Sage-Tips

Can I provide 2 references?

The preferred approach is for you to suggest one or two references most relevant for the job you’ve applied to. If the employer asks for more names, or makes a specific request – such as wanting to speak to your most recent boss – you can respond accordingly.

Can a classmate be a professional reference?

If you’re wondering, “Can I use a classmate as a professional reference?” or “Can you use a friend as a reference?,” the answer is yes.

Can you use teachers as professional references?

Yes, professors are considered professional references! The key is choosing professors who have watched you act in a productive capacity where you proved your skills and qualifications for employment.

Do you use personal phone numbers for references?

Don’t abuse your references. Best method: personal cell phone or office email”). Do your best to avoid bugging them by contacting them too often or having too many employers contacting them. By staying in reasonable touch with your references (monthly, in most cases), you can judge how well they are doing.

Do you need two references for a job?

Most employers will request details for at least two referees. References are given either by email, by phone or by filling out a form sent over by the potential employer. Referees will be asked to confirm employment dates and position.

How many professional references do you need?

Typical job seekers should have three to four references, while those seeking more senior positions should consider listing five to seven, experts suggest. And be sure to list your strongest reference first.

How many professional references should I have?

Can I use a student as a reference?

However, there’s always someone, so getting a great recommendation from a student or two tells little about how the other students felt. If you have broader evidence too, such as strong teaching evaluations from your students overall and a positive letter from a faculty member, then this would not be a difficulty.

What counts as a professional reference?

A professional reference is someone who has worked closely with you for at least six months within the past seven years. They are usually a coworker or immediate supervisor, but can also be a department head, higher-level manager or client if they interacted with you regularly.

Do references need addresses?

There’s no need to include your reference’s home or work address—companies aren’t going to be mailing them anything. And if a reference expresses a strong preference for a certain method of contact, it’s OK to put “(preferred contact)” next to that line on your reference list.

Can I give an email as a reference?

It’s important to choose references who can portray your qualifications in the best possible light. You may write a letter or make a phone call, but it’s often most convenient to send an email message to request a recommendation for a job.

Can you have 2 references from the same job?

So yes, it’s perfectly fine if you choose to use references all from the same place. But if you chose to have some from your current job and others from previous employment, that’s fine too.