Job Interview Questions and Answers
Question 11: Who are your references?
It is a good idea to type up the names and contact information of your references on a sheet of paper and present it to the interviewer when the topic comes up. Ideally, one should provide the names of current and former supervisors as references since these are the people prospective employers most want to speak with about your work performance. Giving the names of others as references -- such as co-workers, friends, family members, etc. -- might be an indication that you do not want the interviewer to contact your supervisor. If you do not have any work history, use teachers, professors, or business people you or your family knows as references.
A good answer to this question:
"I have prepared a list of references here I would like you to have. I have selected my current supervisor, Jane Doe, as my major reference since she can speak about my most recent work performance and accomplishments. I also list the names of my previous two supervisors at Acme, Jack Wilson and Norma Smith."
If one does not have any work references, a good answer might be, "I asked two of my engineering professors to be references for me and they agreed to do so. I typed up their names, phone numbers and contact information on this sheet of paper. They can attest to the work I completed as an intern over the past two years. I also list Mrs. Sally Wilson, who is a prominent attorney and a friend of the family. She has known me since I was a child and can attest to my character."
