It is the part of a job application we all dread - references. The excitement of a new job prospect can be dampened by thoughts like: ☼ What will my previous/current manager say about me? ☼ I’m too overwhelmed, I’ll just put ‘references available on request’ ☼ I can’t use my current employer, because they will know I’m job hunting ☼ My references are old which means I can’t use them You are not alone in feeling this way; I have a lot of clients raise these concerns with me.