Information about References

References are a funny thing. Most employers ask for them, but depending upon the position, only a small percentage of employers really bother to call all the people on a job-seeker’s reference list.

Here are a couple of tips regarding reference lists:

1. Never put references on your resume. Make a list on a separate sheet of paper that matches your resume (and cover letter).
2. Never include references with your resume and cover letter, unless specifically asked by the potential employer.
3. Choose people who know you professionally and can speak well of your skills, abilities, and accomplishments. Always list your strongest reference first.
4. Make sure you ask people if they mind serving as a reference for you — and then contact them again when you think they may be contacted by a potential employer.
5. Try to use people who know you professionally, but if you are a recent college graduate or someone returning to the workforce, you can list a personal (character) reference.
6. Make sure you completely identify each reference, including name, title, company, address, phone number, e-mail address.