Whose references should I include on my resume while doing a job change

Question

I have an experience of 3 yrs and now I am looking for a job change. So I want to know whose references should I include on my resume to make it more impressive?

Answer 1

Hi Rajesh, the whole idea of giving reference is to give a positive outlook of you through your resume and to make it more impressive. People who's names you give as your references, endorse your skills and verify that you are a legitimate person with stated skill set and knowledge. So always make sure you give reference of people who have worked with you and knows your professional side.

Giving references of friends or someone from family isn't usually recommended. You can give reference, of your previous company's team lead or your managers or someone who knows you professionally and is well experienced.

Answer 2

@Rajesh one common mistake candidates do is to add references of people who are not having relevant experience in the industry/domain you are working for. You need people who hold good reputation in the current market, to vouch for you and your skills. They can be people holding executive positions in your prior organizations or technical experts with good amount of experience.

Also make sure you take a prior consent from these people or intimate them before adding their names and contact details in your resume. Discuss with them in advance on what skills or problem set that you solved working with them should be highlighted if someone reaches out to them.

Answer 3

When choosing resume references, consider individuals who can address your best characteristics, aptitudes and capabilities. In the event that conceivable, pick individuals who can talk about gifts explicit to the activity you're applying for. 

By and large, the best individuals to incorporate as references seem to be: 

• Present or previous manager or direct supervisor

• Present or previous colleague 

• Present or previous employees/direct reports 

• Academic advisor

• Professional mentor

Answer 4

I honestly feel you should always have references of people whom you've directly worked with. This could include your teammates, your team lead or your manager. It's preferable to get it from your manager or team lead. But as most people say, that you should get some big shot's references, I do not agree with that.

References are added so that the other organizations get an idea about you. I don't see a point of giving a reference of somebody whom you've never worked with.

Answer 5

A reference from a person who can vouch for your qualifications for a job. A professional reference is typically a former employer, a colleague, client, vendor, supervisor, or someone else who can recommend you for employment and not your friends or anyone from your family. So you need to add people who have good experience such as team manager, HR, Product managers, etc. The reference should know you in and out to refer to a job that will improve your chances of cracking the job.