References
A list of references consists of three to five people who will give a potential employer excellent reviews of your past performance. Your reference list is a supplement to your resume, but do not send it with the resume unless requested to do so. When an employer asks for references, he or she may be seriously considering you for a position. (You do not need to put “References Upon Request” on your resume.)
Think carefully and strategically about who you ask to speak to a potential employer on your behalf. You should feel confident that your references would speak of your performance in glowing terms.
A reference may come from a favorite professor in whose class you excelled, a university staff member who has mentored you, a current or previous work supervisor, and/or a coworker who has experienced what it is like to work with you on a school or volunteer project.
Each reference on your list includes the following:
- Mr./ Ms. Name of reference, Title
- Company/Organization
- Phone Number
- E-mail
- Add a brief description of the relationship to you and in what capacity he/she would be able to speak to your relevant past performance.
Example of reference:
Mr. Andy Smith, Director of Customer Support
Austin Smith Corporation
Austin, TX
(215) 555-9388
austin@smith.com
Mr. Smith was my direct supervisor at Austin Smith Corporation. He can attest to my customer service skills and interest in continuous learning.
Be sure to keep in touch with your references regularly throughout the job search process. Let them know what type of position you’re aiming for as well as the organizations you are considering. Help them think through what they should highlight about your skills and accomplishments so that it’s clear that you meet the qualifications for the job you’re trying to land.
Finally, after you’ve signed the offer letter for that important job, don’t forget to let your references know of your success and be sure to thank them profusely! References play a critical role in all successful job searches.
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