Landing a spot in the next stage of your internship or graduate program is exciting! But then comes the challenge: your interviewer asks for two current references. You suddenly realise the names on your CV aren’t exactly your strongest options anymore. No need to stress! Here we’ll show you how to find the right people to vouch for you, plus tips on how to reach out, to make the process smooth and professional.

Who can you turn to?

If no one immediately comes to mind as a potential referee, don’t worry, that’s totally normal. Early in your career, it’s common not to have a long list of past employers or professional contacts. The good news? The people you can ask might be more varied than you expect.

A professional or employment reference

When employers or recruiters request references, this is usually what they mean. A professional reference is someone you’ve worked with in a previous role and who can confidently speak about your work experience, skills, ethics, and conduct on the job. They’re the ideal person to provide insight into your performance and reliability in a professional setting.

You might consider a few different types of professional references. A former supervisor or manager, whether from a part-time job in retail or hospitality, or even from a previous internship, can speak directly to your work performance. A former hiring manager or recruiter, particularly someone from HR who was involved in bringing you on board, can also provide valuable insight. Additionally, a former or current colleague can serve as a reference, sometimes doubling as a character reference. Ideally, choose someone slightly senior who has had experience assigning tasks to you or collaborating with you on projects, so they can speak knowledgeably about your skills and work style.

A character reference

If professional references are in short supply, a character reference can be a strong alternative. These references offer insight into your attitude, personal qualities, and overall work ethic, helping potential employers understand your capabilities from a more personal perspective.

When professional references are limited, academic and personal mentors can be excellent alternatives. University tutors are often a great choice because they typically work closely with you in smaller class settings and have a clear understanding of how you approach your work. Lecturers can also be valuable, especially if you’ve excelled in their subject or developed a strong rapport with them, even though they usually have less direct interaction. Academic advisers, who often act as personal mentors, can provide insight into your personality, work ethic, and career goals.

Beyond academia, personal mentors who have observed you in leadership or professional contexts are worth considering. This could include a coach, volunteer coordinator, student society president, or even an older family friend. These individuals can speak to your character, dedication, and ability to take initiative.

Selecting the best referee

It’s important to select someone with whom you have a positive, established relationship, after all, you don’t want your reference request to backfire. Your referee should have a favourable impression of your skills and at least a basic understanding of your personality and capabilities. Ideally, they should also have some relevance to the industry or role you’re applying for, so their endorsement carries the most weight.

Making the ask

When reaching out, keep a few key points in mind: first, give them a brief overview of the role you’re applying for. Next, remind them how you know each other and why you think they’d be a strong reference. Then, politely ask if they’d be willing to act as your referee, without making them feel pressured. Finally, update them on what you’ve been doing recently, attaching your current CV is a helpful way to give them context.

What to do next

Once you’ve asked someone to be a reference, there are a few important steps to follow. First, give them enough time to respond, ideally, plan ahead and ask for references before leaving a role or finishing an internship. It’s also wise to reach out to multiple people, starting with those most likely to respond. If everyone agrees, even better, the more references, the stronger your support.

Showing appreciation also helps maintain positive relationships and ensures you don’t burn bridges early in your career. Finally, keep your references updated on your application progress. This way, they won’t be caught off guard if a potential employer contacts them unexpectedly.