At some point during your job interview, your prospective employers may express their desire to go through your reference list. For resumes, references are essential and are what seals the deal - they typically include the names of people who can vouch for your character and work abilities and recommend you to prospective employers.

In most cases, a reference list for resumes is generally a separate piece of paper, in the same format as your resume but with the word ‘references’ listed at the top.

Providing References

For most people, their reference list for resumes is listed on a separate sheet of paper with their own contact information. This information should be the same as what you have mentioned in your resume and must clearly indicate your name, address, contact numbers, and email. Below the contact information, list the names of contacts under a heading titled ‘References’. The names should be accompanied with other details such as the title, the name of the organization, and contact phone numbers.

One caveat about your reference list for resumes: Your references are valuable and you should treat them accordingly. Do not give up the list until you are sure that the employer is serious about hiring you. You don’t want every Tom, Dick and Harry calling your references every time you apply for a job, or your references could start to wonder about your abilities.

Choosing References

When candidates are making reference list for resumes, family members and other relatives must be avoided. Ideally, your reference list should include people who know you professionally. Select people who know how good you are at work and can (and will) confirm your sincerity and commitment towards your work. Your best choice would be supervisors whom you reported to or colleagues.

When choosing your references, it is important to include those people who, in addition to knowing you well, also have a good title. For instance, if you have a good rapport with the HR manager or the Project Manager, you may include them in your reference list to boost your reference list.

Number Of References

On their reference list for resumes, people should include a minimum of three references - however, you may include as many as five references if they are solid and impressive.

Once candidates have decided who to include in their reference list for resumes, it is important that they inform them that they have been included in the reference list. You should seek their permission in advance to avoid embarrassment later. Besides, if a reference fails to cooperate, it will give a wrong impression to your prospective employers and may ruin your chance of getting the job.

Reference List for Resumes, Resume Writing