The Job Seeker’s Guide to Avoiding Bad References

Job hunting is already a stressful process—perfecting your resume, preparing for interviews, and negotiating salaries. But one often-overlooked part of the hiring process is choosing the right job references. A strong reference can confirm your skills, work ethic, and potential. But a weak or ill-chosen reference can ruin your chances of landing your dream job.

You might assume that anyone who has worked with you will be a good reference, but that’s not always the case. Some references—whether intentionally or unintentionally—can hurt your job prospects. Even a neutral reference who doesn’t offer glowing praise could be a dealbreaker for a cautious hiring manager.

So, how do you avoid bad references and choose the best ones? Let’s break it down with insights from City Personnel, a top staffing agency that has helped countless job seekers land the right roles with the right references.

The References That Can Harm Your Job Search

1. Family Members and Friends

It might seem convenient to list a trusted friend, sibling, or cousin, but personal references carry little weight with employers. Hiring managers look for professional endorsements, not biased opinions from people who love you unconditionally.

Even if your friend is an executive at a prestigious company, their recommendation won’t carry the same value as a former supervisor or coworker who directly worked with you. Employers want references who can provide insight into your workplace performance, not just vouch for your character.

2. A Boss You Had a Rocky Relationship With

If you and your former boss didn’t get along, think twice before listing them. Some supervisors may be professional enough to provide a fair reference, but others might let personal biases color their feedback.

A lukewarm reference—or worse, a negative one—could make hiring managers hesitate. If you suspect a former boss won’t champion your strengths, choose a different reference, such as a team lead, senior colleague, or department manager.

3. Coworkers Who Barely Worked With You

While it’s okay to use a coworker as a reference, they need to be able to speak in-depth about your work. If you list someone who was in the same department but didn’t closely collaborate with you, their reference might sound generic or vague.

Hiring managers can tell when a reference is grasping for details. If your reference can’t confidently answer questions about your strengths, responsibilities, and impact, it might be worse than not listing them at all.

4. Someone Who Hasn’t Worked With You in Years

Time can blur memories, and if your reference hasn’t worked with you in over five years, they might struggle to recall key details about your performance. Hiring managers prefer recent, up-to-date insights into your skills and work ethic.

An outdated reference might not align with your current abilities. If your most recent employer isn’t an option, consider listing a more recent mentor, manager, or colleague rather than someone who barely remembers your role.

5. A Current Manager (If They Don’t Know You’re Leaving)

Unless your manager is aware of your job search and fully supportive, listing them as a reference can backfire. Many companies frown upon employees seeking new opportunities, and a premature reference check could strain your workplace relationships.

If you need a reference from your current workplace, consider asking:

• A trusted senior colleague
• A supervisor outside of your immediate department
• A mentor or project manager

That way, you maintain professionalism while avoiding potential workplace tension.

Who to List Instead

1. Former Supervisors Who Valued Your Work

A previous boss who appreciated your contributions is one of the best references you can have. They can offer specific insights into your work ethic, strengths, and achievements.

If you left your last job on good terms, reach out to your former manager and ask if they’d be willing to provide a reference. Be sure to explain the role you’re applying for so they can tailor their feedback accordingly.

2. Coworkers Who Can Provide Specific Examples of Your Work

If a manager isn’t available, a respected colleague who worked closely with you can be a great alternative. They can speak to your collaboration skills, teamwork, and day-to-day contributions.

For example, if you worked on a big project together, they can highlight your problem-solving abilities, leadership, or technical expertise—all things hiring managers want to hear.

3. Clients or Vendors (If Relevant to Your Industry)

If your job involves working directly with clients, vendors, or external partners, a reference from them can be incredibly powerful. They can provide insight into your professionalism, communication skills, and ability to build strong business relationships.

This is especially useful if you worked in sales, consulting, customer service, or freelance roles where client satisfaction was a key part of your job.

4. Professors or Mentors (If You’re a Recent Graduate)

For recent graduates or entry-level job seekers, finding professional references can be tough. If you don’t have much work experience, a professor, mentor, or internship supervisor can serve as a strong reference.

They can speak to your work ethic, problem-solving skills, and ability to learn quickly, which are crucial qualities for any job.

How to Prepare Your References

Choosing the right references is only half the battle—you also need to prepare them properly so they can provide the best possible recommendation.

1. Ask for Permission First

Never assume someone is willing to be a reference. Always ask first, and let them know what role you’re applying for so they can tailor their responses accordingly.

2. Provide Context

Help your references by refreshing their memory. Provide them with:

• A copy of your resume
• Key projects or achievements you worked on together
• The job description of the role you’re applying for

This allows them to give specific, impactful feedback rather than generic statements.

3. Follow Up and Say Thank You

After your reference has been contacted, thank them for their time—whether you land the job or not. A small gesture of appreciation can strengthen your professional relationships for future opportunities.

Final Thoughts

Your references play a huge role in your job search, and the wrong choice can be detrimental to your chances. Avoid unreliable, vague, or inappropriate references and instead choose people who can confidently vouch for your skills and experience.

Want more expert insights on choosing the right job references? Check out City Personnel’s full guide for more in-depth advice on who to avoid and who to choose instead.