Why do you need a job reference?

Question

Zippia Team · Accepted Answer

The main reason for needing a job reference is that people lie, especially on their resumes. While most people can find a co-worker or a boss that will say they did a good job, not many people can convince their old boss to lie about what they did or how they did it. References can be really important when it comes to weeding out bad employees.

References also give employers or recruiters another perspective on the job candidate. While you think your boss will speak highly of you, you don't actually know what he or she will say.

There are also times when someone looks great on paper but didn't interview well. A reference can help there. Or, on the opposite end, the candidate may do great in the interview and have everyone eating out of their hand, but their resume is lackluster. The right reference can shed insider light on the candidate's job performance.