Why You Want to Work: How to Explain with References

Everyone · How-to · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What do you need before starting to explain why you want to work with references?

Before explaining why you want to work and including references, you need to prepare several key elements to build a strong, credible message. First, take time to reflect on what truly motivates you to seek employment—whether it is career growth, financial independence, learning new skills, or contributing to a team. Write down these motivations to clarify your thoughts.

Next, gather a list of references who can speak positively about your work ethic, skills, or character. These can be former supervisors, teachers, mentors, or volunteer coordinators. Ideally, choose people who know you well and can provide specific examples of your strengths or accomplishments that relate to your motivation.

Finally, review the job description carefully to understand what the employer values most. This helps you tailor your explanation and select references that align with those priorities. For example, if the job requires teamwork skills, pick a reference who observed your collaboration abilities.

Having these pieces ready before you explain why you want to work ensures your message is focused, supported, and relevant.

What are the step-by-step instructions to explain why you want to work using references?

1. Clarify your motivation: Start by writing a simple statement about why you want this job. For example, “I want to work here to develop my customer service skills in a fast-paced environment.” Being specific helps employers see your genuine interest.
2. Match your motivation to your background: Think about your past experiences that support your reason. For example, if your motivation is to gain new skills, mention a past role where you learned quickly or adapted well.
3. Choose suitable references: Select 3-4 people who can confirm your strengths related to your motivation. For example, a past manager who can speak about your reliability or a teacher who saw your dedication.
4. Prepare your references: Contact them ahead of time, explain the job you’re applying for, and share your motivation statement. This preparation helps them give relevant feedback when contacted.
5. Write a clear explanation incorporating references: In your cover letter or interview, say something like, “I am eager to improve my organizational skills, and my previous supervisor can attest to my strong attention to detail and commitment.”
6. Provide references when requested: Have a reference list ready with contact details and your relationship to each referee. Share this only when asked to maintain professionalism.
7. Follow up with your references: After applying or interviewing, update your references on the job progress so they can be prepared to respond to inquiries promptly.

This structured approach helps show employers not only why you want to work but also that your motivation is real and verifiable.

How can you tell your explanation with references worked?

You can tell your explanation worked if you notice positive signs during or after the job application process. Employers may ask follow-up questions about your motivation, skills, or references. For example, they might say, “Can you tell me more about how you developed your teamwork skills?” or “May we contact your previous supervisor?”

If you receive an invitation for a second interview or a job offer, it usually means your explanation resonated well. Being asked to provide references is another clear indicator that the employer wants to verify what you said, showing they take your motivation seriously.

Additionally, if your references report that employers have contacted them and the conversations went well, that is a strong confirmation your explanation made an impact.

If you don’t see these signs, it may mean your explanation needs improvement or that your references need to be stronger or better prepared.

What should you do if your explanation doesn’t seem to work?

If employers do not respond positively to your explanation or if you are not moving forward in the hiring process, take these steps to improve:

• Review your motivation statement: Is it clear, honest, and specific? Avoid vague phrases like “I just need a job.” Instead, say, “I want to build skills in sales and customer interaction.”
• Check your references: Are they relevant and credible? If not, seek other references such as teachers, volunteer coordinators, or colleagues who can better speak to your strengths.
• Practice your delivery: Role-play your explanation with a friend, mentor, or career counselor to get feedback on clarity and confidence.
• Ensure your references are prepared: Confirm they know about the job and your reasons for applying so they can respond effectively.
• Tailor your explanation: Make sure it connects directly to the specific job and company by referencing their values or mission.
• Seek feedback: If possible, ask an interviewer or recruiter for feedback on your explanation to understand what could be improved.

By refining your message and support system, you increase your chances of making a stronger impression.

How can you adapt your explanation and references for different audiences?

Different job types and audiences require adapting how you explain why you want to work and which references you use.

• For entry-level or part-time jobs: Emphasize enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and reliability. Use references such as teachers, coaches, or community leaders who can speak about your character.
• For professional or full-time roles: Focus on career goals, relevant skills, and past achievements. Use former supervisors or colleagues who can provide specific examples of your job-related abilities.
• For volunteer positions: Highlight passion for the cause and teamwork skills. References can include volunteer coordinators or organizers who observed your commitment.
• For interviews vs. written applications: In interviews, be ready to verbally explain and back up your motivation with stories your references might confirm. In written applications, keep explanations concise but include a note that references are available upon request.

Tailoring your explanation and references ensures your message fits the context and audience, making it more persuasive.

Why are references important when explaining why you want to work?

References add credibility and trustworthiness to your explanation. When you state your motivation and intentions, an employer might wonder if those reasons are accurate. By providing references who can confirm your skills, work ethic, and character, you give employers third-party proof that your motivation is genuine.

For example, saying, “I am eager to learn new skills, and my former manager can attest to my quick learning and dedication” shows that someone else backs your claim. This reduces employer risk and increases your chances of getting hired.

References also demonstrate your professionalism—showing that you have a network willing to support your job search. For more detail on why references matter, see Why References Are Important When Applying for a Job.

How to present your explanation and references effectively in a resume and cover letter?

Use your cover letter to explain why you want to work in a way that connects your motivation to the employer’s needs. For example:

“I am excited to apply for this customer service role because I enjoy helping people and have developed strong communication skills in my previous retail job. My supervisor can confirm my commitment to excellent service.”

In your resume objective, you can include a brief statement of motivation, such as:

“Motivated recent graduate seeking to apply organizational skills in an administrative assistant position. References available upon request.”

Avoid listing references directly on your resume unless specifically asked. Instead, prepare a separate reference sheet with full contact details, your relationship to each person, and a brief note about what they can confirm.

This approach keeps your documents focused while showing you are ready to support your claims with credible references. For detailed tips, see Why Include 'Why Do You Want to Work Here' in a Resume Objective? and How to Write a Cover Letter Explaining Why You Want to Work Here.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use family members as references to support why I want to work?

Generally, avoid using family members as references because employers prefer objective perspectives. Instead, choose teachers, supervisors, or community leaders who can speak about your skills and character professionally.

How do I handle references if I have no previous work experience?

Use academic references like teachers or coaches, or leaders from volunteer activities. They can attest to your reliability, attitude, and potential, which employers value.

When should I provide my references in the job application process?

Typically, provide your references only when requested by the employer, often after an initial interview or when you reach later stages of hiring.

What if my references don’t respond to employer calls or emails?

Alert your references in advance about the job and possible contact. If they don’t respond, inform the employer and offer alternative references promptly.

How many references should I prepare?

Prepare at least three references relevant to the job you want. This gives employers options and shows you have a solid support network.