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REFERENCES
Employers may request that references be included with your resume and cover letter, or they may ask for them at the interview. Follow their instructions, but have your list of references available at all times.
Do not include references on your cover letter or on your resume because they use too much space. Create a separate sheet for your references as the sample below shows.
Most employers expect one page with three professional references.
To develop your list of references, follow these guidelines:
Always Ask Permission
Ask the potential reference ahead of time what they would feel comfortable saying about your work performance. You should be able to tell from their response whether it would be a positive reference. If it is a positive response, ask the person if you may list them as a reference.
Stay In Contact and Coach Reference
Your references should have a copy of your resume. References are usually contacted sometime after the interview. Use this time to discuss the interview and position with your reference.
Be Selective
Ideas for professional references:
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Former supervisor
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Manager
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Director
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Coworker
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Customer or vendor
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A subordinate
Ideas for personal references:
Never Use Relatives
While they are well meaning, relatives know you too well for this purpose. Some employers assume a relative might lie for you.
Include for each reference:
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Name
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Title
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Company
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Address
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Phone
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Relationship
Sample list of references
Betty Needsajob
414 West Fargo
San Diego, CA 91125
(619) 555-1234
PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES
Harold Carpenter
Manager, Finance
ABC Company
8765 Main Street
San Diego, CA 92345
(619) 555-8365
Former Supervisor
Gladys Tuhelp
Accountant III
ABC Company
8765 Main Street
San Diego, CA 92345
(619) 555-8365
Co-worker
Nathan Halson
Customer Service Manager
We Talk To You, Inc. 45
Broadmoor Place
San Diego, CA 92123
(619) 555-9012
Former Supervisor at XYZ Company
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