When it comes to job hunting, having strong references can make all the difference in getting hired. Personal and professional references are both important types of references that can showcase your skills and character to potential employers. In this article, we’ll explain what personal and professional references are and provide tips for creating effective ones. You’ll also find examples to help you get started and answers to some frequently asked questions.
What Are Personal And Professional References?
Personal references are typically people who know you on a personal level, such as friends, family members, or neighbors. They can vouch for your character and personal qualities, such as your trustworthiness, reliability, or work ethic. Professional references, on the other hand, are people you’ve worked with or for, such as former bosses, colleagues, or clients. They can speak to your professional skills and experience, such as your ability to meet deadlines, work well in a team, or handle complex projects.
When selecting references, it’s important to choose people who can speak positively about you and your qualifications for the job. It’s also helpful to choose a mix of personal and professional references to provide a well-rounded view of your character and abilities.
Tips For Creating Effective Personal And Professional References
1. Choose the right people: Select references who know you well and can speak positively about your character and abilities.
2. Ask for permission: Always ask your references for permission before sharing their contact information with potential employers.
3. Provide context: Give your references information about the job you’re applying for and why you think you’re a good fit.
4. Keep them informed: Let your references know when you’ve applied for a job and provide updates on the hiring process.
5. Thank them: After a job interview or hiring decision has been made, be sure to thank your references for their support and assistance.
Examples Of Personal And Professional References
Personal Reference for a Customer Service Role
Dear [Reference’s Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I am applying for a customer service position at [Company Name] and I was hoping you could serve as a personal reference for me. As someone who has known me for [length of time], you can speak to my strong communication skills, ability to handle difficult customers, and dedication to providing top-notch service.
Thank you for your consideration and please let me know if you have any questions.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Professional Reference for a Marketing Role
Dear [Reference’s Name],
I am applying for a marketing position at [Company Name] and I was hoping you could serve as a professional reference for me. During the time we worked together at [Previous Company], you saw firsthand my ability to develop effective marketing campaigns, analyze data, and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
I appreciate your help and please let me know if there’s anything else you need from me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Personal Reference for a Babysitting Job
Dear [Reference’s Name],
I am applying for a babysitting position and I was hoping you could serve as a personal reference for me. As a close friend and someone who has seen me interact with children, you can speak to my patience, responsibility, and ability to connect with kids.
Thank you for your help and please let me know if you have any questions.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Professional Reference for an Engineering Role
Dear [Reference’s Name],
I am applying for an engineering position at [Company Name] and I was hoping you could serve as a professional reference for me. During the time we worked together at [Previous Company], you saw my ability to design complex systems, troubleshoot problems, and work collaboratively with other engineers.
Thank you for your time and please let me know if you need any additional information.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Personal Reference for a Volunteer Opportunity
Dear [Reference’s Name],
I am applying for a volunteer opportunity and I was hoping you could serve as a personal reference for me. As someone who has volunteered alongside me in the past, you can speak to my commitment, enthusiasm, and ability to work well with others.
Thank you for your consideration and please let me know if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Professional Reference for a Teaching Role
Dear [Reference’s Name],
I am applying for a teaching position at [School District] and I was hoping you could serve as a professional reference for me. During the time we worked together at [Previous School], you saw my ability to engage students, develop effective lesson plans, and collaborate with other teachers.
Thank you for your help and please let me know if there’s anything else you need from me.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Personal Reference for a Pet-Sitting Job
Dear [Reference’s Name],
I am applying for a pet-sitting position and I was hoping you could serve as a personal reference for me. As someone who has entrusted me with caring for your own pets, you can speak to my reliability, attentiveness, and love of animals.
Thank you for your time and please let me know if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
How many references should I provide?
It’s generally a good idea to provide three to five references, including a mix of personal and professional contacts. However, some employers may only ask for two or three references, so be sure to follow their instructions.
What should I do if a potential reference declines?
If someone you ask to be a reference declines, it’s best to thank them for their time and understanding. You can then seek out other potential references who may be a better fit. It’s important not to pressure anyone into being a reference if they’re not comfortable doing so.
Should I provide references on my resume?
No, it’s not necessary to include references on your resume. Instead, you can provide a separate sheet with their contact information when requested by a potential employer.
Can I use a family member as a reference?
It’s generally best to avoid using family members as references, as they may be seen as biased. However, if you have a family member who can speak to your professional skills, such as a former boss or colleague, they may be a good choice.
How should I keep my references informed during the hiring process?
You can send your references a quick email after submitting your application or following an interview. Let them know the status of your application and when they may expect to be contacted by the potential employer. After the hiring process is complete, be sure to follow up with a thank you note or email.
What should I do if a potential employer doesn’t contact my references?
If a potential employer doesn’t contact your references, it’s possible that they’ve already made a decision or that they’re still in the process of reviewing applications. While it’s okay to follow up with the employer to check on the status of your application, it’s best to avoid contacting your references directly.
Conclusion
Personal and professional references are important tools for showcasing your qualifications and character to potential employers. By choosing the right references, providing them with the necessary information, and keeping them informed throughout the hiring process, you can increase your chances of landing the job you want. With the tips and examples provided in this article, you’ll be well on your way to creating effective personal and professional references that will help you stand out from other candidates.