A personal reference is someone who knows an applicant outside of a professional work environment. These individuals are typically encountered in social settings or through community involvement.
Based on the provided information, here's a breakdown of what a personal reference entails:
- Who They Are: People an applicant knows outside of work.
- How They Met: Through social situations or community organizations.
- What They Provide: Firsthand knowledge about how a candidate behaves, even if they have no experience seeing the candidate in a work setting.
Essentially, a personal reference offers insight into an individual's character, reliability, and general conduct from a non-professional perspective.
Key Characteristics of a Personal Reference
Characteristic | Description |
---|---|
Relationship | Knows the applicant outside of professional work. |
Context of Meeting | Met in social situations or community groups. |
Information Shared | Provides firsthand knowledge of the applicant's behavior and character. |
Professional View | Does not necessarily need to have seen the candidate in a work environment. |
Utilizing personal references can offer potential employers a broader understanding of a candidate's qualities beyond just their resume and work history.