Each project arrives with its purpose, milestones and first tasks written out. Here is how the first three read.
Referee inventory from the last ten years
Before choosing anyone, list everyone who could speak about your work: line managers, skip-level leaders, project sponsors, peers, direct reports and clients from roughly the last ten years. Most people can name two referees from memory and twelve once they work through each role in turn, and the longer list is what saves you when a favourite referee is on leave the week an offer lands.
First tasks
- List every role on your CV from the last ten years with dates
- Write two or more names under each role who saw your work closely
- Mark each name as in touch, lapsed or unknown
- Circle the eight to twelve people who would speak most specifically about you
Choosing your core three referees
Three referees is the number most employers ask for, and the usual mix is your current or most recent manager, a previous manager and one person who saw a different side of you, such as a client or a peer. Choosing them deliberately, rather than whoever answered last time, means the people speaking for you are recent, senior enough to be credible and genuinely positive.
First tasks
- Score your shortlist on recency, closeness, seniority and warmth
- Pick three core referees including at least one line manager
- Name two reserves and note which kinds of role each suits
- Write one sentence on why each person made the list
Asking permission from each referee
Naming someone who has not agreed is the fastest way to get a cautious or confused reference, and a few people will say yes out of politeness when they would rather not. Asking each person directly, with an easy way to decline, tells you who is truly willing and how they prefer to be contacted.
First tasks
- Draft a short ask that offers an easy way to decline
- Contact each core referee personally rather than in a group message
- Record each answer and any conditions in your referee list
- Ask each person how and when they prefer reference calls
