When you’re looking for a job, choosing references to give to potential employers can be like dating — you’ve got your old flames on the backburner, the ones you know can be trusted to make you look good. If you really want to impress an employer, think about the ones who got away, instead. The references you’ve forgotten about may be the best ones to impress employers.

Old Flame #1: Former Co-worker

There’s nothing wrong with using your old buddy from your old job as a professional reference — just so long as you haven’t worked with your buddy since you both used typewriters for filling out paperwork. Employers can and should get suspicious when your references are from positions you held years ago, unless there’s some clear reason why these are the references you chose (e.g. you are applying for a job in a field you have not worked in for awhile, the job requires a skill set you mastered at a job a few years back.)

The One- Who- Got- Away #1: Former Boss

So many job applicants shy away from asking former bosses to provide references, but there’s no more impressive reference for a potential employer. A former supervisor is the perfect candidate for letting a future employer know that you have confidence in your abilities and in your ability to perform to exacting standards. Extra points if you can swing a reference from your current boss — if you’re looking for a job because you are relocating, because you’ve just completed education in a new field, or any other reason to be leaving an employer on good terms, there’s no reason not to try for a reference from your current supervisor.

Old Flame #2: Teacher or Professor

Using a teacher or professor as a reference seems like a great idea, and like the former co-worker, there’s no reason not to — on the surface. But again, if it’s been years since this teacher or professor has graded your papers, then you need a newer reference.

The One- Who- Got- Away #2: Community Leader

Being active in community organizations — whether in a leadership role or as a volunteer who can be counted on as an extra pair of hands — shows initiative and a willingness to go above and beyond what’s required. If you’re active in your community, use the president of a community organization or even a local elected official as a reference — it’s sure to impress an employer, whether in your own town or elsewhere.

Old Flame #3: A Good Friend

If you’ve not been in the working world long, or are new to your field, you may not have that many so-called professional references to choose from. It’s tempting to use a friend to pad your references, but unless you and that friend have operated a business together, don’t. The friend will likely be unable to answer pertinent questions from employers, and that lack of information about your career may make employers suspicious.

The One-Who-Got-Away #3: Staffing Agency Professional

Working with a staffing agency to gain experience in your field does more than just build your resume — it gives you a whole new spectrum of professional contacts. Recruiting experts help match your abilities with employers who are interested in your training and experience, and are therefore perfect for professional references when the time comes.

If you’re scratching your head when it’s time to come up with professional references, it could be that you need more experience, and the staffing professionals at Staffing Partners are here to help you gain that experience. Contact us today!