References

Many job applications ask you to provide the contact information for at least three references.

References

• A reference is a person who can make comments about your knowledge, skills, abilities, personality, or work habits.
• Companies may contact any (or all) of your references at almost any stage in your job search process.
• Having references in another state or country is fine, as long as your potential employer can receive a reply from your references within a week.
• References are listed on a separate piece of paper, not on a resume / CV.
• Only submit a list of references when requested.
• Bring a copy of your list of references to your interview.

Professional Reference:

• Someone who can comment objectively about your work or professional knowledge
• Example: supervisor, co-worker, fellow committee member, or professor
• Unless otherwise stated, always assume a company would like your professional references.

Personal Reference:

• Someone who knows you outside of the workplace
• Example: friend, classmate, or clergy person
• Use a personal reference only when requested.

Your Obligations:

• Always ask the person if you may list him/her as a reference.
• Each time you conduct a job search, ask the person if you may list him/her as a reference.
• Tell your references what type of job you are seeking and provide your references with a copy of your current resume.
• If you are interested in a particular position, provide your references with that job description.
• Thank your references for agreeing to help you.

After receiving approval: 

• List your references' names, titles, phone numbers, and email addresses on a separate piece of paper. Place an asterisk next to your reference's preferred method of contact, and indicate that at the bottom of the page. Make a brief statement explaining your relationship to your reference and how long your have known each other.
• Use the same header, fonts, spacing, and paper as your resume, so they match.
• Thank your references for agreeing to help you.
• Keep your references updated on the status of your job search.
• Send a thank you note to your references when you receive a job offer.

Reference Person's Obligation:

• If someone agrees to be your reference AND they are contacted by the company, they should provide objective information about you.
• They can request a copy of your signed application before making any comments about you.
• Legally, a past employer may only be able to provide your dates of employment.

Click here to look at a sample reference page (PDF)