Resumes with references templates

A resume reference list is a document that provides contact and background information on professional references. Recruiters and hiring managers may contact people on your reference list during the hiring process to learn more about your professional history, job performance and other details about the kind of employee you are. While some employers may ask you to submit resume references as part of the application process, others may ask after a phone screening, face-to-face interview or before the final step in the hiring process.

Reference List Format. Related: How to Email a Resume. As you begin putting together a list of references for employers to call on during the hiring process, consider the following steps to guide your document. The number of references you list depends on your career level. Keep in mind that the recruiter may not contact all references on your list. In some cases, they may only call one or two. But having a selection of different types of references ensures they have plenty to choose from if one of your references is unavailable.

When selecting resume references, consider people who can speak to your best qualities, skills and qualifications. Generally, the best people to include as references are:.

Hint: Not sure how to list other sections of your resume? Check out our Resume Guides to learn more about how to craft each section of your resume. When to Put References on a Resume So, if it is typically not expected to have references included on an initial resume, when is the best time to include references on a resume?

Creating a reference section or page can be necessary depending on a number of situations, including: If the employer has specifically requested for references to be included in the job description If you have progressed further down the hiring process and have been asked to provide references before or after an interview If you are applying to governmental or institutional position, such as a federal job, that will require strong references and a background check Quick Tip: If you have impressive references, such as a company CEO or another recognizable figure, be sure to make these the most noticeable references and the first ones you list in your reference section.

Customize this Resume. CEO, professor of law, etc. Company or University of Employment Company or University Address not personal addresses Company or University Phone number Company or University Email Address It is important when writing out your references that you do not include personal information about the reference, such as a personal cellphone number or email, without their explicit permission. What Not to Include in a Reference on a Resume We have already covered the basics of what to include and how to format a basic reference — but what kind of information should be excluded from a reference on a resume.

Here is a quick breakdown of what kinds of information should be excluded from a reference: Any personal information Lengthy descriptions of your relationship to the reference Personal anecdotes or other non-essential information Too many references from the same company or employer You ultimately want to provide concise references that are easy to ready quickly and clearly show why that person has been included as a reference.

Take a look at these two examples on correcting reference errors: When including additional information, keep it to one line or less of the most relevant information. Incorrect: You worked at a corporate company in the communications department as a copywriter, and you have worked with both junior and senior level copywriters who you have included as references.

Correct: You include only the senior copywriter as a reference, as they can better attest to your skills and their position is more impressive and relevant to the job you are seeking. How Many References to Add to a Resume Assuming you are using a separate, dedicated references page, the ideal number of references to aim for is between 3 to 4.

When selecting your 3 to 4 references, it is important to keep a few factors in mind: Which references hold the highest prestige in their positions, making their inclusion on a references page notable?

Which references can provide the most relevant information about your work ethic and skills for the job you are currently applying for? Which references do you have the strongest relationships with who will go above and beyond to recommend you to a hiring manager?

Who to Ask for References As you are creating your list of potential references to contact, there are a number of different types of people you can consider including. Here are some common examples of who to include as references: Former employer or manager Supervisor or low-level management Coworker, colleague, or team member College professor Internship supervisor Community member typically used when a job applicant has limited references but has connections within the community who can validate their experience and skills Business partners this can be anyone you worked on a project with or shared a similar business experience with How to Ask for a Reference Asking for professional references can be a bit nerve-wrecking, especially if your references are busy people.

Quick Tip: When you call or email to ask for a reference, this is a great time to confirm that the information you have is correct such as their specific title and business phone number.

In general, however, try to avoid including references that are too personally related to you. Alternative Methods for Sending References If you are a new graduate or are returning to the workforce after some time away, you may not have many recent professional references to include in a resume. Here are some examples of alternative references when you lack strong professional ones: Volunteers you have worked with Professors or teachers who have recently taught you Community members such as church pastors or mentors who can attest to your character.

Final Takeaways Ultimately, the key to doing references right is to wait to provide them until they are requested by a hiring manager or potential employers. Browse more resume templates that fit your role Two-Column Resume Templates. One Page Resume Templates. Combination Resume Templates. Traditional Resume Templates. Ed Moss. Ed is a co-founder of Easy Resume.

His background in scaling teams at tech startups over the last decade has given him extensive experience and knowledge around how to hire top talent and build successful teams. He enjoys mentoring, coaching, and helping others reach their career goals. When he's not writing about career-related advice, he's playing with his dog, Lilo, or going on long hikes in upstate New York.

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