including reference for someone who works at company I want to work at?

[Anonymous]

I'm applying for a job at a company where two of my prior coworkers from a few jobs ago currently work. We've stayed in close touch and they are excited I am applying. Is it a good move to put one of them down as a formal reference?

We worked together and she can of course vouch for me professionally, but there are others not at this company I have worked with more recently (and who were senior to me) who might be stronger references. I am unsure how "slick" a move it is to include her. She has happily agreed to put in a good word with the hiring manager. Is that enough or should I "double" up? Thank you.

[Anonymous]

If she was never you're supervisor, listing her as a reference may not go over well.

Better to just mention her in your cover letter. The very first line should be something like "So-and-so from your organization recommended I contact you/apply."

[Anonymous]

If you know that she will already recommend you, and you are confident that the outside people will also say good things, I'd list the outside people so that the hiring managers hear from a larger group.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you know that she will already recommend you, and you are confident that the outside people will also say good things, I'd list the outside people so that the hiring managers hear from a larger group.

+1

Plus, you never know whether they are in favor with the hiring manager at the new place, so an unknown could be a safer bet.

[Anonymous]

Don't list references unless they are requested.
If the company has a referral process, she should refer you.