As a student, it’s important to prepare a strong resume that showcases your skills and accomplishments. However, including a list of references can be a tricky task, especially if you have limited work experience.
In this article, we’ll explore what you need to know about resume references as a student, including who to ask, how to format the list, and how to make sure your references are relevant and effective. By following these tips, you can create a strong resume that will help you stand out to potential employers.
Related:
Including a cover letter in a job application can increase the chances of getting noticed, according to up to 38% of hiring managers surveyed. This suggests that taking the time to craft a well-written cover letter can give job seekers an advantage in a competitive job market.
Table of Contents
What Is an Employer Reference?
An employer’s reference is a statement or letter of recommendation provided by a current or former employer that describes an individual’s work experience, skills, and character. This reference is typically provided to a potential employer as part of the job application process and is used to verify the individual’s qualifications and suitability for the job.
An employer’s reference can include information about the individual’s job performance, work ethic, communication skills, and other relevant details. It may also include the employer’s contact information so that the potential employer can follow up if needed.
Employer references can be an important part of the job search process, as they provide potential employers with a third-party perspective on an individual’s abilities and work experience. As such, it’s important to choose references who can speak to your skills and experience, and who are relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Should a Student Resume Have References?
Including references on a student resume is optional and ultimately depends on the preferences of the employer. However, in most cases, it’s not necessary to include references on a student resume, especially if the student has limited work experience.
If an employer specifically requests references, it’s important to provide them, but it’s generally a good idea to wait until the employer asks for them before providing them.
In the meantime, students can focus on highlighting their skills, accomplishments, and relevant coursework on their resumes to make themselves stand out to potential employers.
If a student does decide to include references on their resume, they should make sure to choose individuals who can speak to their skills and experience, such as professors, mentors, or supervisors from part-time jobs or internships. They should also provide the reference’s full name, job title, company, phone number, and email address, and obtain their permission before listing them on the resume.
Who Can I Ask for a Job Reference as a Student?
As a student, there are several people you can ask for a job reference, depending on your work and academic experience. Here are some suggestions:
- Professors or academic advisors: Professors and academic advisors can speak to your academic performance, work ethic, and other skills that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.
- Part-time job supervisors: If you’ve held a part-time job while in school, your supervisor can provide a reference that speaks to your work experience, reliability, and interpersonal skills.
- Internship supervisors: If you’ve completed an internship, your supervisor can provide a reference that speaks to your work experience, skills, and accomplishments during the internship.
- Co-curricular activity leaders: If you’ve been involved in co-curricular activities, such as clubs or sports teams, the leaders of these activities can provide a reference that speaks to your leadership skills, teamwork, and other relevant qualities.
Make sure to choose references who can speak positively and accurately about your skills and experience, and who are relevant to the job you’re applying for. Before listing them as a reference, make sure to obtain their permission and provide them with information about the job you’re applying for so they can tailor their responses accordingly.
How Do I Contact a Job Reference?
When contacting a job reference as a student, it’s important to be professional and courteous. Here are some tips for contacting a job reference:
1. Ask for permission: Before using someone as a reference, ask for their permission and make sure they are willing to provide a reference for you.
2. Provide information: When contacting a reference, provide them with information about the job you’re applying for, including the job description and any specific skills or experience the employer is looking for.
3. Use a professional tone: When contacting a reference, use a professional tone and make sure your communication is free of errors or typos.
4. Be specific: When asking a reference to provide a recommendation, be specific about what you’re looking for. For example, you could ask them to speak to your work experience, skills, or character.
5. Thank them: After your reference has provided a recommendation, be sure to thank them for their time and support.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your contact with your job reference is professional and effective, and that you present yourself in the best possible light to potential employers.
What References Should I Include in My Resume?
When it comes to including references in your resume, it’s generally a good idea to only include them if the employer specifically requests them. Instead, focus on highlighting your skills, experience, and achievements on your resume to make yourself stand out to potential employers.
If an employer does request references, make sure to choose references who can speak to your skills and experience and who are relevant to the job you’re applying for. Here are some suggestions for who to include:
- Former managers or supervisors: If you have work experience, former managers or supervisors can provide a reference that speaks to your job performance, work ethic, and other relevant qualities.
- Colleagues or coworkers: If you’ve worked closely with someone who can speak to your skills and experience, a colleague or coworker can provide a reference that speaks to your teamwork, collaboration, and other relevant qualities.
- Professors or academic advisors: If you’re a recent graduate or still in school, professors or academic advisors can provide a reference that speaks to your academic performance, work ethic, and other relevant qualities.
Make sure to obtain the permission of your references before listing them on your resume, and provide them with information about the job you’re applying for so they can tailor their responses accordingly.
How to Formal References on My Student Resume?
If you choose to include references on your student resume, here are some tips on how to format them in a professional and organized manner:
- Create a separate section: Create a separate section on your resume for references, and title it “References” or “Professional References.”
- Include the full name and contact information: For each reference, include their full name, job title, company, phone number, and email address.
- Provide a brief description: For each reference, provide a brief description of your relationship with them and how they know you. For example, “Former supervisor at XYZ Company” or “Academic advisor at ABC University.”
- Use a consistent format: Make sure that your formatting is consistent and easy to read. Use the same font and font size as the rest of your resume, and use bullet points or a numbered list to organize the information.
- Obtain permission: Before listing someone as a reference, make sure to obtain their permission and let them know that you’ll be using them as a reference.
Remember that including references on your resume is optional, and it’s generally a good idea to wait until an employer specifically requests them before providing them. However, if you do choose to include them, make sure to format them in a professional and organized manner.
Student Resume References Example
References
1. John Smith
Former Supervisor, ABC Company
555-555-5555
john.smith@email.com2. Jane Doe
Professor, XYZ University
555-555-5555
jane.doe@email.com3. Sarah Lee
Academic Advisor, LMN College
555-555-5555
sarah.lee@email.com
Make sure to format your references list in a clear and organized manner, using a consistent font and font size. You can also customize the headings and categories to best suit your needs. Remember to obtain the permission of your references before listing them on your resume.
FAQ
Can I List a Friend as a Reference on My Student Resume?
It’s generally not a good idea to list a friend as a reference on your student resume, as it may not be viewed as a credible or unbiased source. Instead, it’s best to choose references who can speak to your skills and experience in a professional capacity, such as former managers, colleagues, professors, or academic advisors. These individuals are more likely to be viewed as credible sources of information by potential employers.
How Many References Should I Send With My Student Resume?
The number of references you should send with your student resume depends on the employer’s request. In most cases, employers will ask for three professional references. However, if they ask for a different number, make sure to provide the exact number of references requested. Remember to choose references who can speak to your skills and experience, and who are relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Should I Specify How I Know My References for a Student Resume?
Yes, it’s a good idea to specify how you know your references for a student resume. Providing a brief description of your relationship with each reference can help potential employers better understand the context of the reference and the nature of your working relationship. For example, you could mention that a reference was your former supervisor at a company, your academic advisor at your university, or your professor for a specific course. This information can help employers evaluate your qualifications and suitability for the job.
Can I Send a Resume With No References?
Yes, you can send a resume with no references, especially if the employer doesn’t specifically request them. In fact, it’s generally a good idea to wait until an employer requests references before providing them. Instead, focus on highlighting your skills, experience, and achievements on your resume to make yourself stand out to potential employers. If an employer does request references, make sure to choose references who can speak to your skills and experience and who are relevant to the job you’re applying for.