Choose and Ask a Job Reference
Choose someone who knows relevant work and agrees to be contacted. Explain the role and your shared work context, then confirm the employer’s requirements for the kind of reference needed.
Three practical steps
- List people who have observed your work and what each knows.
- Ask whether they are willing to act as a reference for this role.
- Confirm permitted contact details and provide appropriate updates.
Match the relationship to the requested reference
Former managers, colleagues, clients and teachers know different aspects of your work. If a former supervisor is required, ask the recruiter about alternatives. Let references speak for themselves and use agreed contact details.
A filled example
Illustrative example: a recent graduate checks whether an internship supervisor is acceptable, obtains permission and sends a short role summary.
What to do with your observation
| Observation | Next action |
|---|---|
| They know relevant work and agree | Confirm contact details and role context. |
| The requested type is unavailable | Ask the recruiter about an alternative. |
A worksheet you can use
Work they observed: ____; employer requirement: ____; permission: ____; approved contact: ____; shared example to recall: ____.
Can someone I recently met be a reference?
Check the requested type and what the person has actually observed. A useful reference rests on specific shared experience.
Evidence and scope
The original examples and worksheets help organize a decision. Adapt them to your circumstances and verify specific conditions with the relevant provider.
CareerOneStop explains reference types and prior permission. Our example is original. CareerOneStop: References
Sources and further reading
This collection in Chinese and English · Life possibilities library