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When applying for a new position as an Occupational Therapist (OT), Physical Therapist (PT), or Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), your resume and interview skills are crucial—but your professional references can be the deciding factor in landing the job.

Hiring managers don’t just look at your qualifications; they listen to what your former supervisors, colleagues, and mentors say about you. A strong network of references can vouch for your expertise, professionalism, and ability to excel in your next role.

For 40 years, Therapeutic Resources has been helping therapy professionals secure jobs in schools, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), early intervention (EI) programs, and outpatient clinics. In this article, we’ll break down what hiring managers really want to hear from your references, how to choose the right people, and tips for strengthening your professional network.

Why References Matter in Your Job Search
Hiring managers use references to:
 ✔ Verify your skills, work ethic, and reliability.
 ✔ Confirm that your experience matches what you claim on your resume.
 ✔ Get insight into your professionalism, teamwork, and communication style.
 ✔ Assess how well you fit within a new work environment.
Even if you have an impressive resume and great interview performance, a weak reference can raise red flags and cost you the job. That’s why choosing the right references and maintaining strong professional relationships is essential.

What Hiring Managers Want to Hear from Your References
�� "Does this candidate have the clinical skills to succeed?"
 Your references should be able to confidently speak to your technical abilities—whether it’s implementing therapy techniques, creating treatment plans, or working with diverse patient populations.
�� "Are they professional and reliable?"
 Therapists need to be punctual, responsible, and ethical. Hiring managers want to hear that you’re someone who shows up, meets deadlines, and treats clients with respect.
�� "How do they work with colleagues and patients?"
 Collaboration is key in therapy settings. Employers want to know that you work well with interdisciplinary teams, communicate effectively, and build positive relationships with clients.
�� "Would you hire or work with this person again?"
 This is often the ultimate test—a strong reference will answer with an enthusiastic "Absolutely!"

How to Choose the Right References
1. Pick People Who Know Your Work Firsthand
Your references should be people who can speak specifically about your skills and work ethic, such as:
 ✔ Supervisors or clinical managers who evaluated your performance.
 ✔ Mentors or professors if you’re a recent graduate.
 ✔ Senior colleagues who worked alongside you in therapy settings.
 ✔ Clients’ families or caregivers (if permitted and appropriate).
�� Avoid choosing personal friends, distant acquaintances, or people who only have a vague idea of your work.

2. Prioritize References with Credibility
The title and experience of your reference matter. A hiring manager will trust the opinion of a respected supervisor or seasoned therapist over a reference who barely worked with you.

3. Choose People Who Will Speak Positively About You
If you had conflicts with a past employer or supervisor, they may not be the best reference choice. Select individuals who genuinely support your career growth and can provide enthusiastic, detailed recommendations.

4. Keep References Relevant to the Role You’re Applying For
If you’re applying for a school-based OT, PT, or SLP role, a reference from an experienced school therapist or special education director will be more valuable than one from a hospital. Tailor your references to the specific job setting.

How to Build a Strong Professional Network That Vouches for You
1. Maintain Positive Relationships in Every Job
Every position you hold—whether in a school, SNF, EI program, or outpatient clinic—is an opportunity to build professional connections. Treat your colleagues, supervisors, and clients with respect, and you’ll create a strong network of potential references.
2. Stay in Touch with Former Colleagues and Supervisors
Don’t let your references forget who you are! Stay connected through:
 ✔ LinkedIn – Engage with their posts, comment, and send updates.
 ✔ Email Check-Ins – A simple, “Hope you’re doing well! I appreciate your support in my career” keeps connections strong.
 ✔ Networking Events & Continuing Education – Attend workshops and conferences where you can reconnect with past colleagues.

3. Offer to Be a Reference for Others
A great way to strengthen professional relationships is by offering to vouch for others. If a past colleague or mentor asks for a reference, consider helping them—it’s likely they’ll do the same for you.

4. Work with a Staffing Agency That Values Your Reputation
Partnering with a trusted staffing agency like Therapeutic Resources can help boost your credibility. Employers trust agencies with a 40-year track record of placing qualified therapists, and we can help match you with positions where you’ll excel.

How to Prepare Your References Before Submitting Them
�� Ask for Permission – Never assume someone is willing to be a reference. Always ask in advance and let them know about the job you’re applying for.
�� Provide Key Details – Share the job description, skills they may be asked about, and highlights of your work together so they can prepare.
�� Confirm Contact Information – Double-check that you have the correct phone number, email, and job title for each reference.
�� Follow Up and Show Gratitude – After your references speak to a potential employer, send them a thank-you message. This keeps your relationships strong for future opportunities.

Therapeutic Resources: Helping You Build Your Professional Reputation
For 40 years, Therapeutic Resources has been dedicated to helping OTs, PTs, and SLPs advance their careers in schools, SNFs, EI programs, and outpatient clinics. We know that your reputation and references matter, and we’re here to help you build a network that supports your professional growth.
Why Work with Therapeutic Resources?
✔ Exclusive Job Opportunities – Get connected to top therapy positions in NYC schools, clinics, and healthcare settings.
 ✔ Career Coaching & Resume Support – We help you polish your resume, prepare for interviews, and optimize your references.
 ✔ A Trusted Name for 40 Years – Employers trust our recommendations, giving you a competitive edge in the job market.
�� Looking for your next therapy job? Send us your information here and find positions where your skills and references will shine.

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