What Strong References Say About You to Employers

In the payments and fintech industry, securing a role goes beyond your resume and interview skills. Employers rely on reference checks to validate your past performance, leadership style, and cultural fit. For senior roles, where trust, influence, and precision matter, this step is often a make-or-break moment in the hiring process.

What Employers Are Looking For

Reference checks are not just a formality. They provide hiring teams with information that cannot be captured through resumes or interviews. Key areas of focus include:

• Work ethic – Do you meet deadlines and perform under pressure?

• Leadership – Can you drive alignment across teams and produce results?

• Problem-solving – How do you make decisions during uncertainty?

• Collaboration – Can you work effectively with cross-functional groups?

For payments professionals, these areas reflect the core of the job—precision, strategy, and the ability to work within evolving systems.

What Employers Ask References

Here is what employers often seek through reference conversations:

Leadership and Decision-Making

• How did the candidate handle setbacks or lead during high-pressure moments?

• Did they successfully manage cross-functional teams?

• How did they balance big-picture strategy with day-to-day execution?

Strategic Thinking and Results

• Has the candidate driven measurable growth or innovation?

• Can they link strategic vision with practical implementation?

Cultural Fit

• Do they collaborate well with others?

• Are they resilient, adaptable, and aligned with company values?

Industry Reputation

• Do peers view this person as credible and trustworthy?

• Is the candidate’s leadership recognized outside of their company?

For more on what hiring managers expect from your references, this Muse guide offers practical advice on choosing and preparing strong references.

What Are Soft References?

Soft references are informal feedback gathered through backchannels—LinkedIn connections, shared colleagues, or past partnerships. These conversations are not part of the official process, but they often carry significant weight.

Examples:

• A peer vouches for your integrity and reliability.

• A former colleague recalls how you led during a crisis.

• A partner validates your ability to deliver results and manage relationships.

In the payments industry, where it is a small world, these soft checks are common. Your professional reputation matters. So does your digital presence.

How to Manage Reference Checks Effectively

To strengthen your position as a candidate, approach references with intention.

1. Choose Strategically

Select individuals who can speak to your leadership, problem-solving, and collaboration. Prioritize former managers, peers, or direct reports with firsthand knowledge of your performance.

2. Prepare Your References

Let them know in advance they may be contacted. Share the job description, what the employer is prioritizing, and examples of work you are proud of that align with the role.

3. Guide the Message

Encourage your references to emphasize outcomes—projects you led, efficiencies you drove, or innovations you contributed to. Leadership and communication examples matter in payments and fintech.

4. Follow Up

Thank your references. Their input could be the final push in your candidacy. Express appreciation for their support and keep them informed throughout the process.

Why This Is Especially Important in Payments

The payments sector requires leaders who can execute with precision, manage complexity, and uphold trust. Reference checks help hiring teams confirm that you not only have the technical skills—but also the reputation, leadership, and values to succeed. According to SHRM, 92% of employers conduct reference checks, and many say they have reversed a decision after receiving negative feedback.

At Dexterous, we work with candidates to position them for high-impact roles. That includes reference preparation. We also work closely with clients to ensure that reference checks support timely, informed hiring decisions.

Wrap Up

Strong references—formal and informal—can give you an edge in the payments hiring process. Prepare wisely. Choose advocates who can speak clearly to your strengths. Maintain your professional reputation across industries and platforms.

Looking for more ways to stand out? Visit Dexterous to explore our open roles or read our blog on how compensation and recognition gaps affect career momentum.