The Role of References in Job Searching

Balancing self-employment and a part-time job can be a smart way to achieve financial stability while pursuing personal passions. Many people choose this path to supplement their income, gain experience, or create a safety net while growing their freelance business.

Employers often use references to confirm your qualifications and assess how you might fit into their team. But how do you create a reference list that strengthens your job application?

In this guide, we’ll walk through how to compile a list of references, who makes the best references, how to tailor your list to the current Canadian job market, and what to do if you don’t have professional references. We’ll also discuss why some employers request references while others do not, and we’ll provide additional online resources to help you create an effective reference list.

Starting Your Reference List

Compiling a strong reference list begins with identifying people who can speak to your skills and work experience in a professional capacity. The goal is to select individuals who can provide positive, detailed, and relevant insights into your abilities. Here are a few steps to get started:

Review Your Work History – Think about past roles where you built strong professional relationships with managers, colleagues, or clients. Identify individuals who had direct experience working with you.
Make a Preliminary List – Jot down potential references and their contact details. Consider how well they know your work and whether they would provide a strong recommendation.
Reach Out for Permission – Always ask for consent before listing someone as a reference. Explain what job you’re applying for and why you’d like them to be a reference.
Confirm Contact Details – Ensure you have the correct phone number, email address, and job title for each reference.
Prepare Them for Calls – Let your references know when they might be contacted and provide them with information about the job role.

Who Makes a Good Reference?

Not all references carry the same weight. A well-chosen reference should be able to discuss your professional strengths with confidence. Here’s a look at different types of references and why they might be a good fit:

Best References to Include:

Former Managers or Supervisors – They can provide valuable insights into your performance, work ethic, and growth in your previous roles.
Colleagues or Team Members – A coworker who worked closely with you can discuss your teamwork, problem-solving skills, and ability to collaborate.
Clients or Business Partners – If you’ve worked in freelance or client-facing roles, satisfied clients can provide strong endorsements of your professionalism and expertise.
Mentors or Professors (for Recent Graduates) – If you lack extensive work experience, academic references can speak to your skills, character, and potential.
Volunteer Coordinators – If you have experience volunteering, a supervisor from a nonprofit or community organization can highlight your dedication and transferable skills.

Who to Avoid Using as a Reference:

Family Members or Friends – They are usually considered too biased to be credible professional references.
Someone Who Didn’t Work Closely With You – If they can’t speak confidently about your abilities, they won’t add value to your application.
A Former Employer with Whom You Had a Negative Experience – Choose someone who will provide a positive, detailed, and professional recommendation.

Tailoring References to the Current Canadian Job Market

Today’s job market in Canada is highly competitive, and employers are looking for candidates who not only have the right qualifications but also fit well into their company culture. This means tailoring your reference list to align with the expectations of potential employers.

Here are a few ways to tailor your references:

Match Your References to the Job Role – If you’re applying for a leadership position, include references who can speak to your leadership abilities. If you’re applying for a customer service role, prioritize references who can highlight your communication and problem-solving skills.
Include a Mix of References – A combination of supervisors, colleagues, and clients provides a well-rounded view of your strengths.
Highlight Canadian Work Experience – If you’re a newcomer to Canada, employers may prefer local references. If you don’t have Canadian references, consider volunteer coordinators, professors, or clients you’ve worked with in Canada.

What If You Don’t Have a Reference List?

If you don’t have professional references, don’t panic. There are alternative ways to provide strong endorsements for your skills:

Use Volunteer or Academic References – If you’re a recent graduate or have participated in volunteer work, these references can highlight your skills and work ethic.
Provide Character References – If you lack professional experience, you can use a mentor, community leader, or coach who can vouch for your reliability and strengths.
Leverage LinkedIn Recommendations – If past colleagues or supervisors have written recommendations for you on LinkedIn, share those with potential employers.

Why Some Employers Request References While Others Don’t

Employers have different hiring practices, and not all of them request references. Here are some reasons why:

When Employers Ask for References:
- If the role requires high trust and responsibility (e.g., financial, healthcare, or management positions).
- When they need to verify key skills or past work experience.
- If they are choosing between final candidates and need an extra layer of insight.
When Employers May Skip References:
- If the company has a standardized hiring process that relies on skills testing rather than references.
- When a strong portfolio, resume, or interview performance is enough to assess qualifications.
- If they use probationary periods to evaluate new hires instead of checking references upfront.

Tips for Managing and Presenting Your Reference List

1. Keep It Updated

Regularly update your reference list with current contact information and relevant references.

2. Provide a Separate Document

Instead of listing references directly on your resume, create a separate reference sheet.

3. Give References a Heads-Up

Let them know when they might receive a call and what job you’re applying for.

4. Show Appreciation

Thank your references for their support and keep in touch for future job applications.

Stay proactive, keep your reference list updated, and remember—your references are there to support your success!

Additional resources to help you balance your jobs!

Indeed provides insights on how to choose references who will positively impact your job search.

Kootenay Employment Services has a collection of articles on various career advice topics. This particular curated list might help you with your job search prep:

This guide explains how to format and present a reference list professionally.

Alberta’s career support website offers tips on selecting and maintaining strong job references.