Tips for Getting Quality Job References

References can carry significant weight in the hiring process — a strong one can tip the scales in your favour, while a poorly chosen or unprepared one can cost you an opportunity. Here are six tips to help you line up the best possible references.

1. Make Sure Your References Are Available

Before listing anyone as a reference, confirm that they're reachable and available to take a call in the coming days. The last thing you want is your prospective employer struggling to get through — or giving up trying. Let your references know who will be contacting them, including the person's name and the company they represent, so they're not caught off guard.

2. Confirm Their Contact Information

Collect the most current contact details from each reference, including their full name, job title and employer, email address, and phone number. Double-check that everything is accurate before submitting it — outdated or incorrect information creates unnecessary friction and reflects poorly on your level of preparation.

3. Share Your Resume and Cover Letter with Them

Give your references a copy of your resume and the cover letter for the specific position you're applying to. This helps them speak to your experience in a way that's relevant and aligned with what the employer is looking for — rather than speaking in general terms that may not land as effectively.

4. Follow Up to Get a Sense of What Was Said

After your references have spoken with the prospective employer, try to connect with them to get a general idea of how the conversation went. Whether the feedback was glowing or mixed, knowing in advance gives you the opportunity to address any concerns if the employer follows up with you directly.

5. Always Thank Your References

Once your references have spoken on your behalf, take the time to thank them sincerely — and let them know whether you got the job. Maintaining a warm, respectful relationship with your references is an investment in your professional network. You may need them again down the road, and they may also think of you if a relevant opportunity arises at their organization.

6. Be Thoughtful About Using a Friend as a Reference

A friend can serve well as a character reference, but recruiters are primarily interested in hearing from people who have worked with you directly — former managers, supervisors, or colleagues. If you include a friend, balance it out with two or three professional references who can speak to your work ethic and abilities. If you're a student applying for a part-time role, a professor is a great alternative — they can speak to how you collaborate on projects, meet deadlines, and conduct yourself academically. It's also worth keeping in mind that many employers now conduct credit and criminal record checks as a standard part of the hiring process, so be prepared for that possibility as well.

For more tips, watch Guhuza President Marc Belaiche, CPA, CA discuss this topic here.

Guhuza is created in partnership with TorontoJobs.ca.

Guhuza is the new way to recruit. As an innovative Canadian platform, it goes beyond the traditional job board — using breakthrough technology to instantly match employers and job seekers for the ultimate hiring experience. Our advanced matching system pairs job seeker profiles with relevant positions and ranks candidates for employers based on the skills each role requires. Once a match is made, live interviews can be conducted directly through the platform.

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