A professional reference page is a document that provides contact information for individuals who can attest to your qualifications, skills, and work ethic. It serves as a verification tool for recruiters, allowing them to gain a third-party perspective on your professional history and character. A well-prepared list of contacts can provide a final, positive impression on a potential employer by substantiating the claims made in your resume and during interviews.
Selecting Your References
Choosing the right people to serve as your references is an important step. The individuals you select should be able to speak credibly about your professional capabilities and character in a work setting. Ideally, these are people who have directly observed your performance, work habits, and contributions.
Former managers and direct supervisors are often the most impactful references as they can provide a comprehensive overview of your role, responsibilities, and achievements. Colleagues with whom you collaborated closely on projects can also offer valuable insights into your teamwork and skills. For recent graduates, academic professors or advisors can serve as strong references, speaking to your diligence and project management skills.
It is just as important to know who to avoid listing. Family members and friends should not be included on a professional reference list, as their opinions are inherently biased. You should also refrain from including anyone who cannot speak to your work performance in a relevant and positive manner, as a weak reference can dilute the strength of your application.
How to Ask for a Reference
You must always ask for permission before including someone on your list, as this shows respect for their time and ensures they are prepared to speak on your behalf. A sudden call from a recruiter can be off-putting for a reference who was not previously consulted, potentially leading to a less enthusiastic endorsement.
The best way to ask is through a polite and personalized email or a direct phone call. In your request, provide context about your job search and the specific role you are pursuing. To help your reference provide the most effective endorsement, you should equip them with your updated resume and the job description for the position. This allows them to tailor their comments to the specific requirements of the role.
When you reach out, briefly remind them of your shared work history, including projects or accomplishments you achieved together. This helps refresh their memory and gives them specific examples to draw upon when speaking with a potential employer. It is also a good practice to ask if they feel comfortable providing a positive reference.
What to Include on Your Reference Page
The reference page should be a clear and easy-to-read document. The goal is to provide the hiring manager with all the necessary information to contact your references, so each person should have their own distinct entry with consistently formatted details.
For each person you list, you must include:
- Their full name, current job title, and company
- A professional email address
- A direct phone number
- A brief statement clarifying your professional relationship (e.g., “Former Direct Supervisor”)
This context helps the hiring manager understand the perspective from which the reference will be speaking.
Ensure all information is accurate and up-to-date by double-checking the contact details and job titles with your references. Providing incorrect information can cause unnecessary delays in the hiring process and may reflect poorly on your attention to detail.
Formatting Your Reference Page
The visual presentation of your reference page should align with your resume and cover letter. This consistency in formatting demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail. Use the same header that appears on your resume, which includes your full name, phone number, and email address.
The layout should be clean, with ample white space to ensure readability, and use the same font as your resume and cover letter. The title of the page should be simple, such as “Professional References” or “References.” List between three to five references, which is the standard expectation for most employers, and ensure each entry is clearly separated.
When to Submit Your References
The timing of when you provide your reference list signals your understanding of modern hiring practices. Do not include your reference page with your initial application unless the job posting specifically requests it. Doing so can be seen as premature by recruiters managing a large volume of applicants.
The standard protocol is to have your reference page prepared and ready to send upon request. An employer will ask for your references during the final stages of the interview process, once they are seriously considering you for the role and wish to verify your background.
Finally, avoid using the outdated phrase “References available upon request” on your resume. This statement is considered redundant by most hiring managers and takes up valuable space that could be better used to showcase your skills and accomplishments.