References and recommendations from the right individuals can boost your professional career. They not only paint you in a good light but also endorse your skills, character, and educational qualification, giving you an upper hand in competitive markets and job hunts. However, getting a good reference is not as simple as you think. You must understand the kind of reference you need and how to approach a person for the same.

What is a reference?
The word “reference” has multiple meanings. People in professional fields or academia use it very often. When applying for a job, you might notice employers ask for references that will vouch for your skills, education, work ethic, and overall experience, besides several other things. You can get such references from many people, but you must choose the right individual to gain an edge over the competition. The correct reference will make it easier for you to showcase and validate your skills.

What are the types of references?
There are different types of references that provide proof and validation for your education, habits, and skills. They include:

Work references
Work references are typically given by people you have worked with, such as your managers, heads of departments, or in general, your employer. They can also be colleagues, coworkers, and subordinates. Each individual will be able to attest to different levels of your skills. Colleagues and coworkers who have worked with you on projects can talk about your teamwork, spirit, reliability, and organizational skills. On the other hand, your subordinates can speak about your leadership skills, problem-management solutions, and so on. When asking for a reference, ensure you request it from someone who thoroughly understands your roles and responsibilities and has worked with you closely.

Academic references
Another reference that many professionals seek is an academic reference. It is a type of educational credential that increases your chances of employment. You can seek academic references from professors, teachers, and academic advisors. If you have spent a lot of time working with a particular professor, you can ask them for a reference on your character. They can also attest to your other skills, such as problem-solving, decision-making, etc., making it easier for you to get the job.

Character references
You can opt for a character reference if you have no academic or work references. It mainly attests to your personality and showcases how well your character will fit into the dynamic at the workplace. People who can give you a character reference include individuals sharing your hobbies, volunteering agencies, long-term friends, and community leaders.

How to get a reference?
After deciding the kind of references you want to obtain, you need to get down to business and actually get them. Here are some tips that will help:

Make a request
It is the first and most critical step in getting a reference. Request the individual politely, be it your past employer or professor, to see if they are up to the task. Writing references is not easy. People who write them actually put their credibility on the line when vouching for you. So, if you want to use someone as your reference, ask them first. They might need time to consider your best skills and accomplishments before recommending them to employers.

Give them all the information they need
Once you have decided on the individuals you want as your references, inform them about the position you are applying for and the job description. It helps them identify the skills you need to qualify, and they will do their best to highlight those skills in their written recommendations. You can also inform them about what aspects you like about the next job and what makes you think you are a good fit.

Talk to your academic references
Your academic reference or professor may not always remember the projects or subjects you worked on back in the day. So give them a refresher on what subjects they taught, the projects you handled together, your grades, and skills gained under them. It will help the individual highlight your abilities and accomplishments better. They will also have more information about you in general.

Thank your reference
Writing a reference is time-consuming. So, do not forget to thank the person for their time and effort in writing your recommendations. If you really want to appreciate their work for you, you can also offer to write a reference for them when the time comes. Also, if you got the job, update them about the same.