Some types of jobs don’t require references; if it’s a low-risk position, like retail or customer service, a hiring manager may be willing to trust a CV or take a chance on a fresh face. But when you’re pursuing work caring for the elderly, someone’s health—and even life—is on the line, so employers scrutinise candidates closely.
Of course, CVs are important, but it’s easy for people to embellish their experience or exaggerate their skills. Background checks reveal criminal history, but they can’t tell you about someone’s personality or skill set. For honest third-party information on candidates, employers turn to references. A reference can provide a prospective employer with information critical to knowing whether a candidate is suitable for care work. The right referee should be able to give them the lowdown on your career history, skills, capabilities, how you work, and whether you’re the right fit for this kind of role.
If you’re ready to assemble your line-up of go-to references but aren’t sure where to start, read on for tips and answers to common questions.
How many references do I need?
You’ll usually require two or three references to be considered for a role caring for the elderly, so prepare to have at least that many at the ready. As your career progresses, you can add more to your arsenal and have a selection of references to choose from depending on what type of job you’re applying for.
What makes a strong reference?
The best references will be able to promote a caregiver’s strengths in the relevant areas. Teamwork, initiative, dedication, communication, resilience, and reliability are all in high demand.
These insights are especially valuable when coming from a past supervisor or line manager. Employers look to references who can confirm that you are capable of assisting the elderly with their daily activities—and making sure they don’t feel lonely, too. Strong references can indicate your abilities and strengths in both soft skills (personal habits or traits) and hard skills (technical abilities and knowledge you possess as a result of specific training).
When thinking about potential references, you should opt for individuals who can not only provide employers with a general understanding of your performance in past jobs, but insight into your personality and how you might approach your new role.
What if I’m new to professional senior caregiving?
Experience is key. Knowing how to care for the elderly is crucial, and referees are key to demonstrating that you have the right skills and expertise. However, providing you are passionate about and committed to caring for seniors, a broad range of experience and skills can count in your favour.
While many organisations will call for a minimum level of experience working with the elderly, this can include caring for a relative, neighbour or friend. If you’ve held a caring role outside of a professional context, you may wish to offer a member of the individual’s family as a referee who can attest to your experience and skills.
If you’re new to the sector, taking a relevant training course can also help demonstrate your capabilities, and teaching staff can be suitable referees. Many care organisations and facilities understand that those joining the industry need opportunities to gain experience.
Can I use friends or family as references?
Unless you have personal experience of caring for the elderly, it’s not a good idea to use your family, as they may be biased and unfamiliar with your career history. If you don’t have much work experience, get creative and reach out to contacts who can provide positive character references. This could include a teacher, coach, community leader, close friend or neighbour.
Another rule of thumb: only use friends as references if you’ve worked with them in some capacity, even if it’s simply through volunteering or a community project or organisation. You need to call on people who have witnessed what you do for the wider world around you—not just those who can confirm you’re a good or kind person.
You can also contact former managers or colleagues from past jobs in completely different sectors, as they can still describe your approach to work and increase your credibility as a professional. Information on a candidate’s character, work history, background, qualifications and personality can all be helpful input when making a decision to hire.
How do I ask someone to be my referee?
Proper reference etiquette really requires you to ask the person you’d like to be your referee before you pass on their details. Wherever you can, you should contact them first and find out if they’re willing and able to help out. Here are a few tips for how to proceed:
1. Explain your employment goals and why you want this role.
This will help your prospective referee connect with why they’re trying to help you secure the role and convey your skills all the more effectively to your potential employers. Explain that you’re looking for work in the care sector, for example, because you’ve gained relevant experience and are looking to take on a similar role, or you’re passionate about getting into the industry.
2. Ask if this individual would consider being your referee.
Explain why you thought of that person, citing how you appreciated the time you spent together (whether working, volunteering, etc.).
3. If they seem willing, discuss what you hope this person could offer as a reference.
If you’re short on professional references, make sure to let your personal referees know which relevant talking points you’d like them to discuss—such as volunteering work you’ve done together, or times you’ve helped elderly relatives and neighbours.
4. Offer to answer any questions and allow them time to think and follow up with you in a few days.
This approach can reap greater rewards than asking them bluntly if they’re interested in helping you out. On balance, it’s more likely to yield that all-important yes. And don’t be discouraged if this particular person says no. Rejection is protection: if someone feels they cannot provide a reference for you, they aren’t likely to be your strongest advocate.
Another way to help someone offering to give you a reference is to raise any concerns you have about why you might not be suitable for the job. This means they won’t be caught off-guard if your prospective employer asks questions in this vein. If you aren’t in regular contact, sending referees a copy of your most recent CV can also help refresh them on your work history.
How do I present my references to an employer?
When a company asks for your references, in addition to providing the person’s name and contact information, you should also give their current professional title and place of employment. If they’re not currently working, explain the capacity in which you knew or worked with this individual. This makes the reference legitimate, as it shows the extent to which they’re familiar with your expertise and skills.
The bottom line on gathering references as a caregiver
In careers such as caregiving, where employees can have a major impact on an individual’s health and wellbeing, employers take the hiring process seriously. Don’t neglect your CV, but make sure to build up a strong line-up of references, too. This way, if you secure your dream job interview or offer, you’ll be ready to hand over a list of your champions who can help push you over the finish line.