First, put your references on a separate sheet. Add an exclusive reference page, as the last page of your resume. Keep the same format for your reference sheet as your resume and cover letter, meaning use the same font, margins, and color scheme. Start off at the very top with your name, address, and phone number.

What to Include on a Reference List

1. Your name at the top of the page.
2. List your references, including their name, job title, company, and contact information, with a space in between each reference.
3. Include at least three professional references who can attest to your ability to perform the job you are applying for.

This list should include each reference’s name, job title, company, address, phone number, and email address. If the job listing asks you to submit a list of references but does not tell you how many you need, include three on the list. This is the typical number of references that employers want for each candidate.

Consider these steps as you ask someone to act as a reference for a potential job:

1. Make a personal connection. When you ask someone to be a reference, make it as personal as possible.
2. Be specific and open.
3. Renew an old contact.
4. Give them tools to verify your success.
5. Show gratitude.

A detailed reference (or character reference) can include:

• answers to questions from the employer requesting the reference.
• details about your skills, ability and experience.
• details about your character, strengths and weaknesses relating to your suitability for the new role.
• how often you were off work.

Here are a few examples of people who make great character references:

• Coworker.
• Co-volunteer or volunteer leader.
• Coach.
• Client or customer.
• Vendor or business acquaintance.
• Professor or academic advisor.
• Personal or professional mentor.
• Fellow student or graduate from an educational program.

Your references should talk about your strengths in specific situations — not just basic information. Remember that references are simply telling a story of you as an employee, and the best stories have demonstrative and powerful details. Strengths must be backed by specific, measurable and tangible results.

Good examples of professional references include: College professors, coaches or other advisors (especially if you’re a recent college graduate or don’t have a lengthy work history) Former employer (the person who hired and paid you)

Essentially, yes. While it’s true that not 100% of Human Resources (HR) departments will call your references during pre-employment screening, many do. The references you provide to employers may be contacted about your employment history, qualifications, and the skills that qualify you for the job.

Tips for writing a recommendation letter

1. Keep it positive. Your letter should confirm that you believe the person is a strong candidate for the job with no reservations.
2. Use a standard business letter format and tone.
3. Focus on the most important qualifications.
4. Follow the request instructions.

Friends… but only if they’re a professional reference Most of the time, leave your friends off your list of references. There are two occasions when using a friend as your reference is acceptable: They’re currently employed at the business to which you’re applying. They were your supervisor.

Fake references are illegal – if you’re caught. Directly lying is incredibly unethical, and if caught, you could be fired or face legal trouble. Companies rarely sue for lying, but the people you named on your reference list have every right to.

In addition to just giving them two references like Dan suggested, you could give them the names of two people from one of your previous employers. This would give your hiring manager the three references from three people that had individual relationships with you.

2 Answers. If you’ve worked in a family-owned business for a number of years and your boss happens to be a family member, you can certainly list them as a reference.

Here’s who to include instead:

• Your Favorite Professor. Depending on how big your graduating class was, you may have a few professors you can think to ask, or you may have just one.
• The Family Member or Friend You’ve Done Work For.
• An Older Student You Shared a Class With.
• A Leader From Your Past.

Here are five people you can include on your list of professional references if you want to land the job:

• Former Employer as a professional reference. A previous employer can provide the best insight into your work ethic.
• Colleague.
• Teacher.
• Advisor.
• Supervisor.

First of all, unless the job posting specifically states so, do not attach your references when applying for a job. If you do, there is a risk the employer will call one or more of these references before you even know if you really want the job. If so, it is fine to omit your current employer.

You send your list of references without being asked. It’s not necessary to send your references to every potential employer. For one reason, you could inundate your references with calls, and they won’t even be prepared by knowing what position you’ve applied for.

Your employer doesn’t usually have to give you a reference unless: your contract says they will. you have written proof they’ve agreed to give you a reference – like an email.

Employment at Will – Firing of an employee for a job interview with another company. Employment at will means you can be terminated for any reason without any notice. Most companies won’t contact a current employer without permission and most current employers won’t use a job search as a reason to terminate an employee …

Never tell your employer that you are looking for other work. This could cause them to think you are leaving, not interested in working etc… Then if you don’t get a new job they may do things like cut your hours back or other unfavorable things because they think you don’t care and are leaving.

Here are a few options:

• “… because I’m moving (or changing careers).”
• “… because I’m worried about my job security.”
• “… because I want to advance my career.”
• “… because I had an interesting opportunity come up.”

Let your prospective employer know that your job search should be kept confidential. Teach suggests that you inform them that you don’t want your current employer to know that you’re looking for a new job and would appreciate it if they told as few people as possible that you are interviewing.

Here are five tips for explaining why you’re looking for a new job while you’re employed, without sounding like a whiner:

1. Explain that you’ve outgrown the position.
2. Discuss your desire or need for flexible working options.
3. Discuss how you feel this new job is a better fit.

1. Ask a direct supervisor or professional mentor.
2. Inform the person beforehand and give plenty of notice.
3. Give your reference the appropriate background information.
4. Inform the person how you’ll use their reference.

Most employers will call your references only if you are the final candidate or one of the final two. Occasionally the final three or four. Every now and then an employer will check all the people they interview, although to me that’s inconsiderate of the reference.

I’m reaching out because I’ve been interviewing for a [position name] role at [company], and I’d love to list your name as a reference, if you’re willing. I thought of you because we’ve [ways in which you’ve worked together], and you could speak to my [key skills and abilities needed in the new position].

To secure a good reference from a former employer, make your request before you provide her name and contact information to the new company.

1. Call or email your former supervisor to request the reference at least two to three days before you provide her name.
2. Ask if she is willing to give an employment reference for you.

That’s because a prospective employer will want to speak with your previous bosses whether you list them as references or not. If you are still employed, you can request that your current employer not be called until an offer has been extended.