A personal reference is someone who can speak positively about who you are and what you have accomplished, both personally and professionally. It is someone who people can trust to give them an accurate and honest assessment of your character and capabilities. Personal references are usually used to supplement the information provided in a resume or job application and provide a more in-depth picture of who you are and what you can bring to the table.
Table: What is the best personal reference?
| Type of Reference | Best For |
| Personal | Character traits, work ethic, and work experience |
| Academic | Classroom performance and academic abilities |
| Professional | Technical skills, job performance, and professional accomplishments |
Contents:
What Qualities Make a Good Personal Reference?
A good personal reference should have known you for a significant period of time and have direct knowledge of your character and capabilities. They should be someone you trust to speak honestly about you, and someone who will take the time to craft a thoughtful, detailed, and accurate reference letter. Preferably, the reference should be someone you worked with or someone who has seen you in a professional setting, such as a teacher, mentor, or supervisor.
Who Should You Ask for a Personal Reference?
When it comes to personal references, it’s important to select someone who can positively speak to your character, work ethic, and experience. This could be a former supervisor, mentor, coach, teacher, or even a close friend or family member. When asking someone to be your reference, it’s important that you inform them of the type of reference you’re looking for and provide them with any relevant information they might need to craft an effective letter.
How Many Personal References Should You Have?
Generally speaking, it’s recommended to have three to five personal references. This should be enough to provide potential employers with a well-rounded view of your abilities and character. Of course, you can always have more references if desired, but it’s important to make sure each reference is necessary and adds value to your application.
When Should You Ask for a Personal Reference?
It’s best to ask for a personal reference at least two weeks before it is needed. This will give the reference writer ample time to craft a thoughtful reference letter, and it will also give you the chance to follow up if the letter isn’t received in a timely manner. Additionally, it’s important to check in with your reference before an interview and to thank them afterwards.
What Information Should You Provide to a Personal Reference?
When asking someone to be your reference, it’s important that you provide them with any relevant information they might need to craft an effective letter. This could include a copy of your resume, a copy of the job description, a list of your accomplishments, and any other information that might be useful. You should also make sure to provide your reference with your contact information so they can reach out if they have any questions.
Do You Need to Check In With a Personal Reference?
It’s a good idea to check in with your personal reference periodically to ensure they have the information they need to write an effective letter. You should also thank them after they have submitted the letter, and follow up with them after the interview process is complete. This will help maintain a positive relationship and ensure your reference is willing to help you again in the future.
Do You Need to Provide References Before an Interview?
Some employers require you to provide references before the interview process begins. This is often done to ensure you are a viable candidate and to verify any information you provided in your application. If references are requested prior to the interview, it’s important to provide them in a timely manner. Additionally, it’s a good idea to check in with your references before the interview to ensure they are prepared to speak positively about you.
A personal reference is an important tool for any job seeker to have. It is a way to supplement the information provided in a resume or job application, and it can provide potential employers with a more in-depth look at who you are and what you can bring to the table. It’s important to select the right personal reference and provide them with the relevant information they need to craft an effective letter. Doing so will ensure you have a strong reference that can help you stand out from the competition and land the job you’ve been seeking.