References for a job are two to four people, usually former managers, supervisors or colleagues, who agree to tell an employer what you are like to work with, and you list each one with name, title, organization, relationship, phone and email. Employers usually call them near the end, once you are a serious candidate.
The best references know your work well and like you enough to say so clearly. A famous name who barely remembers you helps less than a shift lead who trained you. This page explains who to pick, how to ask, how to fill the reference fields and what to do if you have none yet.
Quick answers
How many
Usually two to four. Three is the most common request.Best choices
Former managers and supervisors, then senior colleagues, clients, teachers or coaches.Avoid
Relatives, partners and friends who never saw you work.Ask first
Get each person's yes before you list them, and send them the job description.What to list
Name, job title, organization, relationship, phone and email.When they are called
Often after a final interview, sometimes alongside the background check.
What references on a job application are
A reference is a person who has agreed to answer questions about you. On the form you will see References, often with three blocks of boxes. Recruiters call or email them to confirm what you said in the interview: that you were reliable, how you handled pressure, whether they would hire you again.
A reference check is different from employment verification. Verification is a formal step, often run by HR or a background screening company, that confirms dates and titles. A reference is a conversation about how you worked. See employment history checks for the formal side.
Who are good references for a job
| Person | Why they help | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Direct manager or supervisor | Saw your daily work and results | Almost every job |
| Senior colleague or team lead | Knows how you work with others | When your manager has left |
| Client or customer you served long term | Speaks to service and trust | Freelance and sales roles |
| Teacher, professor or academic advisor | Knows your effort and skills | First jobs and internships |
| Volunteer coordinator | Saw you show up and help | Entry level and care roles |
| Coach or club leader | Knows your discipline | Teen and student jobs |
| Faith or community leader | Character reference only | When the form asks for a personal reference |
Relatives are not good references, even if you worked in the family business. If you did, list a customer or supplier who saw your work instead.
Professional vs personal references
A professional reference knows your work: a boss, coworker, client or teacher. A personal reference, also called a character reference, knows you outside work: a neighbor, mentor or community leader. Most forms want professional ones. If the form has a Reference type dropdown, choose Professional or Personal to match the person.
Other fields you may see:
- Reference title or Reference position: their job title, such as Store Manager, not yours.
- Relationship: how you know them, such as "Former supervisor at [Company]".
- Years known: a whole number is fine.
- May we contact: say yes for references; they agreed to it.
How to ask someone to be a reference
Ask before you list anyone. A short, polite message works best.
Hi [Name],
I hope you are well. I am applying for a [Job title] role at [Company], and I would love to list you as a reference since you supervised my work at [Old company].
If you are happy to help, I will send the job posting and a few points about the role. Calls would probably come in the next two to three weeks.
Thank you for considering it,
[Your name]
If they hesitate or say they are busy, thank them and choose someone else. A lukewarm reference can hurt more than a missing one.
How many references do you need for a job
Three is the usual number. Entry level and hourly jobs may ask for two. Senior, teaching, government and healthcare roles may ask for four or more, and sometimes want at least one recent supervisor. If the form asks for three, give three, even if you have more. Keep a spare in case one cannot be reached.
When the form says References available on request or does not ask at all, you do not need to send them yet. Prepare a page anyway; our references template shows the layout.
No references for a job: what to do
If you have never worked or lost touch with old bosses, you still have options.
- A teacher, tutor or school counselor who knows your attendance and effort.
- A volunteer supervisor from a food bank, shelter, event or place of worship.
- A coach, club advisor or scout leader.
- Someone you did paid odd jobs for, such as babysitting, lawn care or tutoring.
- A coworker who has since become a lead elsewhere.
You can also reconnect with a former manager through a professional network message: remind them when you worked together and what you did. For a first job, see your first job application.
Questions employers ask job references
Knowing the questions lets you brief your references. Typical ones are:
- How do you know the candidate and for how long?
- What were their main duties?
- What are their strongest skills?
- Where could they improve?
- Were they reliable about time and attendance?
- Would you hire them again?
If you are the one hiring, add questions tied to the role and listen for specific examples. Vague praise is common; detail is a better sign.
Do and do not
Do: list "[Full name], Shift Supervisor, [Company], former supervisor, [Phone], [Email]".
Don't: list "My aunt, call anytime".
Do: tell each reference which job you applied for and what to highlight.
Don't: share their personal cell number without asking which number they prefer.
Questions people ask
What are references for a job?
They are people who agree to tell an employer about your work and character. Most employers ask for two to four, with name, title, organization, relationship, phone and email. They are usually contacted near the end of hiring.
Who to put as reference on job application forms?
Start with former managers or supervisors, then senior coworkers, clients, teachers or volunteer leaders. Choose people who saw your work recently. Leave out relatives.
What is a personal reference on a job application?
A personal or character reference knows you outside work, such as a mentor, neighbor or community leader. They speak about honesty and reliability rather than job skills. Use one only when the form asks for it.
How do you get a job without references?
Use teachers, coaches, volunteer leaders or people you did odd jobs for. Many entry level employers accept these. You can also build a new reference with short volunteer work.
Can I use a coworker as a reference?
Yes, especially a senior one or a team lead who saw your work. A direct supervisor is stronger, so include at least one if you can.
Do employers really call references?
Many do, especially for skilled, care and office roles, often just before an offer. Some only confirm dates through HR. Assume they will call and prepare your references.