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Resumés:
References

Potential employers will want to talk to people you have worked with or who know you well to verify information on your resumé, find out what it is like to work with you and ask questions about your skills and personality.

  • Ask people in advance of your job search if they would be willing to be a reference for you and verify their contact information. If a potential reference appears hesitant, thank them politely and consider leaving them off of your final list.
  • Three to five references are recommended.
  • Former supervisors or co-workers are the best professional references, but professors, coaches, friends or customers can also be valuable resources.
  • Family members should not be listed as references.
    • References
  • Ensure that you request references only from those people who know you well enough to answer employer questions, and who are enthusiastic and encouraging of your career progress. References who work in the industry that you are trying to enter are ideal.
  • Provide your references with a copy of your resumé and let them know of the specific types of jobs you will be applying for and the specific skills that should be emphasized.
  • Include each reference's full name, title, company, address, phone number, and email address on the list of references (unless specifically asked to leave something out by a reference). Some employers request fax numbers as well.
  • List your references on a separate sheet of paper from your resumé. The heading and paper used should be the same as that of your resumé. Title the document "References" or "Reference List."
  • Bring your reference list with you to every interview but do not give it to the employer unless it is requested.
  • Thank your references for their help before and after an employer contacts them.
  • Keep in touch with your references even after you get a job. Update them on your new position and accomplishments and they will be better able to help you again in the future.
  • If your reference is no longer at their old job, or their company doesn't appear on your resumé, indicate your relationship on the reference page (i.e., Former supervisor at XYZ Company).

Sample Reference List

John Q. Smith
143 Applegate Road
Boston, MA 02215
johnqsmith@bu.edu
(617) 555-4567

REFERENCES
Connick Jackson, Jr.
Director of Development
South Beach Analysis
123 Huntington Road
Boston, MA 02215
(617) 555-7890
cjackson@southbeach.com

Angela McCarthy
(Former supervisor at Long Beach Marketing)
Marketing Supervisor
Outcast Media
234 Berkeley Street
Hancock, MA 02215
(617) 555-9012
mccarthya@outcast.org

Dr. Martin Sheen
Professor of Political Theory
Boston University
595 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
msheen@bu.edu

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