A reference page is a supplementary professional document that lists contacts who can speak to a job candidate’s work history, skills, and professional character. Its primary function is to support the claims and experience detailed within the accompanying resume. This document provides potential employers with the means to verify a candidate’s suitability for a role. Understanding the structure and timing of this page is necessary for navigating the modern hiring process effectively.
Modern Best Practice: When to Use a Reference Page
Modern hiring practice dictates that the reference page should not be attached to the initial resume or application submission. Candidates should include the phrase “References available upon request” on the resume, though this availability is often implied and the phrase can be omitted. This approach respects the limited time of hiring managers and avoids cluttering the initial application packet.
The physical reference document is generally only provided when a hiring manager specifically asks for it. This request typically occurs later in the interview cycle, often after a candidate has completed one or more rounds of interviews. Keeping the document prepared and updated is important, as sending it immediately demonstrates organization and professionalism. Delays can slow down the hiring decision.
Essential Content for the Reference List
For each contact listed, the information must be accurate, complete, and clearly formatted. The full name and current professional title of the individual must be included to establish their authority.
Following the individual’s name, the current name of their company or organization must be provided. This detail gives context to their position and helps the hiring team understand the professional environment from which the recommendation originates. Complete contact information is then required, including both the individual’s professional phone number and their work email address. These direct lines of communication allow the employer to easily make contact.
A brief statement about the professional relationship and its duration is also necessary to contextualize the reference. This statement should clearly define how the reference knows the candidate, such as “Direct Supervisor, 2018-2022” or “Project Client, 2020-2021.” This immediately informs the employer about the nature and length of the professional interaction.
Professional Formatting and Layout
The visual presentation of the reference page must maintain consistency with the resume. The header of the reference page, containing the candidate’s full name, phone number, and professional email, must precisely match the header used on the resume. This visual link ensures the documents are clearly associated, preventing confusion.
Consistency must also extend to the document’s typography; the font type and size should be identical to those used on the resume. Standard, professional fonts like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri in a 10- or 12-point size are preferred for readability. Margins should be set to the standard one-inch on all sides.
The page should be titled “Professional References,” centered or left-aligned at the top, just below the candidate’s personal header. Each reference entry should be separated by clear spacing, presenting the required information in a clean block. This layout allows the reader to quickly scan and locate the necessary contact details. The entire document should fit onto a single page.
Selecting and Preparing Your References
Candidates typically include three to five professional references to offer the employer a suitable range of perspectives. The selection process should focus on individuals who can speak directly to the candidate’s professional abilities, such as former supervisors, senior colleagues, or clients. Avoid listing personal contacts, like family members or friends, as their input is not considered relevant in a professional context.
The most important step before listing any contact is reaching out to them to formally request permission. This courtesy ensures the individual is prepared to receive a call and is willing to provide a positive recommendation. During this conversation, the candidate must confirm that all the reference’s contact details, including their current title and email address, are up-to-date.
Preparing the contacts also includes briefly informing them about the specific roles the candidate is applying for and the skills the employer may inquire about. This preparation allows the reference to tailor their comments and provide the most relevant endorsement possible.