Who should I list as a reference on a job application?

Question

If your job application already asks "may we contact this employer" for each job in the work history section, then asks for references in a different section, should I still list employers as references or is it okay to list personal references such as clergy, references from voluntary work, or a former co-worker?

Answer 1

Former boss, colleague, professor, McDonalds worker, etc.

Answer 2

If it specifically asked for employers, I would put employers only.  However, I would not put employers whom you left under bad terms, or who otherwise might give you a poor reference.  You could use clergy if you volunteer at the church.  Technically, the preacher is your employer, you are just not getting paid.  I wouldn't list friends unless you worked for them in some capacity.

It depends on the job too.  McDonald's et al. are not going to put much time into you job history, but a bank, for example, will want to know a lot about your job history.

Answer 3

Employer and ex-employers should be kept seperate from personal references . Your best bet is to use the clergy and the voluntary work personnel for your reference. You can also use the former co -worker. Make sure your references are aware that you are applying for a job somewhere, that way they're not caught off guard..

Answer 4

you should phone former employers... or if you list people from voluntary work.. phone them first.. ask if it's ok to use them as a reference.. that is polite and they will know what kind of job you apply for and say the right thing and if they don't want to be mentioned as a reference they will tell you but once they accept, they can only give you a good reference but if you don't let them know they are allowed to say anything they want about you.. but if they agree they will only say positive things or say to you they can't give a reference... a character reference... yes, you can get that from voluntary work.. or a doctor or the clergy.. but not from a co-worker. a co worker will do but from a manager would be better or the person who run the place... where you worked. those are only character references...if the clergy gives one or the co-worker.. but if you have never worked before other than volunteer work.. then use them as character references... and list the names of your employers.. phone your former employers first.. ask if you can name them as references.. then write their names and phone numbers down...not their addresses.... they will phone them.. not write to them.. but make sure you let your former employers know.. then they are briefed what job you are looking for and if they agree to give you a reference.. on the phone. they will give you a good one.. if you don't phone them.. that's not polite and they could say whatever they think... so go and phone them .. most will say yes.. and you really only need 2 of each...

get as many as are willing... x*x phone them first.. x*x