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Edited by Lisa Brooks, Cem, Pepper, Heather Eagar and 35 others

Many potential employers ask for a list of references in a job application or at the end of the interview. Be prepared by bringing a properly formatted list of references along with you to an interview. Here are some tips on making your list.

Edit Steps

Sample Documents

Sample Professional Reference Page

Sample Student Reference Page

Sample Email to Employer Asking for Reference


Including References on a Resume

  1. 1
    Call or e-mail your references first. Make sure your references are aware that you will be utilizing them as references. Do not give out their contact information to potential employers/other organizations before checking with your references first. It’s also a good idea to ask your references how they would prefer to be contacted (ex. email, work phone, cell phone, etc.).

  2. 2
    Use a separate page for your references. Unless you are applying to be a nanny, personal assistant, or something with a similar level of one-on-one interaction, the main body of your resume should not even mention references.
  3. 3
    Start off your reference list with a heading. The heading should include your name in a clear, bold font. In a slightly smaller font beneath that, you should include your address, phone number, and email. You may also want to add a line underneath the heading in order to clearly separate it from the rest of the document. For a more cohesive, professional look, maintain the same style and formatting that you used in your resume.

  4. 4
    Under the heading, add a clear title.

  5. 5
    List the references and their information.

    • Begin your reference list by listing the name of the first reference in bold. In the line beneath that, write their relationship to you and the company you both worked at.
    • Include the work address beneath that – provided that they still work at the company where you both worked together; If they do not, leave the work address out and remember to check to make sure that your contact information is current.
    • If your reference has agreed to be contacted by phone, list the phone number next. Remember to indicate whether the number is for a work phone or cell phone.
    • If your reference has agreed to be contacted by email, include the e-mail last (as email is less personal than a phone call).
  6. 6
    Format any additional references in a similar way.

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Edit Tips

  • Carry your reference sheet with you to interviews. You may offer it at the end of the interview or you can choose to wait until asked by the employer.
  • You may want to have two or three separate reference sheets: one with personal references, one with professional, and/or possibly one with both. Not all employers want both personal and professional.
  • To show that you work well on multiple levels, choose a variety of people to include on your reference sheet. You don't want all supervisors or all co-workers.
  • Include only a handful of choice references. You don't want to overwhelm the employer with too many choices.

Edit Warnings

  • Don't provide references too early in the process. Your contacts will not want to be bothered by numerous phone calls or e-mails until you are certain that you’re interested in the position and/or have been singled out as an especially likely candidate. Protect their privacy above all.

Edit Related wikiHows

Article Info

Categories: Resume Preparation

Recent edits by: Amy K. Jones, Maluniu, ElizabethD

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