Employers may ask for a list of individuals who are willing to provide a description of your qualifications, work habits, character, and skills. These references should be provided on a document separate from your resume. You do not need to send references unless it is listed as a requirement in the application instructions, but be prepared to provide them when asked following these guidelines:
Building Your Reference Sheet
- Submit exactly the number of references requested by each employer.
- Supervisors, professors, student organization advisors, academic advisors, and other professional contacts able to positively attest to your skills, abilities, and work ethic are among those references most valued by employers. Do not include family or friends.
- Always ask potential references prior to listing them if they are willing to serve as a positive reference for you. This helps those who agree to be prepared and eliminates those unwilling or unable to give positive feedback.
- Tell your references the types of positions you will be applying for and send them your current resume to help prepare them for an inquiry.
- Keep your references updated on your job search and send a thank you note to each when you have accepted a position to show your appreciation and recognize their impact.
Example:
Herbie Husker
(Use the same header and footer as
that of your resume)
402-555-5555 | herbie.husker@huskers.unl.edu | Lincoln, NE 68588 | www.linkedin.com/in/herbie.husker
REFERENCES (Include for each reference: Name, Title, Organization, Work Address, Work Phone Number, Work Email, Address, Relationship to You)
Dr. Barbara Huxley
Professor of Psychology
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
123 Burnett Hall
P.O. Box 880055
Lincoln, NE 68588-0055
402-472-9874
bhuxley2@unl.edu
Former Professor
Susan Peters
Store Manager
City Center Mart
8509 State Line Road
Kansas City, MO 64114
816-562-5987
susan.peters@citycentermart.com
Former Supervisor
Ken Smith
Director of Development
University of Nebraska Foundation
1010 Lincoln Mall Suite 300
Lincoln, NE 68508
402-458-7272
kensmith@nufoundation.com
Current Supervisor
TIP:
List references in order of who you want to be notified first.