A resume reference page is a document listing professional contacts who can attest to your skills, work ethic, and character. It is separate from your resume and is provided to employers during the final stages of the hiring process. This document serves as a verification tool, allowing employers to gain deeper insights into your past performance.
When to Submit Your Reference Page
The standard protocol is to submit this document only when an employer specifically requests it. This request usually comes after one or more successful interviews, signaling that you are a serious candidate. Submitting references with your initial application is discouraged as it can be seen as presumptuous.
It is also advisable to remove the outdated phrase “References available upon request” from your resume. Employers operate under the assumption that you will provide references if they ask, and this phrase wastes valuable space.
Selecting Your Professional References
Select three to five individuals who have direct and recent knowledge of your professional abilities and performance. The strongest references are former managers or supervisors who can speak in detail about your contributions, work ethic, and skills. They have firsthand experience of your capabilities and can provide credible, specific examples of your work.
When building your list, consider individuals from different professional contexts if possible, such as a direct supervisor, a senior colleague, or a professional mentor. Avoid listing family members or personal friends, as they can be perceived as biased and are often unable to provide the objective, work-related feedback that employers are seeking.
The relevance of your references to the job you are applying for is also a factor. If you are applying for a marketing role, a review from a former marketing director will carry more weight than one from a supervisor in an unrelated field.
How to Ask for a Reference
You must always ask for permission before including someone on your list. A surprise call from a potential employer can put your contact in an awkward position and may result in a less effective recommendation. Reach out via email or a phone call, giving them a clear way to decline if they are not comfortable.
To help your chosen contacts provide a strong reference, equip them with relevant information. Send them an updated version of your resume along with the job description for the position you are targeting. This context allows them to tailor their comments to the specific skills the employer is looking for.
It can also be helpful to remind them of specific projects or accomplishments you achieved while working together. After they agree, it is a good practice to keep them informed about your job search progress.
What to Include on a Reference Page
Each entry on your reference page should contain specific, consistent information to make it easy for a hiring manager to contact your references. For each person you list, include the following details:
- Their full name, spelled correctly.
- Their current job title and the name of the company where they work.
- A brief line describing your professional relationship (e.g., “Former Direct Supervisor” or “Senior Colleague”).
- A professional phone number and a current email address.
Double-check that this contact information is up-to-date and accurate to avoid communication issues. It is generally advised not to include personal addresses, as employers will almost always reach out via phone or email, and it respects the privacy of your contacts.
Formatting Your Reference Page
The presentation of your reference page should be professional and consistent with your resume and cover letter. Create a header at the top of the page that includes your full name, phone number, and email address, mirroring the header on your resume. This consistent branding makes your documents look organized.
Organize the page to be clean and easy to read, with ample white space to avoid a cluttered appearance. Use a standard, professional font and maintain the same font style and size that you used for your resume. Listing your most impactful reference first is a strategic choice, as some employers may only contact the first person on the list.
Before submitting the document, save it as a PDF file. This preserves the formatting, ensuring that it looks the same on the employer’s computer as it does on yours. A PDF prevents any accidental edits and presents a polished, final version of your reference list.