When applying for jobs, your resume and network typically help you secure an interview. If all goes well, the interview will confirm the organization’ s interest in you. But there is one more job search component that often makes or breaks an official offer— reference checks.

References may be requested when you initially apply for a job; however, usually you will not provide references until you have been invited to interview. Either way, it is recommended to always have at least three to five professional references ready to speak well on your behalf. You certainly could have more than five, but when you submit your reference list, it is important to narrow that list to the top five people for the particular job and organization.

WHO SHOULD SERVE AS A REFERENCE? First, remember that these are professional references; therefore, avoid personal friends, family members, pastors, etc. Instead, focus on a variety of people who know you well in terms of your work ethic, skills, strengths and qualifications. It is best to use people who have worked with you in some capacity within the past 10 years. Also, when possible, have references from at least two different professional experiences to offer varied perspectives.

Here are people in your network to consider.

Current and former: Supervisors Colleagues and / or supervisees Facility board members Work-related vendors / sales representatives Outside contractors who completed a collaborative project with you Committee members Regular visitors / members of your facility

YOU HAVE IDENTIFIED POTENTIAL REFERENCES, NOW WHAT? Once you have selected people you would like to serve as references, it is important to ask their permission. When doing this, share the most recent copy of your resume, as well as any jobs for which you plan to apply. If they agree, find out the phone number and email address they prefer you use. Then, as you apply for jobs, keep them updated on the status of your search so they are well prepared if contacted.

Unless they are requested in the initial job application process, references are typically separate from

28 SportsField Management | September 2025 sportsfieldmanagementonline. com

SportsField Management September 2025 | Page 28

An important, but often overlooked, component of the job search

When applying for jobs, your resume and network typically help you secure an interview. If all goes well, the interview will confirm the organization’ s interest in you. But there is one more job search component that often makes or breaks an official offer— reference checks.