While anyone can write a reference, the best person is someone who can speak about your quality of work and personal character. It's likely this person has known you for an extended period of time and can provide clear examples of your qualifications and achievements.
However, you should avoid obtaining a reference from anyone who could be considered biased, such as a family member. Depending on your circumstances for requiring the reference, there may be certain people better suited to the task. For instance, many rental applications require a reference letter from your previous landlord to get an idea of your behaviour as a tenant.
A professional reference can come from someone who worked with you, such as a:
- Client
- Co-worker
- Current or former employer
- Fellow volunteer
An academic reference can come from someone who’s a mentor to you, such as a:
- Academic advisor
- Coach
- Professor
- Tutor
A personal reference can come from anyone who knows you well and is commonly used in situations that require a character reference, such as a:
- Child custody hearing
- Court appearance
- Job where ethics and morals play a large role (like with senior care)
A rental reference can come from:
- Previous landlords
- Roommates
- Neighbours
