Before listing someone as a job reference, ask whether they are willing to speak for you. Give them enough context to make an informed choice and confirm which contact details they want you to share.
CareerOneStop’s reference guidance recommends asking permission and providing information that helps references prepare. Choose people who can speak accurately about relevant work; do not invent a relationship or imply they supervised duties they did not observe.
Make the request specific
Explain the role, the experience you hope they can discuss and the likely contact method if known. Share an accurate resume and the job description. Let them decline without pressure, and ask whether there are limits on what their organization permits them to provide.
Maintain a private reference record
Keep the person’s name, relationship, approved contact details and the date you confirmed permission. Submit the information through the employer’s requested channel rather than publishing it on an open portfolio page. Reconfirm details when returning to a job search after a long gap.
When the process ends, thank the person and tell them the outcome you are comfortable sharing. A useful reference list is a set of current, agreed contacts, not a collection of names accumulated over years. This simple preparation respects the reference’s time and gives a prospective employer a clearer route to relevant information.
Related reading: Before You Apply: Check an Online Job Offer for Scam Warning Signs.