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Q: Why do prospective employers ask for 3
references? I have only one supervisor and need 2 more. Who else can I ask?
- No Name in STL
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A: I get similar questions from my clients nearly
every single day - mainly because it's a good question.
Employers, as a rule, want at least three references, but seldom more
than five.
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One reference may lead an employer to believe either
a) you lack experience or b) you're not a very good worker.
Two references are a little better. That shows two will vouch for you. But
two is a small number in this world.
Three references actually round it out. People like things in threes. Consider
Star Wars (two trilogies), The Bulls (two threepeats),
The Three Musketeers, etc. Threes allow a start, a middle,
and an end.
Four, despite being "even," is a rather odd number of references
to use.
Five references are outstanding. It shows employers you are a great worker
and have a great deal of experience.
...Anything more than five, for the most part, is viewed as being a
show-off.
How do you get references? It's a misconception that they can only be from
your supervisors. You can also get valuable references from current and
past co-workers, members of an organization you belong to, and even where
you've volunteered.
IN THE CARAVAN: Stick to providing three - or five - references.
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bSafari.c
The Lion’s Pride: Q & A
