How to choose your referees

Getting to final stages of an interview is a strong position to be in, but it doesn’t always mean the process is complete. References still play an important role, and a weak or unprepared referee can slow things down or raise concerns at the last step.

Choosing the right referees and preparing them properly can make a real difference.

Who should you choose as a referee?

Your referees should be people who can speak confidently about your work, not just your character.

In most cases, employers want to hear from someone you reported to directly, such as a line manager or senior stakeholder. If that’s not possible, someone who worked closely with you and understands your contribution can still be a strong option.

Aim to choose referees who:

• Have seen your work first‑hand
• Understand your strengths and impact
• Are comfortable being contacted and giving feedback

If you’re currently employed and haven’t informed your employer that you’re exploring other opportunities, it’s completely normal not to include your current manager. In that case, consider previous managers or senior colleagues who have since moved on.

What matters most is that your referees can give an honest and informed view of your work.

Tip: Choose people who will be responsive. Delays in reaching referees can slow down the hiring process more than anything else.

Why references still matter

While many companies now rely on structured interviews and skills‑based hiring, references are still used to validate what’s been discussed.

They often focus on:

• How you work day to day
• Your reliability and communication style
• Your strengths and areas for development

In the Middle East, most reference checks are still done via phone rather than written letters. This allows employers or recruiters to ask follow‑up questions and get a clearer picture.

How to prepare your referees

Don’t wait until the last minute.

Let your referees know early that you’re actively interviewing and may need their support. Keep them updated on the types of roles you’re applying for so they can tailor their feedback if contacted.

Before a reference check, it helps to share:

• The role you’ve interviewed for
• A brief summary of your responsibilities in your previous role
• Key achievements you’d like them to highlight

This keeps the conversation aligned and avoids vague or generic feedback.

Tip: A well‑prepared referee can reinforce your strengths in a way that feels consistent with your interview.

How to present your referees on your CV

You don’t need to include full referee details on your CV.

Most candidates simply include “references available on request,” which is still standard practice. Employers will ask for details at a later stage.

When requested, be ready to provide:

• Full name
• Job title and company
• Contact details
• Your relationship to them

Make sure all details are up to date.

Tip: Let your referees know in advance when their details have been shared. It avoids surprises and helps them respond quickly.

What if you’re early in your career?

If you don’t have multiple professional referees yet, academic references are still acceptable.

A lecturer, tutor or supervisor who knows your work can provide a useful perspective, especially on your attitude, work ethic and ability to learn.

As you gain experience, these will gradually be replaced by professional references.

Choosing referees isn’t just an admin step at the end of the process. It’s part of how you present yourself as a candidate. Pick people who know your work, keep them informed, and make it easy for them to support you. Done well, a strong reference can reinforce everything you’ve already communicated and help you move from interview to offer more smoothly.