In executive search, there’s no shortage of tools used to evaluate a candidate — resumes, interviews, assessments, and case studies. But one of the most revealing, and too often underutilized, components of a thoughtful evaluation is the professional reference. When approached strategically, references can bring a candidate’s leadership story to life in a way no other step in the process can. They provide the context, texture, and validation that even the most polished resume or interview performance can’t offer on its own.
Why References Still Matter — A Lot
In a world increasingly driven by AI and data, human insight remains irreplaceable. At CBIZ Talent Solutions, we conduct thorough, structured reference interviews that explore not just what a candidate did, but how they did it — and the impact they had on others.
We assess:
- Emotional Intelligence (EQ): How does the candidate navigate complex interpersonal dynamics? Are they empathetic, resilient, and self-aware?
- Intellectual Curiosity and Judgment (IQ): How do they process information, solve problems, and make decisions?
- Communication Skills: Are they clear, persuasive, inclusive, and transparent?
- Change Management Capability: Can they lead transformation and bring others along?
- Leadership Style: Are they collaborative or top-down? Hands-on or strategic?
- Strengths and Development Areas: What is their true superpower, and where might they struggle under pressure?
This level of insight can’t be gleaned from a checkbox exercise. It requires a reference who truly knows the candidate — and that brings us to the candidate’s role in the process.
Who You Choose Matters
Too often, candidates dust off a list of names they’ve carried for years, such as past managers, clients, or colleagues who are now retired or out of touch. The most effective references are:
- Current or recent (within the last 3 to 5 years)
- Close collaborators who observed the candidate in high-stakes, high-visibility situations
- Willing and able to speak in detail about outcomes, leadership, and day-to-day behavior
- From a mix of roles, including supervisors, peers, and direct reports (especially in leadership roles)
A “safe” reference who hasn’t worked closely with you in years won’t give the depth or specificity that clients now expect. Worse, if a reference sounds vague or overly rehearsed, it can raise red flags.
The Risk of Not Staying Current
Your reference list should evolve as your career does. As Leslie Shaw, Executive Search Consultant at CBIZ Talent Solutions, puts it: “Your reference list should evolve with your career. If you haven’t stayed in touch with those who can vouch for your recent performance, you risk undermining your own credibility. We’ve seen excellent candidates fall short simply because their references were stale, unavailable, or unconvincing.”
The takeaway is clear: even the strongest executive profile can be weakened by outdated or unprepared references. Building and maintaining these professional relationships is not just smart — it’s essential.
Proactive candidates:
- Check in with past mentors and collaborators regularly — not just when they need a favor
- Keep their reference list updated with names, titles, and contact information
- Brief references before they’re contacted so they’re prepared and aligned
The CBIZ Talent Solutions Difference
At CBIZ Talent Solutions, we treat references as a key validation step, not a formality. Our approach is designed to give our clients confidence in their final decision, and to give candidates an opportunity to be truly understood.
The result? A more accurate picture of how a leader will show up — not just in good times, but when stakes are high, teams are under pressure, and the path forward isn’t obvious.
Your references are more than endorsements — they are part of your leadership narrative. If you treat them with the same thoughtfulness you bring to your resume and interviews, you’ll strengthen your credibility and leave a lasting impression.
If you’re thinking about your next career move or preparing for an executive search, now is the perfect time to reconnect with the people who can speak to your recent impact and leadership style.
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