A reference (or recommendation) has a single purpose: to reinforce the interviewer’s conviction that you’re the best person for the job. Also, if you’ve gotten to the reference check stage, the hard work is already over. But one bad reference from an unsympathetic colleague could undo all of it. So, it is important to be well regarded by your peers and superiors. And it helps to choose your ‘friends’ at work who could then be made as referees for your professional abilities.

Follow these six rules when trying to gain a good reference:

1. Timing – When should you provide references?
References should be provided only on request. Give out the names and contact details of referees once your potential new employer asks for it. Your current boss may otherwise wonder why he/she is suddenly receiving a call from the head-hunters about you. And you may end up having to leave the organization long before you planned, with nowhere to go. so, there’s no point in volunteering this information too soon.

2. Probables – Who should be your references?
You must choose your referees carefully. They must be people who can make a professional assessment of your suitability. This includes managers, supervisors, mentors and colleagues, or even a business partner/client.

3. Selection – How do you choose the references?
Prepare a list of potential references in your current and previous assignments as mentioned above and score (high, medium, low) them on three parameters – designation (seniority), level of interaction and competence. By competence we mean the competence to judge you the way you wish to be perceived. In an ideal scenario, choose the ones that score High on all three parameters. A High score in competence is an absolute must.

4. Number – How many references should you provide?
In most cases, the headhunter would ask for a specific number of references and your should stick to that number. The number would never exceed 4 and so that is the number of referees you should have to fall back upon if needed. If the number is not specified, provide 2 references. You should ensure that half or more references are from your current assignment.

5. Discuss – What should your references be prepared for?
Prepare the ground and inform your referees about what questions to expect. Refresh their memories with anecdotes that they could use when called. Also, Apart from your strengths, also mention the weaknesses that they should speak about if asked. It might be useful if you disclose what you’re likely to be doing next so that they can judge your suitability for the new role themselves. All of these measures will help to determine what your referees actually say about you when they take the call or start writing your reference. Your discussion with them will make life a lot easier for everyone. Also, make sure that there is a consistent image portrayed by all your referees backed with unique anecdotes.

6. Credit – Give credit where it is due
Once your references are consulted and they speak proudly and at length about your abilities / achievements / personality, remember to thank each one of them individually. Because you never know when you may need their help again. Finally, Don’t be surprised if they ask you to return the favour.