If you have applied for a job in Canada, chances are you have been asked for references.
References are people who can talk about your work experience, work habits, character and skills.
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They are the people you know who are willing to speak highly of you to others.
Types of References
There are many types of references:
- Work
- These are workplaces that you have worked at. Usually people will ask a manager, supervisor or boss for a reference. This is a person who can speak about your work ethic, the skills that you have.
- Character
- This is someone who can speak to your qualities as a person. It could be someone from work, volunteering, school or friend. (though friends aren’t usually recommended as would a true friend ever say anything bad???)
- Volunteer
- If you don’t have any workplace references, your next best choice is a volunteer reference. This is because when you are volunteering you are technically working (for free), so they can still speak to your skills, etc.
- Academic
- This could be a teacher, someone at college/university who knows you well enough to speak about you.
How to Choose a Reference
It’s important that you choose people with whom you have a good relationship with. Just because your boss has seen you work, doesn’t mean they will speak highly of you (or want to be a reference). There needs to be a positive relationship there first.
It’s also important for you to have a conversation with your chosen references prior to using them. The worst thing you can do is list someone as a reference and not tell them.
Along with asking them make sure you:
- Let them know about the jobs you are applying for.
- Timeline as to when they might be called (maybe in the next 2-3 months)
If it’s been 6 months or longer, it’s good to check in with your references to make sure you can still use them. People change jobs, phone numbers, etc. It would not look good to have a reference who’s phone number doesn’t work as that makes you look bad.
What if I don’t Have any Canadian References?
If you don’t have any Canadian workplace references, try for a character, academic or volunteer one. It’s fine to have a mix of references (Canadian and your home country).
I have found that not everyone expects references. It’s fine to have on your resume “references available upon request”. Who knows, maybe they won’t even ask!
Many employers want to see your work ethic themselves as references aren’t always accurate anyway. Let’s be honest, for all a employer know’s it could be your Dad on the other end of the phone pretending to be a manager!
So don’t worry if you don’t have a ton of references. Do you best to get as many experiences as you can and reach out to local newcomer resources for help. Good luck!
