Employers often ask job applicants to provide references, and having a list of job references ready can make the process of applying for jobs much smoother. When you’re preparing your list of job references, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Understanding what employers want to know from your references and the best way to organize and present the information can help you create a list that will make a good impression on potential employers.
Choosing the Right References
The best references are people who can speak to your work ethic, job performance and professional accomplishments. Consider people who have supervised you in the past or with whom you have worked closely. It’s helpful to include a variety of references from different areas of your professional life, such as former colleagues, supervisors, teachers and clients. Make sure you get permission from each person before you provide their name, phone number and email address as part of your job references.
Including Contact Information
When you’re listing your job references, make sure you provide accurate contact information for each reference. Include their full name, title, organization, phone number, email address and mailing address. If you don’t have a contact’s mailing address, include the address of the company they work for.
Explaining Your Relationship
When you provide your job references, it’s a good idea to include a brief explanation of your relationship with each person. This helps potential employers understand the context of your relationship and how long you’ve known each other. This can be a few sentences that explain the type of work you did together and the length of your professional relationship.
Including Letters of Recommendation
Having letters of recommendation from your job references can be an effective way to make a good impression on potential employers. Ask your references to provide a written recommendation that describes your skills, accomplishments and work ethic. If a reference is unable to write a letter, you can also include notes they’ve written on your behalf or emails that praise your work.
Organizing Your References
Organizing your job references in an easy-to-read format can make them easier to understand for potential employers. Consider creating a reference page that lists each reference’s name, contact information and the nature of your relationship. You can also include your reference’s title, company and any letters of recommendation on the page. Make sure the page is neat and easy to read, and double-check that all the contact information is accurate.
Formatting Your References
When you’re submitting your list of job references, make sure you use the same format as your resume. This includes using the same font, font size and formatting style. Use the same paper and color as your resume when printing out a hard copy of your references. This can help create a consistent, professional look that shows potential employers you’re taking the process seriously.
Following Up with References
Following up with your references after you’ve applied for a job is a polite way to thank them for their help. Let them know if you’ve been invited for an interview or if you’ve received a job offer. If the potential employer has requested additional information from your references, make sure you follow up with them to ensure the employer has all the information they need.
Creating a Professional List of References
Having an organized, professional list of job references can help you make a great impression on potential employers. Make sure you choose the right references and provide accurate contact information for each one. Explaining your relationship with each reference and including letters of recommendation can also make your list of job references stand out. Following these steps can help you create a professional list of job references that will help you get the job you want.