Personal vs. Professional References

References can often make or break a job application. A set of excellent references can seal the deal, but it can raise red flags if HR has issues contacting them. Then there’s the complicated matter of submitting personal or professional references. Again, make the wrong choice here, and an employer might hesitate. 

Let’s take a look at the differences and which to use in different circumstances.

Is a Personal Reference the Same as a Professional Reference?

Not all references are the same, and personal and professional references have several differences. They serve different roles, cater to different needs, and tell different stories about you. One focuses on you as a person, while the other is about your role in a professional setting. 

What Is a Personal Reference?

A personal reference is supposed to paint a more intimate image of you than a professional one that often sticks to the facts. They might be done by friends, teachers, mentors, or even long-term acquaintances. Personal references vouch for your character, your values, and how you operate when you’re off the clock. 

It’s all about who you are, not just what you’ve done. The people writing the references might never have worked with you, but they can speak to the person behind the employee. 

What Is a Professional Reference?

Conversely, a professional reference speaks directly to your work ethic, skills, and performance in a job or career-related capacity. These are often written by former bosses, colleagues, or supervisors – people who have seen you in action in a professional capacity. They’re the ones who can tell a potential employer exactly what to expect from you in terms of job performance.

The Pros & Cons of Personal References vs. Professional References

So, now we know the differences, what are the pros and cons associated with personal and professional references?

Personal Reference Pros

These days, employers are often willing to dig further into a background to ensure the right candidate gets the job. With company ethics and vision now integral parts of the hiring process, it often makes sense to have a clear idea of who a person is away from the work environment. 

Are they a leader within their sports team? Have they always possessed a strong instinct for empathy and a willingness to communicate? This information can help an employer determine if you’re a good cultural fit for their team.

Personal references can also help fill the gaps where a professional reference may be lacking. While employment history is vital, it’s not the only factor employers look at. Perhaps you had to take a year out to care for a loved one or volunteer for a local charity. 

This kind of information won’t appear on a standard employment run-down but could be a decisive factor for employers.

Personal Reference Cons

However, personal references can be biased. If they are your close friends or associates, it’s highly unlikely that they will say anything negative about you when a potential employer calls.

Employers know this, so a personal reference might carry less weight than a professional one. It can sometimes feel like you’re stacking the deck with people who will always say nice things about you, which can be seen as less trustworthy.

Professional Reference Pros

Professional references are designed to remove color and leave only the information required when hiring. If you don’t care about a person’s character and simply want to look at their employment history and whether they have the necessary skills and qualifications, a professional reference is the way to go. 

They also carry a lot more credibility. It’s a big deal when a former boss or supervisor goes to bat for you; other employers respect that.

Professional references can also offer specific examples that showcase your skill set. Maybe you led a project, managed a team, or solved a complex problem that no one else could. A professional reference can give detailed accounts that make your resume come alive. It’s one thing to say you’re a hard worker, but it’s another for a former boss to back it up with facts.

Professional Reference Cons

If things don’t end well with a certain employer, you’ll likely be unable to use them as a reference, though giving a negative or false employment reference is illegal. This might not have been your fault, but there’s no way of explaining that to a potential future employer. Also, professional references are less personal by nature. They may not be able to tell a future employer much about who you are as a person, only how you performed at work. It might not be enough if the job you’re applying for cares a lot about your personality and values.

When Should a Candidate Use a Personal Reference?

Personal references aren’t common within most industries. They might be helpful if you’re just starting out and don’t have any employment history to showcase or if you’ve been out of the workforce for a while and need someone to vouch for your character and reliability. 

Personal references are also suitable for certain positions that put a lot of emphasis on personal skills or moral fiber, such as teaching or counseling positions, but even then, you’ll need a professional reference.

What About Family Members as References?

Using a family member as a reference is never recommended. Any employer in their right mind will question the integrity of a reference from a parent or other family member. Your mom and dad undoubtedly think you’re a superstar, but that will carry very little weight with a potential employer. 

Stick to people outside your family who know you well and can give an honest, unbiased account of your character.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is an Example of a Personal Reference?

A personal reference might be given by a friend who has worked with you in some capacity, a mentor who’s guided you through school, or a leader from a community organization you’ve been part of. It’s important that this person can vouch for qualities like your dedication, reliability, and interpersonal skills.

What Qualifies as a Professional Reference?

A professional reference can be anybody you have worked with professionally, such as a former boss, a manager, a colleague, or even a client. They should be able to give a firsthand account of what you’re like in a work environment and preferably somebody who can speak to your work ethic, skills, and accomplishments.

Who Cannot Be a Personal Reference?

Family members are a big no-no when it comes to personal references. Your favorite uncle or aunt might write you a glowing recommendation, but few employers would consider this reliable evidence of a person’s character. Stick with people who know you well but can also offer a fair and balanced view.

Final Thoughts

Personal and professional references are very different, but there is a time and a place for both. Personal references focus on the overall character, which is sometimes helpful to employers who want a holistic view of a potential employee, while professional references focus on the nuts and bolts. It’s usually a vital part of the hiring process, and an excellent recommendation from a former employee can give you the edge. 

References are a fundamental part of the hiring process, but you still need somebody to dot the i’s, cross the t’s, and ensure you’ve chosen the right candidate. That’s where a comprehensive background check from ScoutLogic comes in. We check everything from criminal backgrounds and social media to employment verification and drug testing. You pick the best, and we’ll do the rest.

David Garcia

David Garcia, co-founder and CEO of Scout Logic, is an industry leader in the bulk background check world. With his strategic acumen and expertise in the HR sphere, specifically in hiring, recruiting, legal compliance, background checks, and resume screening, he’s an invaluable asset and consultant.

David's counsel extends across the boards of ScoutLogic, YipitData, and Supplier.io, drawing from his impactful stints on the boards of Infutor and Avetta. With an extensive 25-year journey, he champions unparalleled B2B commercial leadership within data & analytics, significantly shaping the HR landscape.