How Many References Do I Need to Add?

You will either be asked to provide a certain number of references and/or provide references to cover a certain amount of years. This usually is explained within the message from your employer at the top of your submission page or you can find information at the top of the References submission page within the **Requirements** section. ![zincwork_hc_images/how-many-references-do-i-need-to-add-1.jpg](https://storage.googleapis.com/public-fini-assets/zincwork_hc_images/how-many-references-do-i-need-to-add-1.jpg) For example, they may require you to provide **3 references** AND/OR references to cover the **last 5 years**. ![zincwork_hc_images/how-many-references-do-i-need-to-add-2.png](https://storage.googleapis.com/public-fini-assets/zincwork_hc_images/how-many-references-do-i-need-to-add-2.png) ## Why does it show fewer years than I expected after adding referees? In some cases, your employer isn’t just asking for a number of referees — they’re asking for references that cover a specific time period (for example, the **last 3 years**). That “years/months covered” figure is based on the required time window from the current month and year, with any gaps accounted for. Time outside that requested window won’t count toward the requirement. For example, if an employer requests **3 years** of references in **May 2026**, the requested period would be **May 2023 to May 2026**. Also note: - If your referees cover **overlapping** dates, overlapping time won’t increase the total coverage. - If there are **gaps** between the periods your referees can verify, the total covered time will be lower. If you’re short on coverage, you may need referees who can verify **longer** periods or **different** (non-overlapping) periods, and you can add **non-employment periods** where needed. ## If you only have 1 reference but you’re asked for more If you only have 1 reference but are being asked to input (for example) 3 references, complete the rest of your referencing requirement with **non-employment periods**. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to add in your period and if requested, add in a referee to verify that period of non-employment. If you aren''t sure, please contact your employer to confirm what they require for your Reference check. ## If your digital signature isn’t being accepted If you can’t submit a reference or a period of non-employment because the typed signature isn’t being accepted: 1. Try using a different web browser or device. 2. Above the signature box, look for the text: **“Type your name (YOUR NAME) to sign consent for your references to be collected”**. ![](https://zinc-fini-resource-storage.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/digital+signature+issue.png) 3. **Copy the name inside the parentheses** and **paste it** into the signature box. Once you paste the name shown in parentheses, the **Submit** button should turn **green** and you should be able to submit.