Who Should Be References On A Resume

Understand The Requirements First

Before attaching references to a resume, you need to consider how many references are appropriate to attach to theresume template. This can be done more or less based on the requirements. However, attaching excessive preferences can upset the resume and lead to page wastage which is never advisable.

So if you are an entry-level job candidate then it is suitable for you to attach two to three references to your resume. However, if you do not have a reference to attach two to three references, you can also attach a single reference. Try to collect the references of any senior person who is already involved with the same category position.

How To Choose Them

It is good etiquette to ask for peoples permission to act as your referee before giving their name to a potential employer.

Some people will act as a referee for you for several years. Others might be only suitable when you apply for a particular type of job. Think about what each person can say about you and whether their knowledge of you is relevant to the particular job youre applying for.

You must give your referees names and contact details at the bottom of your CV.

Reference Sheet Template And Example

You can use our template to make sure you have everything you need for all of your references.

Heres one example of what your reference sheet might look like:

References for Monica Medina

Keeping references off your resume is not only the standard now, its also more thoughtful toward the people youve asked to speak on your behalf. By only submitting their names and contact information when asked directly , youll know when a prospective new employer is actually going to contact themand you can give them a heads up, pass on any important information about the job or company youre applying for, and thank them for their help.

Regina Borsellino is a NYC-based editor at The Muse covering job search and career advice, particularly resume best practices, interviewing, remote work, and personal and professional development. Before joining The Muse, Regina was an editor for InvestorPlace, where she also wrote about topics such as investing and biotech companies. She holds a BA in English language and literature from the University of Maryland and an MFA in creative writing from American University. Find her on and .

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How Many References Should You Put On A Resume

The number of references you include in your reference list will depend on your career level, but prospective employers will most likely give you guidance on how many references they want. However, generally, entry-level positions require about three references, while more senior positions may require five to seven references from different times in your professional history.

How To Format A References Section On A Resume

Formatting a reference section will ultimately depend on if it is being created within a larger resume or separately on a different page.

For on-resume reference sections, it is important to keep them as short as possible, potentially even excluding some of the basic information.

If you are including references directly on a resume, you will likely only want to include one or two of your most relevant and impressive ones in order to not take up too much space.

When making a separate page for references, you can simply stack them as you would jobs in a work experience section, placing emphasis on relevance in how the references are ordered.

The Basic Reference Format:

• Position or Title
• Company or University of Employment
• Company or University Address
• Company or University Phone number
• Company or University Email Address

It is important when writing out your references that you do not include personal information about the reference, such as a personal cellphone number or email, without their explicit permission.

It is best to just air on the side of caution and only include official and public contact information.

There is, of course, optional additional information you may want or choose to include within a reference.

This can include:

As for formatting the rest of your resume, donât forget to check out our other guides in this series including How to Write the Perfect Resume in 2021 and How to Choose the Correct Resume Format in 2021!

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How Many References On Your Resume Are Good

If possible, five. However, three references are the minimum.

Most jobs require one to three for a resume. But, its better if you had five to seven references, especially if youre after executive or senior roles.

Whichever the number, the list of your references need to be in the order of relevance.

Who Should I Use As References On My Resume

Who To Use As A Reference? 5 References That Should Be on Your List to Land the Job

• Former Employer as a professional reference. A previous employer can provide the best insight into your work ethic.
• Colleague.

Firstly, What should you include in a reference?

On your reference sheet, you should list each reference with the following information:

Then Do jobs actually call references? Essentially, yes. While its true that not 100% of Human Resources departments will call your references during pre-employment screening, many do. The references you provide to employers may be contacted about your employment history, qualifications, and the skills that qualify you for the job.

Actually What if I have no references?

If you do not have any professional references, offer to provide twice as many personal references if you can. A personal reference can be from someone who knows you, but has never worked with you in a professional environment. For example, they could be a friend, a classmate, a teammate, a coach, a teacher, etc.

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Whats A Personal Or Character Reference

Depending on the position youre applying for, the application or interviewer may ask for a list of personal or character references. This is just like it sayspersonal. These people should be able to speak to who you are as an individual, so they should be someone you know relatively well. You want them to be able to share your personality and character with a potential employer.;

While its a good idea to have a list of personal references just in case, you should only share them if specifically asked. Good examples include:

• Teachers, professors or advisors

• Neighbors;

• Coworkers you know on a personal level

When reading an application or speaking with an interviewer, make sure you read carefully and youre clear whether they would like professional or personal references. That way you can provide them with the exact references theyre looking for, and the best ones to help you get the job. In most cases, theyll request professional references.

How To Provide References To Employers

When you apply for a job, you may be asked for a;list of professional references;either after a;job interview or in some cases when you apply for a job. Here’s how to handle it:

• When you provide a professional reference to a prospective employer, include the person’s name, job title, company, address, phone number,;and email address.
• Create a list of references to have ready to share with prospective employers.
• Be sure that you have the person’s;permission to use them as a reference;before you give out their contact information.
• Keep your references appraised of your progress with the hiring process and give them a heads up if you think they might be contacted. If there are particular issues that have come up;during your interview let your references to those concerns. They may be able to address the issue during a reference check.
• A well-prepared reference will usually be able to provide a more detailed and convincing recommendation when contacted.

Be sure to thank anyone who gives you a reference. A short note or email is all it takes, and people want to know when their efforts are appreciated.;

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How Can You Prepare A Reference For The Employer’s Contact

Contact;the person to ask if they are willing to be your reference, before you give their name to a potential employer.

• Find out how the reference would prefer to be contacted.
• Get permission to give out his or her contact information: name and phone number or e-mail address.
• Find out the best times to reach her or him.
• Discuss your job search goals and the specific employers who may be calling. Many references prefer to see the job description and your resume so they can answer specific questions.

An employer may also ask for your references occupation, how long youve known each other, and the nature of your relationship.

How Do You Choose People

• Select people who honestly know you and will speak objectively.
• Avoid using family members or close friends as references.
• Avoid references that may be controversial or may concern the employer. This includes clergy, counselors, or social workers, less they are relevant to the job.
• Someone who is influential in the community or business may be an effective reference, if they can speak about you related to employment.

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How Many References Should You Have

Most job seekers should have between three and four references on their reference page.

However, if youre applying for a position that requires extensive vetting like a senior-level role, you should include between five and seven professional references.

But remember that all of your references should be high quality. Each reference should be able to meaningfully attest to your professional strengths and character. Dont include more references just to hit a higher number.

How To Include References On A Resume

This article was co-authored by Adrian Klaphaak, CPCC. Adrian Klaphaak is a career coach and founder of A Path That Fits, a mindfulness-based boutique career and life coaching company in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is also is an accredited Co-Active Professional Coach . Klaphaak has used his training with the Coaches Training Institute, Hakomi Somatic Psychology and Internal Family Systems Therapy to help thousands of people build successful careers and live more purposeful lives. This article has been viewed 3,550,062 times.

Many potential employers ask for a list of references in a job application or at the end of a job interview. Thats why its a good idea to have a list of references handy when youre applying for a new job.

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What Information To Include On Your Reference Sheet

On your reference sheet, you should list each reference with the following information:

• Name
• Phone Number
• Email Address
• Reference Description: Write one sentence explaining how you know or have worked with this person, where, when, and for how long.

Theres no need to include your references home or work addresscompanies arent going to be mailing them anything. And if a reference expresses a strong preference for a certain method of contact, its OK to put next to that line on your reference list.

To keep things easy for the hiring manager, its also a good idea to include your own name, phone number, and email at the top of the sheet .

How To Write A Reference Request Email

Follow these steps for a great reference request email:

• Give advanced notice. You cant expect busy professionals to be ready to speak on your behalf at a moments notice. Ask someone to be your reference at least a week before they could potentially be contacted by the hiring manager.

• Use a professional email format. Make sure your subject line is direct , your contact details are clear, and youve formatted your email using the standard business letter layout.

• Introduce the situation. After a brief how have you been type catch-up, get straight to the point of your email. Let them know the position youre applying for and ask permission to list them as a reference.

• Tell them why you chose them. You can play to peoples vanity a bit with compliments or simply let them know theyre a great person to speak to your specfic skills in XYZ whatever the reason, share it so they understand your reasoning.

• Give them information. You can wait until theyve agreed to get to this part or include it in your initial email. You can give them your resume, cover letter, the job description, and anything else you feel will make their job easier.

• Thank them. Finally, thank your reference for taking the time to consider your request.

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How To Format References

It is important to maintain a professional format when attaching references. Take a good look at the format below to get an idea of what aprofessional format can be!

• Keep a minimum of 2 spaces between one reference to another.
• Be sure to use the font used in the resume on the reference page.
• Always try to keep the font size the same as your resume or curriculum vitae.

Where To Put References On A Cv

The references section should be located at the bottom of your CV. If you decide to include your references on your CV, you should provide the personal details of your two referees here. If, on the other hand, you do not wish to include references on your CV, you can simply write: References are available upon request.

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Determine Who Should Be A Reference On Your Resume

How do you decide? Well, it depends on the circumstances.

Do you currently have a job? Maybe youre interested in finding a more rewarding position or just seeing whats out there.

In this case, dont list your boss as a reference.

Doing so might put you at risk.

Although potential employers should request permission beforehand, you dont want to take the chance of your employer knowing about your plans.

Are you in between jobs?

Then its fine if you list a previous employer as a reference. Only if youre certain theyll give you a glowing testimonial, though.

Either way, pick referees that put you in the best light possible.

For example, If youre not on good terms with a previous supervisor, pick a coworker that would speak highly of you.

Avoid personal references as their opinions of you are biased. Go for professional references such as your current or former managers, colleagues, professors, and even customers. List the most recent, relevant references.

Normally, the hiring managers arent interested in referees youve worked with 15 years ago.

What Is A Reference For A Job

Potential employers want to know your past work performance beyond what you include on a resume. Job references are a listing of contact info for coworkers from previous positions.

Professional references allow hiring managers to learn about your personality and how you would approach the new position. They want to know you can do the job and whether your work habits are consistent with your interview question responses.

Including job references on a resume can help them learn all of these things, and having good references can help you stand out against other applicants for the position youre trying to get.

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Give Your Career A Heads

If you’ve fumbled in your job search, know that you’re not alone. There are plenty of booby traps spread throughout the process, and falling victim to one doesn’t mean you blew your chances at the job. To avoid the pitfalls, start with a strong resume that shows you off in the most flattering light possible. Need some help with that?;Get a free resume evaluation today from the experts at;Monster’s Resume Writing Service. You’ll get detailed feedback in two business days, including a review of;your resume’s appearance and content, and a prediction of a recruiter’s first impression. Monster’s experts can show you all;the little ways you can improve your resume and become someone for whom references will go out of their way to praise.

What Is A References List

References lists are an essential component of the job application process, along with cover letters, resumes, and interview follow-up letters. When composing your resume, prepare a solid list of current references.

A references list provides potential employers with professional and personal references that can attest to your work ethic, reliability, capabilities, strengths,;professional performance, assets, demeanor, people skills, character, and;personality from multiple perspectives. A list of references provides a more candid glimpse of the professional and person behind the resume.

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How To Choose The Right Professional References On Your Resume

In considering how to choose the best professional reference, consider in what context that person will know your work, responsibilities, and accomplishments.

It may take a wide spectrum of references on a resume to speak to different aspects of your skill set, for example: a faculty member that you have worked closely with, a colleague that you have done a project with from a national association, a person that has worked with you in a crisis situation, etc.

Pick wisely when choosing references for job applications. When deciding the best professional references to choose, try to get a mix of former managers, co-workers, and if youre going for a management position you can also include past members of your team.

For additional guidance on how to get professional references, check out this article in Forbes about how to secure good references that will help you land the job.