When you’re asked to provide referees, employers are usually looking for people who can give reliable and relevant feedback about your work or attest to your character. To make sure your referees meet the requirements, keep the following in mind:

• Professional relationship
  Referees should be people you have worked with directly, such as a manager, supervisor, or team leader. Personal references (friends or family) are generally not accepted.
  
  
• Recent experience
  Employers usually prefer referees from your most recent roles, as they can provide current and relevant insights.
  
  
• Direct knowledge
  A referee should know your work well enough to speak about your skills, responsibilities, and work style.
  
  
• Contact details
  Make sure you provide accurate and up-to-date contact information so referees can be reached easily.
  
  
• Number of referees
  Most employers will ask for at least two referees, though this can vary depending on the role or industry.
  
  

Meeting these requirements helps ensure your reference check runs smoothly and that employers get the information they need to make a fair decision.