What is a reference and why do employers ask?
A reference is a person who has seen your work or character and agrees to talk about you. Employers contact references to check that you are honest, dependable and a good fit. In agriculture, where trust matters because people work with animals, equipment and money, references carry a lot of weight.
Most applications ask for two or three. Some ask for letters, while others call or email. Have your list ready before you start applying, so you are never scrambling.
Your list can include more than one kind of person. A mix of an employer, a teacher and a mentor gives a fuller picture of you than three people from the same place.
Who makes a good reference?
Choose adults who know your work. Good choices include a farm or ranch owner you worked for, a supervisor at a part-time job, an ag teacher, an FFA or 4-H advisor, a coach, or a project mentor. Pick people who will say specific, positive things.
Family members are usually not a good fit because employers expect an outside view. A relative you worked for on a family operation can sometimes be listed, but be clear about the relationship.
- Employers and supervisors
- Ag teachers and club advisors
- Volunteer coordinators and coaches
- Mentors who watched you work
How do you ask someone to be a reference?
Ask first, never assume. Talk or write to the person and say you are applying for a particular kind of job and wondering if they would be comfortable speaking on your behalf. Give them an easy way to decline, such as saying you understand if they are too busy.
Ask well before you need them. A week or two of notice is courteous, and more is better during busy seasons like planting, harvest and calving.
If a reference prefers a particular way of being contacted, such as a text first or a phone call at certain hours, write that down. Respecting their time makes them more willing to help.
- Ask in person or by a polite message
- Explain the job you want
- Give an easy way to say no
- Allow two weeks or more
What should you give your references?
Send a copy of your resume, a short description of the job, and a few reminders of the work you did together. For example, remind a former supervisor of the season, your tasks and a project you were proud of. That makes it easy for them to give a detailed answer.
Share contact information that is accurate and tell them the best way to reach them. If you are a minor, talk with a parent or guardian about which contact details to share.
Offer to share a short list of strengths you hope they can mention, like reliability, initiative or a good attitude with animals. Keep it a suggestion rather than a script.
- Current resume
- Job description
- Reminders of shared projects
- Best contact details
How do you keep references strong?
Say thank you every time, whether or not you got the job. Let them know the result and how it turned out. A short note a few weeks later is appreciated.
Stay in touch between job searches. Send a brief update when you finish a school year, earn a certificate or start a new project. People are happier to help someone they have heard from lately.
If a reference gets contacted, they may ask what the job is. Keep them informed so they are not surprised by a call from an unfamiliar number.
- Thank them every time
- Report the result
- Send brief updates
- Check contact details yearly
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not list someone without asking. Do not use people who might give a lukewarm answer. Do not forget to update the list when people move or change jobs. And if you leave a job on difficult terms, think carefully about whether to list that supervisor, and ask a teacher or counselor for advice. Honesty and a calm tone go a long way in these situations.
How can you build references starting now?
Do good work in whatever you are doing today. Be on time, ask questions and finish what you start. Volunteer for extra responsibility in clubs and school projects. Each of these gives an adult a clear story to tell about you later, which is exactly what a reference is.
Your next steps
- Choose adults who have seen your work and will speak well of it.
- Always ask permission and give plenty of notice.
- Provide a resume and reminders of what you did together.
- Say thank you and stay in touch.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Ag Jobs & Careers Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.