15 References Tips and Template

References Tips

Choosing References

• Think of those that would speak positively about your experience, knowledge, interaction, personality, and work habits.
• Ask them if they are willing to provide a reference for you. If they say no or do not reply, you do not have permission to use them on your references list.
• Ask them for their preferred contact method (email or phone) and include only that method on your reference list.
• Be confident that your references will recommend you to others without any reservations. If you have any hesitation that someone wouldn’t speak well of you, do not use them as a reference.
• If you haven’t had a lot of experience and therefore have limited references, consider engaging in volunteer opportunities in the community or at your place of worship or at your school. If a job interview opportunity comes up before this, be honest, let them know you haven’t had much professional experience and offer up some long-time personal contacts.

Number of References to Include

• Usually, employers expect three references; however, this may vary from company to company.
• The more professional the reference, the better.
• If you have more than three, feel free to include them, this will reflect positively on you.
• List your references in the order in which you want them to be contacted.
• Use the same format and the same letterhead (with your contact information) as you used for your resume and cover letter.

Reference Letters

• May be acceptable in certain circumstances, however, most employers prefer references that they can contact by phone or email.
• If your reference has moved or retired, and employers cannot contact them directly, you can provide written letters you have received in addition to your reference list.
• Reference letters are also a valuable addition to include in your professional portfolio.

Using References

• Contact your references ahead of time.
  • If someone agreed to be a reference for you in the past, confirm that you still have their permission and have their updated contact information.
  • Do not list your references on your resume.
    • Unless otherwise specified by the employer, offer your list of references to the interviewer at the end of your interview or when you are asked. (By including your references on a separate page, you avoid giving out their personal information every time you apply to a job.)
• Thank your references.
  • Whether you are successful or not in getting the job, always take the time to thank your references. This will help you to maintain a positive relationship with your references and may allow you to continue using them as your reference in the future.

References Template

Name
Home Address
Contact Information (Phone, Email)

REFERENCES

First and Last Name
Title of Current Position
Name of Current Company
Relationship to You
Phone Number
Email Address

First and Last Name
Title of Current Position
Name of Current Company
Relationship to You
Phone Number
Email Address

First and Last Name
Title of Current Position
Name of Current Company
Relationship to You
Phone Number
Email Address

References Template [opens a Word document (.docx)].