Who should I choose as a referee?

Choose people who have seen your work directly and can speak positively and specifically about it, ideally recent managers.

Good choices:

• Your current or most recent line manager.
• A previous manager or supervisor.
• A senior colleague or project lead who worked closely with you.
• A client you worked with over time, for freelance or sales roles.
• For students: a lecturer, project supervisor or internship supervisor.

Avoid:

• Family members and friends.
• People who barely know your work.
• Someone who might give a lukewarm reference.

Most employers want two or three referees, often including your most recent employer. Ask each person before listing them.

If you are not sure what someone will say, ask them directly whether they feel able to give you a positive reference. A polite question now is better than a weak reference later.