USING REFERENCES
Most employers will eventually request your references before extending a job offer. The
strongest references come from previous employers who can vouch for your knowledge and
skills, your integrity, and your enthusiasm toward work. Ask current/past immediate
supervisors, managers, or co-workers to be references. The higher the title, the better.
Selecting References
Your reference should know who you are and what you did. Request references only of those
people who think positively of you. If you know that your current or previous boss won’t give
you a decent recommendation, provide the name of someone else in the chain-of-command
who will. Maybe your boss’s boss, another manager, or a supervisor who is familiar with your
work. Don’t use family members or friends unless they can truly speak to your work-related
skills and qualifications.
Generally speaking, you should only use business references unless the employer asks for
personal or character references. Other potential references may include your professors,
leaders of organizations and clubs, clients, customers, or others familiar with your work. They
should all be professional contacts.
Preparing References
Of course, you should always ask for their permission beforehand and inform them of your job
objective. You might also give them a copy of your resume, so they have something to refer to
when contacted by an employer. Also, provide them with a copy of the job description of the
position.
It’s OK to talk with your referenced beforehand about the company, the position you’re
applying for, and your insights for employment with the company. This let’s your references
know they should expect to be contacted soon and provides them with information they can
use to provide the HR professional with tailored comments.
Providing References
Never include your references on your resume. Instead, prepare a separate sheet with the
heading, “Professional References” or something similar. (See attached Example). You should
list 3 to 5 references under that heading. Be sure to include your name, address, etc., at the
top of the page – just as it appears on your resume. Unless otherwise requested, use work
addresses and phone numbers. For each reference list the name, title, company or
organization, company address, and work phone number. If the person’s title or company does
not indicate your relationship, include in parenthesis after name (e.g., former supervisor). You
can also include Best Time to Contact information for individuals that may have unique
schedules. .
Your Professional References should not be sent with your cover letter and resume unless the
employer specifically asks for them at that time. Employers typically ask for references after an
interview, so be sure to take a copy of your reference sheet with you to your interviews. It
should be on the same paper as your resume – and as with any other job search
correspondence, take the time to make sure your reference sheet is of the highest quality.
PROOFREAD, PROOFREAD, and PROOFREAD again.
Thanking References
When the interview process is complete—irrespective of outcome—be sure to thank you
references for their time they took to assist you with your job search. Handwritten notes,
notecards, and ecards are just a few thoughtful ways to show your appreciation.
Example formatting
Name (Professional Relationship)
Position Title
Company
Company Address
City, State, Zip Code
Company Phone Number
EXAMPLE REFERENCE PAGE
YOUR NAME
1234 North 55 Street
Bellevue, Nebraska 68005
(402) 292-2345
PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES
Bernard E. Langer
Director, Human Resources
Attaboy Company
7833 Avenue G
Omaha, NE 68134
(402) 738-4467
Dr. Sandra P. Doolittle
Chemistry Professor
Bellevue University
1000 Galvin Road South
Bellevue, NE 68005
(402) 293-5543
Best Time to Call: M – F Before Noon
Gregory J. Throckmortan (Former Supervisor)
General Manager
Iowa Western Beef Company
234 6
th
Avenue
Council Bluffs, IA 51510
(712) 355-7865
Ernestine Freeling (Former Colleague)
Supply Coordinator
Iowa Western Beef Company
234 6
th
Avenue
Council Bluffs, IA 51510
(712) 355-7865
