Why Good Referees Matter: A key to success in NT Government recruitment (and beyond)
When applying for a job—especially with the Northern Territory Government—your referees aren’t just a formality.
They’re a cornerstone of your application.
In fact, under the NT Government’s Simplified Recruitment Process, what your referees say about you can carry more weight than your interview performance. So if you’re serious about landing the role, it’s time to treat your referees like strategic allies.
🧭 Understanding the NT Government’s Simplified Recruitment Process
The NT Government has streamlined its hiring approach to be faster, fairer, and more evidence-based. Here’s how it works:
Referee checks are conducted before interviews, not after.
Two or more referees are typically contacted for shortlisted candidates.
These checks are short, focused conversations that help assess your suitability.
The panel relies heavily on independent evidence from referees—often more than what’s gleaned in interviews.
This means your referees aren’t just backing you up—they’re helping build the case for your appointment.
📄 Include Referees in Your Resume—Always
Want to avoid delays in the recruitment process? List your referees directly in your resume. This allows hiring panels to move quickly once you’re shortlisted. Waiting to provide them later can slow things down or even cost you the opportunity.
🧠 What Makes a Referee “Good”?
A quality referee is someone who:
Knows your work well and can speak to your skills, experience, and character. This includes providing tangible examples of how you have demonstrated your ability to fulfil the role.
Is relevant to the role you’re applying for (e.g., if it’s a leadership role, choose someone who’s seen you lead).
Can provide balanced, thoughtful feedback—including areas for development.
Is likely to be credible in the eyes of the panel (e.g., supervisors, senior colleagues, project leads).
Can speak well and provide a clear, concise and compelling information to the panel considering you as a candidate.
📝 What to Include When Listing Referees
Make it easy for recruiters to contact your referees by including:
Detail Why It Matters Full Name Basic but essential Current Position & Organisation Adds credibility and context Relationship to You Clarifies how they know your work (e.g., “Former supervisor during X project”) Phone Number & Email Enables quick contact
📣 Prep Your Referees—Don’t Leave Them Guessing
Before you apply:
Reach out to your referees and let them know you’re applying.
Share the job description and your application if possible.
Explain why you’re applying and what you hope they’ll highlight.
Ask them to focus on specific strengths that align with the role.
This isn’t just polite—it’s strategic. A well-prepared referee can make a compelling case for you.
🔍 Know What They’ll Say
It’s important to have a sense of what your referees will actually say. Ask yourself:
Can they speak to my skills, knowledge, and experience?
Will they highlight my strengths and areas for development in a constructive way?
Do their insights align with the role requirements?
If you’re unsure, have a candid conversation. Better to know now than be surprised later.
🛑 Want to Be Notified Before Referees Are Contacted?
If you’d prefer to be advised before your referees are contacted, include a note in your application. This gives you a chance to give them a heads-up or even swap in someone more relevant.
🎯 Final thought: Referees are part of your strategy
Choosing and preparing referees isn’t an afterthought—it’s a critical step in your application. Especially in systems like the NT Government’s, where referee evidence is central, your success may hinge on what others say about you.
So, treat your referees like collaborators. Choose wisely, prepare thoroughly, and make sure they’re ready to help you shine.
🛠️ About On the Same Page Consulting
On the Same Page Consulting provide scribing and recruitment coordination services to the Northern Territory Government, which gives me firsthand insight into how the Simplified Recruitment Process works in practice. I’ve supported panels across a wide range of roles and agencies, and I’ve seen time and again how strong, relevant referees can make a decisive difference in the outcome of a recruitment process.
This blog is based on real-world experience—what works, what slows things down, and what truly helps candidates stand out. If you're applying for a role with the NT Government (or any employer), I hope these insights help you put your best foot forward.
