Reference checks are usually done during the final stages of the interview process and are often used to support an employer’s hiring decision. Having a strong list of references that can speak positively of your performance at work and professional strengths will only help you when you want to land a job.

What references say about you is usually out of your control but here are a few tips to ensure that you have a solid list of references:

Always ask first before submitting someone as your reference.

While it might be easy to simply list your current or former supervisors as a reference in hopes that they will speak positively about you, that is not always the case. From our experience, it can get pretty awkward when the reference has no clue they were listed as a reference. Or worse, they completely forgot about you and have no idea who you are!

Make sure to ask your current (or former) supervisor for permission and ensure that they feel comfortable providing a reference. Choose someone who knows you well enough to provide in-depth answers.

There is no guarantee that the person you ask will agree to provide a reference for you. If your request is rejected, do not take it personally. Be mindful of company policies that may prohibit employees from providing references. Think ahead and have a backup reference just in case.

Choosing between a direct supervisor or colleague.

Direct supervisors are usually the best choice when listing references as they can provide more insight on your work and performance such as job duties, strengths, areas for improvement or work ethic. Asking your current supervisor to be a reference may not always be possible so try to keep in contact with your previous supervisors just in case.

It is also important to ensure that you have worked with your reference for a sufficient period of time; listing a supervisor that you have worked with for only a few weeks usually results in a vague and limited reference.

If you cannot list a direct or indirect supervisor, colleagues are the next best choice. A colleague will be able to speak about your skills and expertise as they worked with you directly. They will be able to attest to your ability to work on a team. According to Daniel Bortz, from Monster, teamwork is one of the top soft skills needed in your career because success is the result of many people working towards a common goal.

Using personal references.

Although professional references are much preferred, a personal reference is acceptable when you have limited working experience. They may not have worked with you within a professional capacity, but they can speak about your character. Professors, teachers, and volunteer leaders are good examples of personal references.

Prepare your references beforehand.

A good way to prepare your references is to give them a brief description of the position you are seeking. Doing so will allow them to highlight your strengths and skills that are relevant to the position.

If you have not worked together in quite some time, it may be a good idea to have a quick chat about the skills you have learned over the years or even provide them with a copy of your resume. It is also a good idea to let them know when they can expect a call so there are no delays in the hiring process.

Employers may have specific requirements for references, but having a list ready of at least three references can help put you one step closer to landing the job. Remember, reference checks are meant to help employers hire the best candidate for their company.