As a student, new graduate, or entry-level professional, strong references are often an important step in your job search journey. However, it's essential to recognize when a reference may be outdated and when it's time to consider selecting a more recent alternative. Here are a few key indicators and considerations to help you make that decision:
1. Passing Time/Industry Knowledge and Relevance
Generally speaking, references, just like any information, have a shelf life. As a general guideline, references older than five years may start to lose their impact, especially in industries where technology and best practices evolve rapidly. When considering the relevance of a reference, think about how much has changed in your field since that individual was familiar with your work.
2. Professional Relationship and Communication
Assess the nature of your professional relationship with the individual serving as your reference. If you haven't worked with or communicated with them for an extended period, their ability to speak to your current skills, accomplishments, and work ethic may be limited. A reference who is disconnected from your recent achievements may not be the best advocate for your candidacy. For example, if you’re about to graduate university, a high school teacher or coach isn’t necessarily the best person to speak to your current accomplishments.
Note: Avoid using your family, friends, or previous managers from jobs where you didn’t leave on a positive note. Including these people makes for some awkward conversations and is a reflection on your credibility. Also - always let your references know that someone might call - it’s nice to be given a heads up or a warning instead of being caught off guard.
3. Credibility and Reputation
The credibility of your reference is paramount in the eyes of hiring managers. If the individual's reputation has diminished over time, or if they are no longer perceived as a leading figure in the industry, it may be time to seek a reference with stronger credibility. Remember, your references reflect your professional network and reputation.
4. Seek Feedback from Career Advisors and Mentors:
If you're unsure about the relevance of a reference, seek guidance from career advisors, mentors, or professors. They can offer valuable insights and help you determine whether it's time to choose a fresher reference. Take advantage of their industry knowledge and experience to gain a fresh perspective on your reference choices.
5. Proactively Build New Relationships:
It's essential to proactively build new relationships with professionals who can provide current and relevant references. Networking events, industry conferences, and school extracurriculars, and online platforms like LinkedIn are excellent avenues for connecting with potential references who can attest to your skills and qualifications. Establishing new connections demonstrates your ability to adapt and grow within your industry, and fresh references from more recent relationships can strengthen your professional image.
Note: Don’t just send a cold message to someone on LinkedIn asking them to be a reference for you. LinkedIn is a great stepping stone to make connections and create relationships, but consider how well someone actually knows you and if they could confidently speak to your character and abilities before asking them to stick their neck out for you, for lack of better words.
Final Thoughts
While loyalty to longstanding references is admirable, it's crucial to assess their relevance in the context of your current job search. Remember that selecting references who can speak to your current abilities and accomplishments is important to showcase your potential to prospective employers.