What they are really asking

References are people who agree to tell an employer about your work: former managers, teachers, clients. When an interviewer asks this, it's often a good sign. They're thinking seriously about you and want to confirm what they've heard.

The only right answer is some version of yes, but the quality of the yes matters. A candidate who says "Sure, let me find some names" sounds unprepared. A candidate who has names ready, has already asked those people, and can say what each one knows about them sounds organized and confident. Always ask your references before you give their names, and tell them what job you're applying for.

A shape that works

Yes, who, and why them. Say yes with no hesitation. Say how many references you have and who they are, by role rather than by name if you prefer. Add one line on what each can speak to. Offer to send their contact details, and mention that they're expecting a call. If there's a gap, like a career break, explain your choice of references in a sentence.

Model answers

Listen to how each answer is built, then make it yours.

Answer 1: an accountant in Toronto
Answer 2: a recent graduate in Beijing
Answer 3: an HR professional in Sydney returning after a break

Check yourself

1What makes a candidate sound prepared when this question comes up?
2What should you always do before giving someone's name as a reference?

Practice · 3 min

Write down two or three people who could be your references and one thing each could say about your work. Then record a thirty-second answer that says yes, names them by role, and says what each knows about you. Listen back: did you say yes in the first three words?

Your recording stays on this device. Nothing is uploaded.

Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.