How To Format References On Resume

Sample Reference List For Employment

When you need to provide references to a potential employer, the best way to do this is to create a reference page you can share with them. A reference page is a list of your references.

You dont want to include the list on your resume. Create a separate list you can upload with your job application, if requested, and have one ready to share with the hiring manager during or after your interview.

How To Request References

All right, so youve got your list of potential references, but youre not done yet! Contact these people to make sure they know youre planning on using them as a reference. This is also your way of checking that the contact information you have is correct and up-to-date.

Not only is it polite to reach out to your references before including their names on your list, but it has the added advantage of giving them time to prepare. That means when they get a phone call or email from your prospective employer, theyll be ready with the best examples of your professional excellence.

Depending on how distant your working relationship with the potential reference is, consider sending them a copy of your resume, so they can brush up on what experiences and qualities youre trying to highlight.

If theyre really invested in your success, consider sending the job description as well. The more information your reference has, the better chance they have to provide you with a top-quality recommendation.

Always follow up with references who agree to be on your list by sending a thank-you email. Its not just about being nice it also serves as a reminder that they should expect a call or email from your prospective employer soon.

Resume References: When To Include Or Exclude

For the majority of job applications you will not need to include any references with your resume.

If you decide to do so and they have not been requested this could be detrimental to your application, simply because you are prioritizing references over other relevant skills or qualifications which could be included in this space and add value to your resume.

The most likely scenario for your jobsearch will be that the employer requests references from you after a preliminary interview or in any case near the end of the application process.

This is because hiring managers will only want to contact references of those few applicants who are shortlisted after the interview stage in order to save time and effort. It is time-consuming for employers to call or send messages to your referees and doing so can become counterproductive and inefficient due to the time spent unless you are in the running for a job.

The only time it is acceptable to include references with the resume in a job application is when they are requested directly in the job vacancy description. When this is the case, we recommend only including them on a separate piece of paper as a reference page.

TOP TIP: For those job applications that do not specifically request professional references from the jobseeker, it is not advisable to include them but it is always wise to be prepared!

For other resume resources, you could use an online resume builder to help you create a winning resume from the very beginning.

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The Best Job References Format

I have another article with a video on how to format a list of job references which does a really good job of showing you a professional job references format and is very easy to copy and adapt to your own resume reference page.

Your resume reference page can contain past co-workers, managers, even customers. I generally list about four to six different references on my references page using the above resume references format.

Also, I strongly suggest avoiding putting the ubiquitous references available upon request on your resume. If an employer wants them, then theyll ask you. Avoid volunteering references too its just too pushy. If an employer is getting ready to make you an offer then they will ask you for references and if they do, this is also the time to give them any letters of recommendation you may have.

Avoid volunteering letters of recommendation only present them when you are asked for your references.

Try not to wear out your list of references either. Its always a good idea to give them a call every now and then and keep in touch. Let them know how you are doing and that you really appreciate them acting as a resume reference for you.

End of References on Resume Sample Reference List

Should I Have Personal Or Professional References On My Resume

A professional reference attests to your professionalism and past achievements. As a rule of thumb, most hiring managers would prefer to receive a set of professional references or letters of recommendation since an attestation from a professional contact provides more insight into the applicants core competencies and workplace behaviors. This is why it is generally better to use professional references on your resume.

However, you may use personal references if you dont have enough work experience or want a reference to validate your character and work ethic. Personal references are perfectly acceptable for students, entry-level workers, volunteers, or professionals in the service industry.

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Praktisch Und Stilvoll: Toilettenpapierhalter Fr Ihr Badezimmer

Ein Toilettenpapierhalter sollte im eigenen Bad oder im Gäste-WC nicht fehlen, denn der praktische Halter ist nicht nur Aufbewahrungsmöglichkeit für Papierrollen, sondern auch gestalterisches Element für Ihr Badezimmer. Auf den Stangen und Haken lassen sich je nach Modell eine oder mehrere Rollen aufhängen bzw. aufstecken. Ein WC-Rollenhalter bringt Ordnung ins Badezimmer, da die Rollen jederzeit einen festen Platz haben und nicht unordentlich auf Fensterbank, Heizung oder Badschrank stehen.

Für ein einheitliches und harmonisches Erscheinungsbild können Sie den Toilettenpapierhalter passend zu Ihrem Einrichtungsstil auswählen. Die große Auswahl und Vielfalt an unterschiedlichen Designs gibt Ihnen die Möglichkeit, sich für das passende Modell zu entscheiden.

Tipp: Stimmen Sie andere Bad-Accessoires wie Handtuchhalter oder Kosmetikeimer aufeinander ab und schaffen Sie so einen aufgeräumten Look.

Having A Master Reference List Ready:

It is helpful to have a complete “master” list of references already prepared, even if you are currently not looking for a job. This way, whenever you are asked for your references you will not struggle to come up with appropriate contacts on short notice. Gather together your professional contacts along with their names, titles, organizations, phone numbers, and email addresses and keep them handy.

Also Check: How To Change Your Resume On Linkedin

Writing Up A Reference Letter:

There are certain guidelines and specifications for writing up a reference letter. Here are some simple rules and tips to keep in mind when telling your story, at least in some detail:

• Use good punctuation and grammar Write as if you were speaking.
• Help the reader to understand through your writing what you have to say without making your story too long.
• Organise and structure your thoughts into a coherent, logical and clear story.
• Use a variety of phrases so that your letter will be interesting for the reader.
• Write in standard English .

Interested to write a stand-out CV so please check our examples of good CV template for your reference. Also, use our free CV builder.

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.

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How To Deal With Professional References

Having said all that, great professional references could be the secret sauce that seals the deal. If you were a speechwriter for President Barack Obama, hopefully that would appear somewhere in your employment history, and possibly in your summary. But if your friend Barack has offered to vouch for you to future employers, think twice before you include his private email and personal cellphone on your public resume.

You could include this info in a separate attachment, or even as part of your cover letter. But does it belong in your public resume? Most experts would say no, and Barack Obama would probably agree.

Third Step In Creating A Reference Page:

The references template is pretty straight forward. Once you have your first reference listed, simply copy the same format to the next reference and do this three or four times.

Thats it, youre all done writing your list of references. Were you expecting more?

Dont worry, at the end of the article, Ill show you what your references format should look like when its all done.

But before I do

I want to tell you about the Resume Masterpiece Here is where I go into even more detail about a references template , cover letters, and writing beautiful resumes.

At the bottom of this page Ill show you a references template you can use to format your list of job references.

Keep in mind that your references should be on one single piece of paper. Make sure you dont put references available on request on your resume. Mainly because its unnecessary and because employers will assume you have references and they will ask you when they are getting close to making you a job offer.

When creating your reference sheet to take to the interview, put it on letter-head that matches your resume and cover letter. In addition to looking good, the letterhead will identify whose reference sheet it is if it gets separated from your letter and resume.

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Salary Negotiation: Preparing For The Final Offer

What’s the last step in the interview process? The final offer letter. If you’ve made it this far, congratulations! You’ll want to be prepared ahead of time by checking out my article on how to negotiate your salary during an interview.

I’ll show you 3 simple negotiation tips that you can use to double your offer! While finding the courage to speak up about your salary and negotiating what youre worth can be tough, its an absolute must. If youre not negotiating your salary properly, youre leaving tons of money on the table. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to get paid what you’re really worth!

How To Format References On Resume With Enhancv

First, browse through Enhancvs resume examples and grab a proven template for your job position.

Next, youll be taken to a page that guides you through how to create a resume for your specific industry. When you land on this page, click on the use this example button:

Great!

Now you have access to a proven resume template for your job position thats gotten candidates like you hired. Youll be inside Enhancvs editor app which should look like this:

Once youve made it this far, youre free to rephrase and change the information with your own details. Building a resume like this is much easier than starting on a blank canvas. To create a resume references section, you simply change the resume section heading to references and include them.

Heres how this can look:

Its really simple just add their contact details. Youre free to add a short description but I dont recommend it because space is sacred.

Besides, the information will be shown any through the relevant resume sections e.g. work experience if theyre done correctly.

When you highlight key details by using color, it improves the resume format since its easier to skim through. Not only do you save the hiring manager time by helping them find what theyre looking for, but theyll notice the key details first.

Since references on a resume arent compulsory and theyre only really needed if the hiring managers ask for it, you should replace this section with something else.

Its different.

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What Not To Include In A Reference On A Resume

We have already covered the basics of what to include and how to format a basic reference â but what kind of information should be excluded from a reference on a resume.

Here is a quick breakdown of what kinds of information should be excluded from a reference:

• Any personal information
• Lengthy descriptions of your relationship to the reference
• Personal anecdotes or other non-essential information
• Too many references from the same company or employer

You ultimately want to provide concise references that are easy to ready quickly and clearly show why that person has been included as a reference.

Take a look at these two examples on correcting reference errors:

When including additional information, keep it to one line or less of the most relevant information.

Additionally, keep additional specific and donât use vague wording such as âseveral years.â

Incorrect:

When making your list of references you plan of including, it is important to not include too many from the same company.

You should only really include two references from the same company if each reference witnessed different skills or accomplishments of yours that the other did not.

Incorrect:

You worked at a corporate company in the communications department as a copywriter, and you have worked with both junior and senior level copywriters who you have included as references.

Correct:

Should I Put References On A Resume

The answer to whether or not to put references on your resume can vary.

The general rule of thumb when is actually to not include references on your resume.

This is because employers are unlikely to reach to references until the interview phase, making the inclusion of them on an initial resume typically unnecessary.

This does not mean that there are never scenarios in which you will need to know how to properly list references.

For specific jobs and in certain situations, you may be asked or required to include a list of references within or alongside your resume.

When you need strong references, it’s important to structure them so that they stand out and impress the hiring manager, landing you the pivotal interview.

In this guide, we will be covering the basics of how listing references on your resumes and when to know itâs time to use references.

Plus, we will discuss alternatives to sending references that can help you in situations where sending a reference may be a difficult task.

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Ask Your Contacts To Be A Reference

Its important you ask your contacts to be a reference before you provide their names. Not only is this a common courtesy, but it also gives them time to prepare for a phone call or email from the employer. Giving your references plenty of notice also ensures they have time to recall specific examples that highlight why youre the best candidate for the role.

Whether you call, email or ask your prospective reference in person, be sure its something theyre comfortable doing. Your best references will be people who enjoyed working with you and are excited to discuss your talents.

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How To List References On Resume

Your resume references arent the deciding factor for whether or not you land your next job position. That being said, there are right and wrong ways for listing your references on a resume.

In the case you want to include references, they should only be on the second page of your resume. Otherwise, as mentioned, completely omit them from your application in the first place.

So, what should the resume references section look like?

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Can I Include References Without Their Permission

No way! Youre buying a one-way ticket to unemployment hell if you blindside former employers by listing them as references on a resume without even checking with them first.

A job search is a process, and you cant just skip a bunch of steps. If you used to be Bill and Melinda Gates nanny, you cant just put their private contact info on your resume without getting their permission first.

If you need character references on a resume, reach out to your most promising prospects. How do you ask someone to be your reference? Explain what youre up to, what kind of job youre seeking and why you need a reference. If you used to work for Warren Buffett, hes probably busy earning another $1 billion today, but he might have five minutes to dash off a note saying you were a great bookkeeper.

Speaking of which, instead of seeking permission to publish their contact info, why not ask former employers for a short testimonial about what an awesome employee you were? You can probably get far more mileage from a professional reference letter than from a phone number that Elon Musk doesnt answer anyway.

Examples Of References On Resumes

Letâs take a look at a few examples of references on resumes to learn more about common mistakes made when crafting a reference and how to correct them.

It is highly important to include the necessary information to contact a reference â just a name and company is not enough. You should always include at least an official business number and an official business email in your references.

Incorrect:

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How To Ask For A Resume Reference

Got a shortlist of candidates? Now, its time to let those people know you are using them as your references. Never list someone without a heads-up!

Here are a few quick tips for requesting a reference:

• Use a bit of flattery, but dont fawn.
• Explain why youve chosen them.
• See if they have preferred contact information
• Ask for one or two references more than you need if someone else doesnt respond.

Heres a brief sample request:

Hi Dr. Johnson,

I hope things are going well for you, and that Westside Medical Clinic is as successful as ever. I am writing to you because I am in consideration for the position of head nurse at Regional hospital. Would it be okay if I used you as a reference?

They are seeking someone with both clinical and supervisory experience for this position, and who can understand the needs of low-income patients. Because we worked together managing the City Free Clinic, I thought you could speak to my abilities in these areas.

If you would be willing to be contacted by my potential employer, please let me know your preferred contact information.

Sincerely,

Rhonda Black