?

Don't use a reference whom you have not prepared to receive a call from a prospective employer. Your professional reference is likely more than willing to help you, but they may inadvertently hurt your chances if you didn't give them a heads up that they will get from potential employers.

Who should you list as a reference?

Can you use a friend as a reference?

While friends and family are acceptable referees, it is better for you to select someone who is not immediate family as their opinion may be construed as being biased.

What should you not write in a reference?

What to say: "The company does not permit me to provide any references. I would only be able to confirm your job title, employment dates, and salary history. So it would be in your best interest to find someone else to provide a reference."

Job Interview Tips (Part 9): Who You Can and Can't Use As References

How do you tell someone you can't be a reference?

If you can't come up with a believable explanation, it's fine to to (politely) tell someone outright that you don't feel comfortable being a reference. Keep things short and simple: “I don't think I'm the best fit for this.” You don't need to explain why; in fact, you probably shouldn't.

What if you can't use your boss as a reference?

Director/Senior Director may suffice depending on your organization and working relationship. And it should include someone with whom you have worked closely, someone who knows your work. Provide at least two of these reference types from your current/most recent company and at least one from a second employer.

Can personal references be family?

Personal reference

You should avoid listing family members or your spouse as personal references, as they might be perceived as biased. You want to choose personal references who have known you at least one year, think positively of you, are able to communicate well and are available on short notice.

Should I use my current boss as a reference?

References from current employers are valuable because they can provide a potential employer the most recent information on your strengths as an employee and give them the confidence in your abilities to make you an offer.

Can I use my uncle as a reference?

The Family Member or Friend You've Done Work For

This, too, is an easy, go-to reference—assuming you're not thinking you can put your dad on here. My brother used to help my uncle with yard work every summer.

Can I use coworkers as references?

Most employers prefer work references since those individuals know you best in a professional atmosphere. They're able to list your experience and skills and discuss their general observations of you. Work-related references include coworkers, managers, clients and vendors.

Who should you ask to be a reference?

Who can be your professional references?

Professional references are persons who can vouch for your qualifications for a job based on their insight into your work ethic, skills, strengths, and achievements. Typically, a professional reference is a former employer, client, colleague, teacher, supervisor, etc.

Do employers call previous employers?

However, employers most often contact previous employers to verify you are accurately representing your experience with them, rather than get a review of your time with them.

Can I be fired for interviewing for another job?

Can my employer fire me for looking for a new job?” Typically, yes. Your California employer can legally terminate your employment because you are actively searching for a new job.

Do employers call all three references?

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 you list someone as a reference without asking?

You send your list of references without being asked. It's not necessary to send your references to every potential employer. For one reason, you could inundate your references with calls, and they won't even be prepared by knowing what position you've applied for.

Who is considered a personal reference?

Business acquaintances, teachers, professors or academic advisors, volunteer leaders, religious workers, friends, coaches, and neighbors are all potential personal references. If possible, don't choose someone who you've only had limited or casual interactions with.

Can I put classmate as reference?

Professional references should consist of people who can vouch for your work ethic, skills, competence and character – think of former supervisors, current colleagues, subordinates, fellow classmates, etc.

Why do companies not allow references?

No legal requirements

References developed as a tradition that companies would give, almost as a benefit, to their ex-employees. Many companies have decided that they get no direct benefit, they take on risk of lawsuit, and it costs them money – so it's just not worth it.

Why won't my old boss give me a reference?

If the company is on a directive not to provide a reference to you outright, consider seeking out a manager or someone you worked closely with who has since left the company. This person, now no longer with your former employer, won't feel the same pressure to not give you a reference.

Can someone refuse to give a reference?

Unless your business is regulated by the Financial Services Authority, generally there is no legal obligation on an employer to provide a reference for an employee or ex-employee and you are entitled to refuse to provide one.

What to say when you don't want to be someone's reference?

To turn them down politely, you could write: “I'm sorry, I don't feel I have worked with you long enough to provide you with an accurate and thorough recommendation, but I wish you all the best with your job hunt”.

How far back can references go?

HOW FAR BACK CAN REFERENCES GO? A common question among job seekers is “How far back can I go to ask people I've worked with before to be references for me?” As a general rule the answer is “not more than five to seven years.”

Is a teacher a professional reference?

Yes, professors are considered professional references! The key is choosing professors who have watched you act in a productive capacity where you proved your skills and qualifications for employment.