Introduction to Job References

Job references are very important. References are people who have known you for more than one year or a person who has supervised you in a paid or volunteer position. These people should be able to say very positive things about your skills, abilities and most important of all, your attitude. Most employers will hire people and teach them skills. They want workers who are eager to learn, hard-workers, enthusiastic, show initiative and are dependable. They do not want to hear complaints, or "I can’t...", "I won’t...", "I don’t want to...", "Why...", or "Later,...". If you often say these comments, do not ask the people who hear or see you say these comments for a reference. Do not use a relative or peer (someone your age) as a reference. Your reference needs to be at least 19 years old.

Here is a list of people who might be good references:

• teacher
  
• supervisor
  
• counselor
  
• coach
  
• church leader
  
• neighbor
  
• family friend
  

These are important things to do before you list a person as a reference:

• Contact the person and ask them if they would be willing to be a reference for you. (If they hesitate or seem shocked, say "thank you" and ask a different person.)
  
• If you can’t find three people who are enthusiastic about giving you a good reference, you need to improve your behavior and attitude. You are not ready for a job!!!