Career Guide
Choosing and preparing APS referees
Select referees who can validate your recent work, understand the role and provide specific evidence about your performance, behaviours and contribution.
The quick answer
Choose referees who have directly observed your recent, relevant work and can speak to the capabilities required for the role. A current or recent supervisor is commonly expected where possible. Ask permission, share the job information and your application, explain the examples you used and advise the panel about any sensitivity before contact.
The best referee is an evidence source
Seniority alone does not make a strong referee. A person who knows your work well can usually provide more credible detail than a prominent contact with limited direct observation.
What referee checks do
Referee checks provide independent information about performance, behaviour, knowledge and work-related qualities. They can validate claims in your resume, application and interview or clarify matters the panel wants to test.
Who to choose
Choose people with direct and recent knowledge of relevant work. Consider whether the person can explain your responsibility, observe your behaviour, distinguish your contribution and comment at the advertised level. A supervisor, project lead, senior stakeholder or professional lead may be appropriate depending on the role and instructions.
Prepare your referees
Ask permission before nominating someone. Provide the advertisement and candidate pack, your submitted application and resume, the interview date, and a short reminder of the examples you used. Explain the capabilities likely to be tested, but do not script or pressure the referee.
Confirm their current title, contact details and availability.
Current supervisor sensitivity
If approaching your current supervisor could create a genuine concern, do not leave the issue until the panel is calling. Follow the application instructions and discuss the sensitivity with the contact officer or panel. Be ready to nominate an alternative who can provide relevant evidence.
Consistency and integrity
Your referee should be able to recognise the events, role and outcomes you described. Differences are not automatically adverse, but inflated responsibility, changed numbers or unexplained claims can damage credibility. Keep the application accurate from the beginning.
Official guidance used for this page
Guidance last reviewed: July 2026
This Professional Resumes Australia guide interprets public recruitment guidance for applicants. Always follow the instructions in the specific job advertisement and candidate information pack.
Questions about APS referees
Must I nominate my current supervisor?
A current or recent supervisor is often expected where possible, but sensitivities can arise. Follow the process instructions and discuss special considerations with the contact officer or panel before referees are approached.
How many referees will be contacted?
Requirements vary. Current APSC recruitment guidance encourages panels to undertake at least two checks where possible, but follow the specific vacancy instructions.
Want your referee evidence to support your application?
Professional Resumes Australia can help you keep your written and interview evidence consistent, prepare for referee-stage scrutiny and brief referees appropriately.