referenceperson

Reference person is a term used to describe an individual who can attest to another person’s qualifications, experience, and character. In employment contexts, a reference person (often called a referee or reference) is someone an applicant provides to potential employers who may be contacted to verify information and assess suitability. The concept is also used in housing, education, and professional licensing, where a reference helps confirm identity, reliability, and capabilities.

A reference person is typically a former manager, supervisor, colleague, mentor, or other professional contact who knows the applicant’s work history and performance. The reference may be asked to confirm employment dates, job titles, responsibilities, and to offer qualitative assessments of skills, work habits, and interpersonal abilities. Some organizations request written reference letters, while others perform live or telephone reference checks.

Effective references are accurate, specific, and relevant to the job or context. Applicants should obtain consent before sharing contact details, choose references who can provide meaningful testimony, and brief them on the position and key achievements. References should avoid disclosing sensitive personal information and, where applicable, comply with privacy laws and data protection regulations.

Limitations include potential bias, outdated information, or limited insight into recent work. Employers often supplement reference checks with other verification methods such as portfolios, tests, or background checks.

See also: reference letter, character reference, background check, referee.