How to Choose Your Referees | Study With New Zealand

Finding local referees can be a challenge when you haven’t been in New Zealand for long. But you may have more potential referees than you think.

We asked an international student, an international graduate and a career development consultant for their top five tips for choosing referees who can help you succeed in your job search.  

Most New Zealand employees will ask for at least two referees, says former international student Diyva Kataria, from India. 

“I think your referees need to be varied,” says Divya, who is now working as a graduate civil engineer in Wellington. 

“You want a previous employer, a lecturer who you have a good connection with, a workplace and someone who can provide a character reference. It could be the boss of your previous company, a colleague or a friend.  

“You need to have referees you are confident about: who know you well enough, and who you know well enough.” 

Divya suggests one of your lecturers would be a good first person to ask to be your referee.  

“After a few weeks at the university, you could introduce yourself to the lecturer and say, ‘Hey, I am an international student. I’m applying for part time jobs and I’m studying in your class. Could you please give me a reference?’” 

New Zealand employers are usually flexible if you explain that you’re new to the country and don’t have any work referees, says career development consultant John Dorado.  

He suggests you think about giving the names of ‘character referees’ – people you’ve dealt with in New Zealand who can say what kind of a person you are.  

“Employers want to have access to someone who could verify your character. They need someone they could check with to see if you are actually reliable and that you are who you say you are,” says John.  

For example, says John, a referee could be a host parent in your homestay, or someone you’ve met through joining a club or programme at the place where you’re studying.  

Korean student Marie Hwang says volunteering is a great way for international students to find referees, gain skills and have new experiences. 

“From volunteer work, I’ve got a reference letter from a charity administrator. So even volunteer work can enable you to make relationships and gain a referee,” says Marie, who is studying for a Master’s of Professional Accounting and Finance at Massey University. 

Marie also says it’s OK to provide referees from different types of job. One of her previous employers from the hospitality industry gave a reference to her current employer, who is in a different industry.  

There’s no point having amazing referees if your potential employer isn’t able to contact them, says John.  

“In some countries overseas employers don’t do reference checks, but in New Zealand they do these checks as part of the hiring process,” he says.   

“So it’s important to have a local referee they can easily access or call.” 

So you’ve found the perfect person to help you on your job hunt – but how do you ask them to be your referee?  

Divya suggests not giving the names of referees on your CV. Instead, write ‘Referees available on request’.  

“When you get shortlisted for a job, give your referees a call, catch up with them and say, ‘Hey, I’m applying for a job and I would really love for you to be my referee. Is that OK?’” says Divya.   

“Ask them about their work hours and when they are available to give a reference. You don’t want them to be disturbed, so ask them, talk to them, touch base with them, and then give their information to the employer.”