How to Make Sure You Get a Good Reference

We’ve been surprised lately to find a few candidates whose chances at a job were sunk by a bad reference. We were surprised because references should never be a surprise; they should be a mere formality.  But with a little more digging, we found it may be a bit more complicated, especially for student-athletes. 

You can probably picture the scenario. You were given a four-week internship during your time as a student-athlete. It was short but sweet, but it was also the best you could do, cramming it in during the summer while there was the tiniest bit of downtime for your sport. Yes, you still had summer classes – some of your most difficult, in fact, to try to make studies less stressful during the season.  And yes, you still had grueling workouts but didn’t have any other traditional work experience, so you made the most of this opportunity.  It was August, and the other interns had been there since the beginning of June, but you applied yourself as best you could even though you missed the work training offered at the beginning of the summer.  Everyone was nice. You thought it went well, so when asked for a past work reference, you offered up your old boss’s name and contact information.   

But what that short interaction doesn’t tell you is what type of recommendation your boss will leave, especially when you don’t have the benefit of reviews and relationship development that a longer work experience affords you.  Your boss could have been impressed that you gave a good effort, especially knowing you hadn’t had the formal training of others. They might have known you had a lot on your plate but appreciated that you willingly put in extra hours to make an internship possible. They may have recognized that you were determined and committed with a strong work ethic. But they also may have thought that your work output wasn’t the same as the other interns. You were never able to contribute fully because, without training, you didn’t completely understand all facets of the job, so they were unable to assess your potential. And while one boss may be impressed by your excessive workload, others may find you tired and distracted. 

Regardless of how short or long your experience is or if your referral comes from an employer, coach, professor, or people from your community, such as a pastor or friend, you need to know if you are receiving a good recommendation for your character and your work ethic.  

And the only way to be as certain as possible is to ask. Whether you’re hoping to use a business or personal reference, here’s how to do it right. 

Ask for their permission in advance. Call or email your potential reference to ask if you can use them. You may need to remind your reference of when you worked for them and in what role to prepare them when an employer calls, especially if your history with them is a few years old. 

“Hi Ms. Jones: I’m applying for a job as a sales rep with ABC Staffing. I’d like to use you as a professional reference based on my time working for you as a waiter last summer. Would you be willing to talk to my future employer?”  

Ask if they will give a positive reference.  This may feel a little awkward, but this is important information to know. Perhaps phrase it like this to feel less forward: “Do you have any concerns about serving as a reference or any reason why you would not be able to give a positive reference? If so, could we have a conversation about that?” It might be a chance to clear the air and for you to make amends if need be. 

Make sure you have their current title and contact information. You’ll want to pass complete and accurate information on to your potential employer; it demonstrates your professionalism and attention to detail. 

Follow up after you know the outcome. If you got the job, send a quick email or text to thank them and let them know how excited you are to start your new role. If you didn’t get the job, let them know you’re still in the market and that you’ll reach out again if a new company might be calling.  

Most companies make reference calls after they’ve decided to hire you, so your references should simply reinforce their decision. A little advance effort will help make sure everything goes smoothly.