10 types of references for your job application

Applying for a job is not easy. You need to create a winning resume. And write a compelling cover letter. On top of it all, you need to create a list of professional references for your application as well. Choosing people to become your references can be a difficult task. You need to understand who can vouch for your character, skills, and work ethic. They also need to agree to be your reference for it to work out.

Here are ten types of references that are great for a job search:

1. Professional references

These are the people from your network who have collaborated with you in some professional capacity. You can include your former managers, colleagues, and mentors in this category. These are the people whose opinions are much admired by a hiring manager as they talk about who you are as an employee.

2. Academic references

Are you still in touch with people from your academic days? These are the people you met while you were in school or college. Your academic connections can be former professors, lecturers, teachers, and guidance counselors. These references can vouch for your academic achievements.

3. Personal references

If you want to add someone from your personal network to your list of professional references, you can include your friends, family members, distant cousins, and neighbors. Personal references are not always as highly regarded as the former types we discussed. However, they can still talk about your qualities, character, and potential.

4. Character references

Do you know people who can vouch for your character? These can be your character references. Character references speak about their connection’s integrity, honesty, and professionalism. Religious leaders, community leaders, and volunteers are some great character references.

5. Co-worker references

You can also use one of your current co-workers as a professional reference. These are the people who work alongside you in the same office or department. They can tell a lot about your collaboration skills, job-related skills, achievements, and work ethic to a potential employer.

6. Supervisory references

When you choose to add a former or current supervisor to your list of professional references, they are supervisory references. They are an ideal type of reference because these individuals can directly speak about your performance, skills, and accomplishments as an employee.

7. Industry-specific references

If you have connections with professionals from your industry who would like to be a professional reference for you, they can be an industry-specific reference. These are the individuals you have met and connected with at industry events. They can talk about your industry awareness and your skills.

8. Customer references

Customer references come from clients who have used your products or services before. If you are applying for a customer-facing role, these references are ideal. Former clients can speak about your customer service skills and product knowledge.

9. Teammate references

Do you have a job that involves a lot of teamwork? Then, consider adding a teammate reference to your list. These are the professionals that you have collaborated with on team projects. If you have been a team leader, these professionals can vouch for your team-leading skills and project management skills.

10. Volunteer references

Have you worked for a non-profit organization before? Or do you volunteer for a charity? References that come from volunteer organizations and non-profit employers can tell a lot about your personality traits and attitudes to an employer. A volunteer reference can speak about your passion for giving back and leadership skills.