Before providing someone as your reference – make sure that person knows how being contacted fits into overall strategies involved in employment search efforts and what kind of questions employers tend to ask (i.e., strengths/weaknesses, etc.). Be proactive about choosing those who will speak positively about previous experiences working together and always remember to thank them afterward whether landed the next opportunity matters into consideration – a frequently appreciated gesture expressing gratitude towards people taking up extra responsibility on behalf of professional networks at the individual level!