US employers often contact references near the end of the hiring process. A good reference can confirm what you said in interviews.
Who to ask
- Former managers or supervisors
- Senior colleagues who worked closely with you
- Clients, for client-facing roles
- Professors, for recent graduates
References from abroad
International references are common. Give the employer email addresses and time zones, and let your references know an American company may contact them.
Prepare them
- Ask permission first
- Send the job description
- Remind them of projects you worked on together
- Thank them afterward and share the outcome
