Reference Check

How to complete Reference Check

This is having three people who've actually worked with you and would vouch for you without hesitation. References are quietly decisive late in hiring, and the time to build them is long before you need them, not the week an employer asks.

1. Pick three contacts who saw your work closely: a former manager, a peer, and a client or cross-team partner
2. Reach out and ask directly whether they'd be comfortable being a strong reference for you
3. Give each one a quick refresher on what you're applying for and the wins you'd like them to mention
4. Keep their current contact details on file and confirm with them right before you list them

Tips

• Maintain these relationships year-round with the occasional check-in, not just when you're job hunting
• A manager who can speak to specific results beats a senior title who barely remembers you
• Always ask permission first, a surprised reference is a lukewarm reference

What counts as done

You qualify when three people have agreed to act as references and you have their up-to-date contact info.