Ted Lasso knows. It’s hard to win without preparation and teamwork.

Think of your professional references as part of your personal marketing team. Their preparation is an essential part of your success.

Create a list of people, at least four, preferably six, who are able and willing to enthusiastically testify to your specific professional abilities and accomplishments. These should be people who think you are terrific and aren’t afraid to say so! They could be past or present bosses, subordinates, peers, clients, customers, or vendors.

Remember, they are part of your marketing team. Many times, an enthusiastic reference makes the difference in whether someone gets the job or not. So ask yourself, “How well does this person come across over the phone?”

Make sure you have accurate contact information. Share your personal branding message with your reference and ask them to confirm specific skills they have seen you using in your professional interaction with them. Coach them through brief success stories that support your skills. When contacted, you want them to feel prepared to match and support your message to potential employers. Make sure they have a copy of your current resume.

Once an employer has asked for your references and you have provided them, reach out to your references with details about the particular position you are pursuing so that they are ready when contacted by the employer.

Finding a new job is a marketing task. It’s your job to make sure your team is well prepared.