Who is eligible for a person reference?

Question

I have to provide a personal reference for a gap year company, but the questions are quite personal and difficult.

I was wondering, who exactly can I ask? Am I allowed to use my friends or family? Colleagues?

I'm struggling to find anyone out of these categories who knows me well enough to do it!

Answer 1

A personal reference is usually a person that you know i.e. friend, family member.  A professional reference is usually someone that you have worked for that can vouch for your work ethic.  I usually do not list family members for a personal reference because everyone knows that unless you have made them mad they will give a great reference for you.  Friends and co-workers work well with references but make sure you talk to them and ask them if you can use their names as references before you list them.  Tell them that someone might call and ask them what they will say about you.  List people that you have known for awhile.  Not someone that you met last Tuesday.:)

2 years plus is usually good.  Good luck wit the job.