What does professional references mean?

References from: Your current employer, if possible. Obviously, if you are looking for new employment, you may not be freely sharing this with your current employer. Recent past employers. Current supervisor if possible. Past supervisors. Current colleagues (if possible) with whom you have shared work-related responsibility, and who can offer a caller substantial information regarding work-related tasks. People who have purchased your fee-for-service time. Possibly: Recent teachers/professors. Usually more important for less experienced or entry-level individuals.