Why do I need to start thinking about references?

You don’t need to provide references until an offer is going to be extended. But having at least three potential contacts who can provide detailed verbal references for you is important.

Ideally at an executive level, you should be providing at least one C Suite or senior management reference, a lateral peer and potentially someone who reported to you.

Make sure that these connections will provide exceptional references with specific details and examples of situations where you demonstrated leadership and achieved results.