References may feel like a formality, but they can still have a major impact on a hiring decision. In this episode, Graham and Corinne break down who candidates should choose as references, how to prepare them and how to make the process as easy as possible.

They also discuss backdoor references, when hiring managers contact people outside of the candidate’s official list, sometimes without the candidate ever knowing. Finally, they share advice for anyone asked to serve as a reference, including when to say yes, what information to request and how to provide honest, specific feedback that is actually helpful.