Having good referees behind you can make all the difference between landing a new position or losing the opportunity. For this reason selecting the right referees requires some serious thought. Also, keep in mind that a professional resume does not list these referees.

One of the top rules of selecting good referees is to avoid family and friends. Candidates seeking their first graduate placement often grab at the first people who are likely to say positive things may. As a result, they find themselves with referees who actually do them a disservice. Although you can be assured you will get a decent plug as a person, these are rarely the best sources on how well you may be able to perform your job or how broad your skills base may be.

Similarly, avoid listing relative strangers on your CV. It’s always far better to select someone with whom you have a current – and solid – relationship, than to opt for a referee who may have a fancy title but know little about you or your performance in the workplace. At the end of the day you want someone who will sell you as a candidate, not simply impress your interviewer with their own qualifications.

Once you’ve selected your referees – ideally three or four – then remember to notify them of any positions or graduate program for which you apply. The more chance they have to gather their thoughts before being contacted by your potential new boss, the more chance they will be able to provide a decent reference. Think strategically in much the same way that you with your cover letter for resume support.

Also, it’s both good manners and smart relationship maintenance to send your referees a thank-you note or email once you’ve finished with your latest job search. It’s a chance to update them on your new workplace and will help sustain good relations which may come in handy at a later point. Such relational skills are even more valuable than the best interview skills.