Last updated: January 2026
In this article: Why References Matter | Can You Use a Coworker? | Who to Ask | How to Prep Your References | Include Variety | FAQs
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References can make or break your job prospects. Even if you had a great interview, a single comment from one of your references could cause a hiring manager to second-guess you—or give them the confidence they need to extend an offer. Choose your references wisely.
Why References Can Make or Break a Job Offer
Imagine you’re a nervous interviewer. Your resume says all the right things, but you came across as awkward during your conversation with the hiring manager. They considered moving on, but decided to call your references first.
Every reference had glowing feedback: you were reliable, learned quickly, and worked well with the team. After hearing this, the hiring manager reconsidered and called you back for a second interview—which you nailed because you were less nervous the second time around.
This scenario plays out more often than you’d think. Strong references can rescue a mediocre interview, while weak ones can sink an otherwise strong candidacy.
Can You Use a Coworker as a Reference?
Yes, you can absolutely use a coworker as a job reference. In fact, coworkers can make excellent references because they have a realistic view of how you perform day-to-day work.
According to Harvard Business Review, when providing feedback, “Managers tend to emphasize task-related behaviors (e.g., meeting deadlines, working independently) while coworkers emphasize interpersonal behaviors (e.g., friendly, compassionate, listening). This isn’t necessarily surprising, as coworkers may have more opportunities to observe interpersonal behaviors of their peers in the workplace as compared to managers.”
Coworkers don’t carry the formal authority of a manager, which can actually work in your favor—their perspective feels more authentic and peer-level to hiring managers.
Who to Ask: You Have More Options Than You Think
Your three job references don’t need to be your last three bosses. You might have good reasons for not including a current or former manager: maybe you don’t want them to know you’re job searching, maybe you had a difficult experience, or maybe you simply need more variety.
Here are other people you can ask:
Other Managers in Your Workplace
If you’ve been at your company for more than a few months, you’ve likely worked with other managers or “higher-ups” who can speak to your abilities.
Direct Reports (People Who’ve Worked Under You)
If you’re applying for a leadership role, having someone who reported to you can be valuable. They can speak to your management style, communication skills, and your support for your team.
Coworkers and Peers
As noted above, coworkers offer a ground-level view of your work ethic, collaboration skills, and how you handle day-to-day challenges.
Past Clients
Lex Brown II of Task & Purpose notes, “Listing a client as a reference can provide a potential employer with testimony of your deliverables. Whatever outcomes result from your productivity (i.e., software code, website designs, photographs, sales revenue, manufactured products, project management, etc.), clients are probably the most reputable voice for feedback.”
Volunteer Supervisors
A volunteer supervisor can speak to your intrinsic motivation and ability to work hard, even without external pressure.
Professors or Academic Advisors
Especially useful for recent graduates, professors can speak to your intellectual curiosity, work quality, and ability to meet deadlines.
Know What Your References Will Say
One key factor in choosing references is knowing what they’ll actually say about you. Don’t assume that just because you only butted heads a few times with a previous manager that they won’t mention it.
Only choose references you’ve had a genuinely positive experience with and who you’re confident will speak highly of you. It’s perfectly acceptable to ask directly: “Can I count on you for a positive reference?”
How to Prep Your References
Before listing someone as a reference, always confirm they’re willing to be contacted. Once you have their permission, prep them so they can give relevant, helpful responses.
Tell Them About the Job
Make sure your references understand the role you’re pursuing and why you’re a strong fit. Explain what you’d be doing and how your past experience translates to the new position.
Share the Job Requirements
Even if you don’t meet every requirement, share the job description with your references. They may identify transferable skills you hadn’t considered.
Mention Key Talking Points
If there were recurring themes in your interview—analytical thinking, leadership potential, attention to detail—mention these to your references so they can reinforce those points.
Include a Variety of References
To give hiring managers a well-rounded picture of your background, include references from different areas of your professional life:
- A former manager shows you can work within organizational structures
- A coworker demonstrates that you collaborate well with peers
- A client proves you deliver results
- A volunteer supervisor shows passion beyond your paycheck
Avoid personal references (friends or family) unless you’re brand new to the workforce and genuinely cannot find three professional references. If you must include a personal or character reference, choose someone who has known you for an extended period and can speak meaningfully to your work ethic and character.
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FAQs About Job References
Can you use a coworker as a job reference?
Yes, coworkers make excellent references. They can speak to your day-to-day work habits, collaboration skills, and interpersonal behaviors that managers may not observe as closely.
How many references should you have?
Most employers ask for three professional references. However, it’s wise to have four or five prepared so you can tailor your list to each opportunity.
Should you use your current boss as a reference?
Only if they know you’re job searching. If you haven’t told your current employer you’re looking, use former managers, coworkers, or other professional contacts instead.
What if you don’t have three professional references?
Consider professors, volunteer supervisors, clients, or mentors. If you’re very new to the workforce, a character reference from someone who knows you well (other than family) can work as a last resort.
Should you tell references before listing them?
Always. Contact your references before sharing their information with employers, confirm they’re willing to speak on your behalf, and prep them on the role you’re applying for.
Can a bad reference cost you a job?
Yes. A lukewarm or negative reference can cause a hiring manager to reconsider, even after a strong interview. Only list references you’re confident will speak positively about you.
