How to List References on Resume?

When it comes to job searching, a resume is the first thing that potential employers might see. This is why it’s essential that you make your resume as polished as possible, and that includes a well-formatted list of references. In this blog post, we’ll take you step by step through the process of how to list references on a resume.

When Employers Want References

Employers may ask for references at different stages of the hiring process. According to a Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) survey, over 92% of employers conduct employee background checks — generally, at the pre-employment stage.

Some employers may ask for references as part of the initial application, while others may wait until later, such as after an interview. It’s important to be prepared to provide references whenever they are requested.

Staying ahead of the game is crucial when it comes to keeping a list of references for your resume. Even when you’re not actively job searching, it’s a good idea to start compiling a list of potential references. This way, when you are ready to apply for a new position, you’ll have several names to contact without having to scramble for them at the last minute.

Should you list references on resume or leave them out? Read this guide.

How to List References on a Resume

When listing references on a resume, there are several things you should keep in mind.

What To Include on a Reference List

Reference’s first and last name: Jeff Davis
Job title: Marketing Director
Company name: CustomTech
Business address: Millar Ave, 19C
Phone number: (600) 851 4315
Email address: jeffdavis@customtech.com

It is also a good idea to include a brief note about how you know the person and how they can vouch for your qualifications.

List of references: sample

Professional vs. Personal References

When it comes to job searching, having a reliable list of references is crucial. However, not all references are created equal. There are two types of references that you can use: personal and professional.

Personal references are people you know personally, such as friends, family members, or acquaintances. They can vouch for your character, work ethic, or other personal qualities that may not be relevant to the job. Personal references can be useful if you have recently graduated and/or have limited work experience.

Professional references are people who have supervised your work or have had a professional relationship with you. They are usually current or former supervisors, managers, or colleagues who can speak to your job-specific skills, abilities, and accomplishments. Professional references are more valuable for job applicants who have more work experience, as they can speak to the specific duties and responsibilities of the job.

How to List Relationships on References

When listing references on your resume, it’s important to include the relationship you have with each reference. This will give potential employers an idea of how you know the person and how they can vouch for your qualifications.

To list the relationship on your references, you can include a brief phrase or sentence that describes your connection to the person. For example, “Former supervisor at XYZ Company” or “Colleague at ABC Agency.” This should be included next to the reference’s name and contact information.

It’s also a good idea to mention the duration of your relationship with each reference. For example, “Worked together for 2 years at XYZ Company” or “Known for 5 years.” This will give employers a sense of how long you’ve known the person and how well you’ve worked together.

How to Format a List of References

Formatting a list of references on a resume can make a big difference in how professional and organized your job application appears to potential employers. Here are a few tips on how to format your list of references:

1. Keep it consistent: Use the same font, formatting, and spacing as for the rest of your resume. This will ensure that your references look like they belong on the page and are easy to read.
2. Use headings: Use headings such as “References” or “Professional References” to clearly separate your references from the rest of your resume.
3. List your references in order of importance: Start with your most important reference and work your way down. This will let your potential employers see who your most influential references are.
4. Include all the necessary information: Be sure to include the name, job title, company, phone number, and email address for each reference. It is also important to include a brief note about how you know the person and how they can vouch for your qualifications.
5. Keep it brief: Limit your list of references to 3 to 5 people. Any more than that, and it may become overwhelming for a potential employer to read through.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your list of references is well-organized, easy to read, and highlights your most important references.

Example of a Professional Reference List Format

References

John Doe
Title: Former Supervisor
Company: XYZ Corporation
Phone: 555-555-5555
Email: johndoe@email.com
Relationship: Worked together for 2 years at XYZ Corporation

Jane Smith
Title: Manager
Company: ABC Agency
Phone: 555-555-5556
Email: janesmith@email.com
Relationship: Managed me for 1 year at ABC Agency

Michael Johnson
Title: Director
Company: LMNOP Inc.
Phone: 555-555-5557
Email: michaeljohnson@email.com
Relationship: Known for 5 years, former colleague at LMNOP Inc.

Pro tip:

It is important to ask for permission before adding someone as a reference and make sure they are comfortable with providing a reference for you.

Tips for Getting and Submitting References

How to Ask for References

Asking for references for your resume can be a daunting task, but it’s an important step in the job-search process. Here are a few tips on how to ask for references:

• Choose the right people: Consider people who have supervised your work, managed you, or with whom you have had a professional relationship. These people can speak to your job-specific skills and abilities, and can provide a strong recommendation.
• Ask in advance: Don’t wait until the last moment to ask for a reference. Reach out to potential references well before you need them, so they have sufficient time to prepare.
• Provide context: Give your potential reference some context about the job you’re applying for, and how you think they can speak to your qualifications. This will help them write a more tailored and specific recommendation.
• Show gratitude: Always express your appreciation for their time and effort. A simple thank-you note or email can go a long way in building a positive relationship.
• Follow up: If you haven’t heard back from a reference in a few days, it’s okay to send a polite follow-up email or call to remind them of your request.

How to Email a Reference List

Emailing a reference list to a potential employer is a great way to provide them with your references in a timely and professional manner. Here are a few tips on how to email a reference list:

• Use a professional email address: Use an email address that is professional and easy to remember, like yourname@email.com.
• Use a clear and concise subject line: Use a subject line that is clear and concise, such as “Reference List for [Your Name].”
• Include all the necessary information: Be sure to include the name, job title, company, phone number, and email address for each reference. You can also include a brief note about how you know the person and how they can vouch for your qualifications.
• Attach the reference list as a document: You can attach the reference list as a Word or PDF document, which makes it easy for the employer to view and save.
• Include a brief introduction: In the body of the email, include a brief introduction, such as “Please find attached my reference list for the [Position] role at [Company].”
• Be polite and professional: Use professional language and be polite when sending the email. You can also add a thank you note to express your appreciation for their time and effort.
• If you’re still unsure, try a Prepostseo Email Writer that can automatically adjust the tone and information for a reference list email. Uses of this type of tool to give advantage and save valuable time and resources.

Learn how to write a reference request email.

Keep Your References Informed

It is important to keep your references informed throughout the job search process. This includes letting them know when you are applying for jobs and providing them with any information they may need, such as the job description and the company name.

It is also a good idea to update your references on any developments in the job search, such as if you have been selected for an interview or offered the job. This way, they can be prepared to speak positively about your qualifications and experience to potential employers. Additionally, it’s important to thank them for their time and effort.

Read also: Should You Prepare Job References for an Interview?

Say Thank You

There are several ways to say thank you to a reference.

One common way is to send a thank-you note or email. This can be a handwritten note sent through mail, or an email expressing your gratitude for their time and efforts in providing a reference for you.

It’s also a good idea to mention how their reference helped you in your job search and how much you appreciate their support.

Another way to say thank you is to send a small gift or a token of appreciation: a gift card, flowers, etc.

Another way is to simply express your gratitude in a phone call, thanking them for their time, and support.

FAQs

Should References be on a Separate Page?

Yes, it is generally recommended to include references on a separate page from your resume. This is because references are typically requested at a later stage in the hiring process, after the initial review of your resume. By keeping references on a separate page, it makes it easy for employers to find and contact your references when needed, without having to search through your resume. Additionally, it also keeps your resume looking clean and organized.

Who is a Good Reference For Your Resume?

A good reference for a resume is someone who can speak positively about your qualifications and experience, and who has supervised or worked closely with you in the past. Some examples of good references include:

• Former managers or supervisors: These individuals can speak to your work ethic, performance, and accomplishments in a previous job.
• Professors or instructors: These individuals can speak to your academic performance, skills, and knowledge in a specific field.
• Colleagues: These individuals can speak to your work ethic, performance, and ability to work well in a team.
• Clients or customers: If you have worked directly with clients or customers in the past, they can speak to your ability to provide excellent service and handle difficult situations.

It is important to choose individuals who have known you for at least a year and who have a good understanding of your qualifications and experience. You should also make sure that you have their permission to use them as references before listing them on your resume.

Should I put “References Available Upon Request” on My Resume?

It is no longer necessary to include the phrase “References available upon request” on your resume. This is because employers typically assume that you will provide references if they request them.

Instead, it is better to have a separate list of references prepared and ready to provide when requested, that way you can ensure that the list is up-to-date and that the references are willing to speak on your behalf.

Should I List a Friend as a Reference on Resume?

It is generally not recommended to list a friend as a reference on your resume. The best references are those who have supervised or worked closely with you in a professional setting, and can speak to your qualifications and experience in a specific field.

If you don’t have enough professional references, you can consider including a professor or a mentor who can speak to your qualifications in a field related to the position you are applying for, or any volunteer work or internships where you have gained relevant skills.

If you are still wondering how to fake job references, read this guide and see why this is a very bad idea.

How Many References Should I Include in My Resume?

It is typically recommended to include between 3-5 references on your resume. This number allows employers to contact a sufficient number of references , while also doesn’t overwhelm them with too many options.

Takeaways

• Employers may ask you for references at any stage of the job search process.
• It’s a good idea to prepare a list of references in advance and have it ready in case a potential employer asks for references.
• Include the following in your reference list: the reference’s first and last name, job title, company name, address, and contact details.
• Prioritize professional references over personal ones. However, you may include personal references if you’re a recent graduate or have limited work experience.
• Keep the format of your reference list consistent with the rest of your resume.
• Include 3-5 references in your list.
• Good resume references include former managers and supervisors, colleagues, professors and instructors, and clients and customers.