how to write a reference on a resume

Protect your data

This site uses cookies and related technologies for site operation, and analytics as described in our Privacy Policy . You may choose to consent to our use of these technologies, reject non-essential technologies, or further manage your preferences.

Resume and Cover Letter
How to List References on...

How to List References on Your Resume (With Examples)

7 min read · Updated on March 21, 2024

To include references on your resume or not? That is the question

At some point in your job search, an employer, recruiter, or HR professional is likely to ask you for a list of resume references. Many people will include a list of references right on their resume, or at least allude to the fact that references are available. The big question is… should you do either of these things?

If you're at the point of your job search where you need to know how to list references on your resume (or whether you should include them at all), you've come to the right place. In this article, we'll cover the following topics:

Whether you're supposed to put references on a resume

Why you should (or shouldn't) include resume references

Where your references belong – and how to write them up

Who qualifies as a good resume reference

Let's get started!

Are you supposed to put references on a resume?

No, you are not supposed to put references on a resume

Instead, focus on providing the details that will convince a recruiter or hiring manager to contact you for an interview. Remember, your cover letter and resume are designed to get you the interview. The details you highlight on the resume during the job search should support this goal.

While it varies from company to company, most employers won't ask for your resume references until they're ready to reach out to them. This typically doesn't happen until you've made it through the initial interview rounds and are among the final candidates for a job. If, for any reason, an employer wants your references earlier in the process, rest assured they'll give you a chance to provide them. There's no need to place references on your resume when they won't be used until you're one of the final candidates.

That said, you should brainstorm a list of potential resume references as soon as you start submitting job applications, so you're ready when a prospective employer has specifically requested your professional references.

Why not include references on a resume?

Including references on a resume is simply a waste of space

Resume real estate is valuable and, as you know, when it comes to writing your resume, you only get so many pages to work with. Don't waste that space by putting a resume references section or adding the phrase “References available upon request.”

Many employers usually won't ask for this information until you're further along in the interview process - and they know you'll provide references if they request them. Additionally, adding references to your resume can cause your application to get hung up in the applicant tracking system, or ATS , the software the company uses to manage candidates.

ATS can be programmed to automatically email references when they're found in the scanning process. If your reference doesn't respond to the automated message sent out by the ATS, your application could get caught in a pending status.

Where do you put references, if not on a resume?

Rather than putting references on your resume, type them up on a separate document

On a separate reference page, include the person's first name and last name, current job title and company name, email address, and phone number. Be sure to check with each of your professional references ahead of time, to confirm that the person is willing to be your reference and to verify which phone number and email address they'd like you to share with employers.

It's also helpful to add a line that explains to the reader how you've come to know this reference. For example,

It could be as simple as mentioning that you “worked together in Company XYZ's marketing department from July 2015 to November 2017,” or

That your professional reference was your “direct supervisor at ABC Institute between 2018 and 2019.”

You don't have to write a paragraph explaining your relationship to a reference, but it's nice to provide the employer or hiring manager with a little context.

When you type up your best resume references, consider using the same header information and font style that was used for your resume, so that the documents appear to be part of one overall package - even if they're not attached to one another.

Resume references example: how to write your references

For example, if we were writing up resume references to accompany Alexa Campbell's resume , they might look something like this:

An example of how to list professional references on your resume. The example shows references from throughout a professional's career history. Each reference includes the person's name, current title, cell phone number, email, and a note on the relationship.

Who should you ask to be a reference?

When choosing your professional references, select three to five people who have insight into your hard and soft skills and who you trust to say good things about you and your job performance.

A good rule of thumb is to have at least three professional references – five if you're applying for an executive position.

EXPERT TIP: If you opt to have more than three to five professional references, then the extras can be personal references.

As you approach each person you want to have as a reference, give them an idea of the position you're applying for and how your skills match the role. This will help them know what to say when they're contacted.

For the professional references

Try to find professional references who know about your skills and can talk about your career achievements in a way that aligns with what the job wants. Most of the time, your professional references will be talking about your hard skills – the things you know how to do from education and experience.

Professional resume references examples include:

Former supervisors or managers

A leader at a place you volunteer

For the personal references

It is okay to have personal references, but you should never provide personal references INSTEAD OF professional references. Always, always give professional references first and then personal ones. You'd list the same details about your personal references as you do the professional references – Name, Title (who they are to you), phone, and email. Adding a couple of personal references can help boost your candidacy, as these folks will probably talk a lot about your soft skills , which employers value.

Personal resume references examples include (note that not a single personal reference in the following list is a relative – your mom and grandma should not appear on your reference list!):

Academic Advisors

Sports Coach

Members of your network

Maximize resume space to improve job search impact

Having a good set of resume references to lean on while you search for a job is great, as they can help you get from interview to job offer. However, because of the limited space on your resume, you should create a separate document that contains just your references.

Remember, the goal of your resume is to get an interview. Before you sit down to speak with the hiring manager or recruiter, your references aren't going to help you. As such, you should aim to include only those details on your resume that will win an interview.

When it's time to give your references to a hiring manager, make sure that you have a carefully curated list of contacts that can confidently speak to your abilities and how your skills match up with what the company is hiring for.

Is your resume not getting results? Request a free review to find out how your resume is falling short .

This article was originally written by Amanda Augustine and has been updated by Marsha Hebert.

Career Advice Newsletter

Our experts gather the best career & resume tips weekly. Delivered weekly, always free.

Thanks! Career advice is on its way.

Share this article:

Let's stay in touch.

Subscribe today to get job tips and career advice that will come in handy.

Your information is secure. Please read our privacy policy for more information.

How to List References on a Resume [w/ Examples]

You’ve applied for an office position. You can’t wait to get an interview with the HR department.

Everything seems good to go, but now, the HR asked you for a list of your references.

So, how do you do this?

Are you supposed to attach it to your resume? Who do you include in your resume references? Is there a custom format style?

Well, kick back and relax because we’re here to help answer all your uncertainties!

Read on to learn everything you need to know about listing references on a resume.

Whether you should or shouldn’t put a reference sheet on your resume.
How to properly list references on a resume (with pro-tips).
The best way to format a “References” section.
Helpful resume references examples.

Should You Include References on a Resume?

The general common practice that the majority of resume experts agree on is that you should NOT add a list of references to your resume .

Because, generally, the HR department doesn’t have time to go through every candidate’s list of references. They have a lot more important things to do than reach out to all the references every single candidate ever provided.

That’s why references aren’t requested until after your interview has gone well or right before you are hired.

But here’s the thing:

That’s not an unshakable no.

If the job description explicitly states that you should include references on your resume, without question, include one!

This is very straightforward on its own, you’ll know when you see it.

Some consulting firms, for example, tend to ask for testimonials on your performance from previous employers before they hire you.

In this case, it's best if you do include the contact information of the people providing you with their positive feedback, so the HR can check how legitimate they are.

Bottom line:

Every word on your resume should be full of value and quality. References add unnecessary space. Insert them only when required or if you’re asked to submit testimonials.

Want to save time? Get your resume done in under 5 minutes, with our resume builder . Quick and simple, ready-made templates that will do all the work for you.

How to List References on a Resume [+ Example]

Now, let’s say you’re requested to provide a list of references.

What’s the best way to display it?

Reference's First Name & Last Name - Tim Borden
Professional Position / Title - Marketing Coordinator
Name of the Reference's Company - Zen Corporation
Business Address - Blaine Ave
City, State, Zip of Company - Atlantic City, NJ, 07030
Phone Number of Reference - (600) 753 9216
Email Address of Reference - [email protected]

It’s best to stay ahead of the game.

Keeping a list of possible references is something that should be done in advance, even when you’re not looking for a job.

When you’re searching for a new position, you want to have a list of several names to contact.

You wouldn’t want to struggle coming up with good fits on short notice, would you?

Here are some more tips to keep in mind:

You should always start your list with your biggest fan first : your most important and impressive reference.

And no, this shouldn’t be your mom. Instead, you’d want your previous boss to vouch for you.

Busy employers may not contact all of your references, but they will likely start at the top of the list. Glowing recommendations shouldn’t be left last!

What’s more, it’s important to clarify your relationship .

It’s crucial to include what your working relationship to the reference is and how long you’ve known them for.

But do not overshare . Don’t add more than the items we mentioned on the list unless required.

And never include the personal mail addresses of your references for two reasons:

They will surely not be contacted via snail mail.

And they might not want all of their personal information shared.

Last, but not least:

Choose your references appropriately.

Always choose the best references for the specific job under consideration.

Let’s say you want to assert your marketing skills. In this situation, you could seek references from a former boss who can attest to that. Somebody like the Head of Marketing or Chief Marketing Officer .

How to Format a Resume References Section

Learning how to arrange a reference section is just as vital as other sections of your resume or cover letter.

A messy, carelessly formatted reference page will lose your employer's interest.

So how do you write one that’s eye-catching and professional?

First, put your references on a separate sheet . Add an exclusive reference page, as the last page of your resume.

Keep the same format for your reference sheet as your resume and cover letter, meaning use the same font, margins, and color scheme.

Start off at the very top with your name, address, and phone number. You should place this information on that side of the page that fits the look of your cover letter and resume. (left, right or in the middle).
Next, write the date. Then start with your employer's information in this specific order: name, job position, company name, and company address.
Finally, follow up with a preferred title/subtitle: name the section References or Professional References .

If you’ve included personal references as well, you could also add “Personal References” as a subtitle.

Use the formatting we discussed in the previous section to list your references.

Ditch the common “References available upon request”.

This is a frequent mistake. Employers formerly know this and it’s an overworked phrase. The general rule of thumb is to keep your resume as brief as possible. Why misuse the space?

How Many References Should You Include in Your Resume?

Though there really isn’t a written rule anywhere about how many references you should include, the most fitting number would be three to five .

Based on your career level though, there is a general division of two groups:

Regular and/or first-time job seekers , should usually provide 3 to 4.

Whereas people applying for senior roles should include a longer list: about 5 to 7 references.

In that case, it’s sufficient to list one reference for all the different points in your professional record.

Who is a Good Reference For Your Resume?

It’s important that all the references in your resume are all deliberately selected individuals .

Everyone’s aunt thinks that they are special, but what does your previous manager think about your work ethic?

To figure out who’s a good reference for you, you should take personal experience into consideration: that means what stage in your career you’re currently in.

Because you’d list different people at different points in your career.

If you are a student or recent graduate with little to no work practice, you would want to get references from:

Guidance tutors or counselors
Course teachers and professors

Any of these people can speak positively about your best skills, qualities, and experiences.

When you have some professional background, however, even at an entry-level position , you have more variety in selecting a good reference.

You could use former colleagues or managers as well as project , master , doctorate supervisors from your most current studies.

If you are a professional candidate , this process becomes simpler as your preferred references will be more acquainted with giving and requesting references.

If you don’t have a lot of professional references to count on, you can reach out to just about anyone that can provide you with a valuable character reference.
If a friend works in the company you are applying to, you could also use them as a reference.

Other important things you should consider:

Ask for permission and say thank you. Fill in your references before handing over their contact information to an eventual employer. It’s solely common courtesy. Send them a copy of your resume as well, so that both of you are in harmony for when the manager calls. Don’t forget to be grateful either. If you get the job, take them out on lunch to properly say thank you. Follow up, a little acknowledgment can go a long way!
DO NOT use family members. This is unconventional and discouraged. The people you use as references should be unrelated to you, in a familial sense. Of course, our mothers have countless nice things to say about us, but their opinion isn’t relevant on a resume. It might also appear as though you don’t have enough people to vouch for you.
Avoid people you’ve confronted. Be careful in not adding individuals you are or have once been in professional conflict with. You can never be too sure if they’re still holding a grudge against you. Play it safe.
Make sure they are comfortable. Especially if they’re a person you are currently still working with, confirm they are okay with you searching for a new job. If you’re trying to keep it a secret from your employer though, it’s best not to ask a current coworker at all. You can never know for certain how ethical or pleased with your success one is.

In the end, the basic point of a reference is for the employers to get a true reflection of your work ethics, background, character, and personality.

Find people who can properly display all of the above for you.

3+ Good & Bad Resume Reference Sheet Examples

So many rules!

But don’t worry - we have some great examples for you to help put them into practice:

GOOD EXAMPLE:

MY BEST AND FAVORITE REFERENCE - inappropriate title

Martha Payne - a family member as a reference

2809 Candlelight Drive - including home address

870-294-1238 - wrong listing order, the reference phone number should be second to last

Nursing Assistant - unrelated to your industry or position

Newlife Hospital

4164 Fittro Street

Lurton, AR, 72848

[email protected]

Martha is my auntie. She’s not only a well-respected member of the community but a remarkable nurse. She was the one who raised me and I consider her my mother. She knows me better than anybody else and I couldn’t have chosen a better person to speak of my character. - prolonged and unprofessional description

References available upon request - overused unnecessary phrase

providing them only one reference

Key Takeaways

Here’s a recap of what we learned in this post:

References ARE NOT supposed to be on your resume. So when in doubt, DON’T include a list to your resume.
On rare occasions though, references may be added on a resume. If you decide to do so, put your list on a separate sheet. Don’t forget to match it to the style of your cover letter and resume.
Be intelligent with your reference choices. Your number of references should correspond to your career stage. Put your most glowing references on the top. Selected those who are closest to your line of work. Avoid people you’ve ever had professional conflicts with.
Be diplomatic. Always ask for permission before listing them as references. Email them a copy so that you’re both on the same page. Don’t forget to thank them afterward.
Use the correct formatting. List your references precisely as we showed you in this guide. There’s a definite, proper way to arrange entries and the structure of the page itself - don’t contradict it. Use the examples we gave you as a guide.

A quick guide on how to list references on a resume

Understand Yourself Better:

Big 5 Personality Test

Jump to section

Should you include references on your resume?

Choosing the right references, what information do you need for a reference, tips and tricks for creating a reference sheet, a resume rolodex on the ready.

Job searching is nerve-wracking . We want our resume to leave a good first impression on hiring managers and don’t want to waste applying to positions we won’t hear back from.

Some trial and error is inevitable when applying for jobs. There’s always a learning curve if you’re entering the workforce or switching industries. But one piece of advice will help ease the process: always tailor applications to the job posting. This includes references.

Choosing whether to include a reference section on your resume depends on several factors, including your work experience and the job ad. We’ll discuss how to list references on a resume and when to include them.

We’ll also note how to write and format a reference list and include templates and tips to get you started.

In most cases, including references on your resume isn’t necessary — but that doesn’t mean it’s always a bad idea.

When hiring managers look at a resume, their main focus is auditing your skills and work experience to see if you qualify for the role. Based on that information, they’ll decide whether or not to invite you for an interview. Contacting references usually happens after you move past this first meeting.

Resumes are most effective when they’re clean and concise. They get through applicant tracking systems more successfully and are easier for hiring managers to read.

When you submit a resume online, it often goes through an applicant tracking software which detects specifics the employer has outlined. If it notices these specifications, your resume moves to the next stage. According to Jobscan, 99% of Fortune 500 companies use applicant tracking systems , so it’s worth simplifying your resume by omitting references to successfully move through these.

But that doesn't mean requiring references for a job is obsolete. You should always prepare to provide references to a potential employer by creating a resume reference list, should they ask for one.

A resume reference list is a separate document with all your references’ contact information. Recruiters, hiring managers, or direct managers may contact people on your resume reference list to verify your work history and job performance or ask behavioral questions to understand your character.

While in most cases you should only offer references when a hiring manager requests, if you’re a university student, recent grad, or a candidate applying to an entry-level position, providing references will help bolster your application.

Even if a recruiter doesn't call your references before the interview, including them is a great way to demonstrate that you’ve taken initiative to build professional relationships .

Some of the best career advice to take in earnest is to tailor your resume to each job posting. This is the best way to align your skills and experience with the company culture and job description.

Using similar language to the job description when advertising your hard and soft skills makes it easier for recruiters to immediately notice you qualify for the position.

The same rings true when sending references.

Imagine you’re a graphic designer applying for two positions. One is client-facing, while the other requires you to work exclusively with an internal project manager.

In the first scenario, you’ll want to include a former client that can attest to your work ethic and ability to meet deadlines and manage projects. In the latter, you’ll want to include former managers and direct supervisors to vouch for your ability to work in a more collaborative setting .

Woman-reading-folder-at-desk-in-living-room-how-to-list-references-on-a-resume

When narrowing down your choices, consider people that’ll give good character references . Choose contacts who will sing your praises and highlight your strongest qualities, skills, and qualifications.

These are the best people to include as references:

Current or former manager or direct supervisor
Current or former colleague
Current or former client
Academic advisor, professional mentor, or career coach

Make sure you’re comfortable with your references knowing you’re actively looking for a job, especially if they’re people you currently work with. Asking a present colleague or manager might create unnecessary tension at your job — especially if you aren’t committed to leaving.

It's also essential to ask people if they’re willing to be a reference for you before giving their information out. Confirm people’s preferred mode of contact before sending reference information.

Some companies require a lengthy phone call with your reference, while a brief email is enough for others. Be sure you respect your references' time and preferences by giving them time to prepare and a heads up if an interview goes well.

It’s also nice to send a thank you note to those who accept being your reference, especially if a potential employer contacts them, to express gratitude and strengthen your connection.

Writing a reference on a resume or reference sheet differs slightly. With a reference sheet, you have more room and should include the following:

Reference name
Company name and current job title
Brief description of your relationship (former colleague, previous employer, ongoing or past client)
Number of years you worked together
Company address, including professional phone number and email address

Female-student-listening-to-co-student-how-to-list-references-on-a-resume

The way you include references on your resume will be sparser, as you’ll have less space. Here’s how to format references on a resume:

Company name, job title, relationship
Preferred form of contact

If you’re really tight for space, just add “References available upon request” at the bottom so employers know you have some prepared if needed.

Include 2–3 references on a resume and 3–5 on a reference sheet. Never submit your reference sheet with your resume — save it for employers that ask. You can prepare one and bring it to an interview in case they request it in the moment.

You should also have an easily editable file to send with a follow-up email to the hiring manager if you’re asked for references during a phone or video interview.

A reference sheet is a valuable way to prepare for an interview. Here are three tips so your document persuades recruiters :

1. No personal info

Only include your reference's professional contact information, like a company email, address, and phone number. Don’t give away a contact's personal information unless they’ve explicitly asked you to.

Giving away someone's private information without their consent will likely catch them by surprise and could affect how they talk about you. It also looks less professional to employers.

serious-businessman-making-notes-at-workplace-how-to-list-references-on-a-resume

2. Keep it short and professional

Keep relationship descriptions short and sweet and avoid personal anecdotes or oversharing.

Here’s a good resume reference example:

Sheryl Dove, Head Project Manager

Sheryl was my direct supervisor at [company name] from 2019 to 2022. She oversaw my work on backend software development for more than 25 apps for 12 clients.

Why it works: The description gives all the appropriate, specific information (relationship, business, and years) with number-driven information that will tie into the skills and references on your resume.

Here’s an example of what not to write:

Sheryl Dove, Manager, [company name]

I loved working with Sheryl. She is an amazing project manager and I got to enjoy three great years with her. We worked together on lots of projects for many clients. I loved working on apps with her, and she also has the cutest dog.

Why it doesn't work: The description is unnecessarily personal and sounds like a recommendation for Sheryl rather than you. It also forces the hiring manager to do too much work to understand when and where you worked together.

Smiling-woman-writing-in-notebook-how-to-list-references-on-a-resume

3. Provide variety

The ideal set of references will show the breadth of your career. Try not to include too many individuals from one company or only your direct supervisor in each role. Instead, provide references that reflect the variety of experiences you’ve included on your resume.

Unless you’re new to the job market or industry, it’s best to keep references off your resume and instead include a reference sheet for requests. No matter the avenue you take, you should know how to list references on a resume or prepare a reference list for when you need one.

Scour your professional contacts and reach out to people you’ve worked directly with and had great experiences with.

Feel free to request certain information from them, like asking a reference to mention how well a specific project went or how quickly you were promoted. Your application will stand out thanks to your initiative and preparedness.

Elizabeth Perry

Content Marketing Manager, ACC

Character references: 4 tips for a successful recommendation letter

What are professional references and how to ask for one (examples), use professional reference templates to make hiring smoother, how to ask for a letter of recommendation (with examples), how to put babysitting on a resume: 6 skills to highlight, functional resume: what is it & how to write one (with examples), how to respond well to a job rejection email tips and examples, how to answer “what are your weaknesses” with ease, unique skills for resumes to attract attention, similar articles, what do employers look for in a background check, it’s not you, it’s your well-being: coach tips for strengthening relationships, starting with yourself, tips and tricks for writing a letter of interest (with examples), stay connected with betterup, get our newsletter, event invites, plus product insights and research..

3100 E 5th Street, Suite 350 Austin, TX 78702

Platform Overview
Integrations
Powered by AI
BetterUp Lead
BetterUp Manage™
BetterUp Care™
Sales Performance
Diversity & Inclusion
Case Studies
Why BetterUp?
About Coaching
Find your Coach
Career Coaching
Communication Coaching
Life Coaching
News and Press
Leadership Team
Become a BetterUp Coach
BetterUp Labs
Center for Purpose & Performance
Leadership Training
Business Coaching
Contact Support
Contact Sales
Privacy Policy
Acceptable Use Policy
Trust & Security
Cookie Preferences

How to List References on a Resume in 2022 (with Examples & Tips)

In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about including references on a resume, from how to format them to how to know when they should be included at all.

Beautiful resume templates to land your dream job

Should I Put References on a Resume?

The answer to whether or not to put references on your resume can vary.

The general rule of thumb when is actually to not include references on your resume .

This is because employers are unlikely to reach to references until the interview phase, making the inclusion of them on an initial resume typically unnecessary.

This does not mean that there are never scenarios in which you will need to know how to properly list references.

For specific jobs and in certain situations, you may be asked or required to include a list of references within or alongside your resume.

When you need strong references, it's important to structure them so that they stand out and impress the hiring manager, landing you the pivotal interview.

In this guide, we will be covering the basics of how listing references on your resumes and when to know it’s time to use references.

Plus, we will discuss alternatives to sending references that can help you in situations where sending a reference may be a difficult task.

How to List References on a Resume

When it comes to listing references on a resume, there are two main ways you can go about it:

1) Make a Dedicated Reference Section

Making a dedicated reference section involves making the space on your existing resume to include a short section with information on your references.

2) Create a Separate Reference Page (recommended)

More often than not, job applicants who have chosen to include references on their resume will do so on an entirely separate page to be included with the resume.

The second option of listing your references on a separate page is actually the preferred and recommended method.

This is because references are not generally expected to be included on an initial resume and can take up unnecessary space that may be off-putting to hiring managers.

Comparatively, a separate page of references gives the hiring manager the opportunity to look more closely at the information in the resume without becoming visually disoriented by too many sections.

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.

Overall, the golden rule is to wait to provide references until they are requested.

Examples of References on Resumes

Let’s take a look at a few examples of references on resumes to learn more about common mistakes made when crafting a reference and how to correct them.

It is highly important to include the necessary information to contact a reference – just a name and company is not enough. You should always include at least an official business number and an official business email in your references.

John Doe CEO of Doe Corporation 123 Avenue Way, New York, NY

John Doe CEO of Doe Corporation 123 Avenue Way (123) 456-9890 [email protected]

Always be specific when including the reference’s job position or title.

Don’t just list the name of the company without the exact job title to go along with it.

If you are unsure of a reference’s job title, ask them before submitting your references to an employer.

Jane Smith Works for corporate at Best Buy 42 Wallaby Way (123) 456-7890 [email protected]

Jane Smith Head of Marketing and Sales Best Buy 42 Wallaby Way (123) 456-7890 [email protected]

‍ How to Format a References Section on a Resume

Formatting a reference section will ultimately depend on if it is being created within a larger resume or separately on a different page.

For on-resume reference sections, it is important to keep them as short as possible, potentially even excluding some of the basic information.

If you are including references directly on a resume, you will likely only want to include one or two of your most relevant and impressive ones in order to not take up too much space.

When making a separate page for references, you can simply stack them as you would jobs in a work experience section , placing emphasis on relevance in how the references are ordered.

The Basic Reference Format:

First and Last name
Position or Title (i.e. 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.

It is best to just air on the side of caution and only include official and public contact information.

There is, of course, optional additional information you may want or choose to include within a reference.

This can include:

Your relationship to the reference
The length of time you worked with this reference
Examples of experiences or projects that you and a reference shared work on that they can provide greater detail about

As for formatting the rest of your resume, don’t forget to check out our other guides in this series including How to Write the Perfect Resume and How to Choose the Correct Resume Format !

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.

Additionally, keep additional specific and don’t use vague wording such as “several years.”

Incorrect :

Jack Frost CEO of Frost Inc. 21 East Avenue (123) 456-7890 [email protected] I worked closely with Jack for a number of years and learned a lot from him that contributed to my skills today.

Jack Frost CEO of Frost Inc. 21 East Avenue (123) 456-7890 [email protected] I worked as Mr. Frost’s personal and administrative assistant for 8 years.

When making your list of references you plan of including, it is important to not include too many from the same company.

You should only really include two references from the same company if each reference witnessed different skills or accomplishments of yours that the other did not.

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.

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.

In some cases, you may include up to 5 to 6 references, though generally you should limit yourself to a lower number unless specifically requested to do otherwise.

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.

It is important to keep in consideration how a reference can relate back to the job you are applying for, and whether their testimony of your work ethic and skills will be relevant enough for the desired position.

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.

The key to asking for references is to be polite and concise in your request. A direct phone call is preferred for asking for references, but a quick email can work in a pinch as well.

When asking someone to serve as a reference for you, it is important to be considerate of their potentially busy schedule and give them a good time frame for when to expect a call or email.

This is another reason why it is important to wait to provide references until requested, as it will give you a narrower window of time to give to your references of when they will need to be on the lookout a hiring manager to contact them.

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).

Can People You Have a Personal Relationship with Be a Reference?

It is generally advised against to include references that have a strong personal relationship with you outside of work (such as a significant other, parent, or sibling) as this can result in a biased recommendation from the reference.

However, exceptions can be made in certain instances, such as if you worked within a family-owned business or if the reference worked directly with you for a long period of time.

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.

For recent grads, including one or two professors can be acceptable, but you will likely still need other references.

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.

Once references have been requested, remember the following five takeaways that are key for rocking your reference section:

Create a separate and dedicated references page to go along with your resume
Provide all the necessary official contact information
Avoid including personal information of the reference’s
Avoid including references who share too personal of a connection to you
Include the most relevant or impressive references at the top of the page

To learn more about all the elements of creating a great resume, check out our beautiful resume template designs and resume examples for inspiration!

Browse more resume templates that fit your role

Get inspired with more resume examples

Read our how-to guides on making your resume perfect, how to write a two-page resume (with examples & tips).

Don't know whether you should write a one-page or two-page resume? Find out when it is appropriate to write a two-page resume and learn how to write it correctly.

How to Write Your Resume in Reverse-Chronological Order

When setting out to write the perfect resume, choosing a format is an important decision. Reverse-chronological resumes are the standard format, so knowing how to craft one is key! This guide will teach you how to write the best reverse chronological resumes.

How to Include Hobbies on Your Resume in 2022 (With Examples)

Learn when and how to professionally list your hobbies on your resume.

How to Describe Work Experience on a Resume in 2022 (Examples & Tips)

Your work experience is a summary of all your hard work, dedication and achievements over the years. Here's how to do justice to your work history.

More advice that will accelerate your career path

How to organize your resume with resume layout examples in 2022.

How you organize your resume matters. The layout and formatting of a resume can have a huge impact on a hiring manager’s first impression. Plus, the layout helps to guide the employer’s eye around the resume to the most important information! In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about resume organization and layouts.

50+ Key Technical Skills to List on Your Resume in 2022 (With Examples)

Including technical skills on a resume is an absolute necessity. These types of skills show employers your quantifiable qualifications. In this guide, we will cover exactly what a technical skill is and some of the best examples to include on a resume.

Should I Put My Address on My Resume in 2022?

You may be hesitant about adding your address information or have questions about what contact information to add to your resume. Learn how to appropriately list your contact information on your resume and when to avoid listing your address.

How to Show Your Job Promotions on a Resume in 2022

Show off your achievements and highlight your growth by listing your job promotions correctly and catch the eye of the recruiter.

Professional resume templates to help land your next dream job.

Facebook • Twitter • Linkedin • Pinterest • Crunchbase

How to Write a Resume Reference List With Examples

Quick Navigation:

What is a resume reference list?

How to choose resume references, resume reference list template, resume reference list examples.

Few interviewers will ask you to submit resume references as part of the application process, but you can have one prepared and ready to submit when they do request it. Most employers ask for your references after an initial phone screening or onsite interview if they’re considering you for the position. No matter when employers ask for your references, it’s best to have a list prepared that includes at least three reliable contacts who are willing to provide insight on you as an employee or colleague and highlight your best professional attributes. In this article, you can learn what a resume reference list is and how to request references.

A reference list is a document that applicants present along with their resume to an employer that provides the contact information for your professional references. If a company is considering you for a position, the employer will probably contact your references to ask questions about your job performance, reliability, whether former employers would rehire you and other relevant information. The answers will help the employer determine whether or not they want to move ahead in the hiring process with you.

Follow these steps to begin writing your reference list:

1. First, decide how many references to include in your reference list

While some employers may specify the number of references they’d like to see, others will not. In the latter case, think about where you are in your career. If you’re attempting to enter the job market for the first time, three references are enough, but if the role you are applying for is higher up, such as a supervisory or executive role, you can include a larger number of references from different points in your career. Be sure to follow any guidelines the employer gives you during the selection process.

2. Next, choose your best professional contacts to list as references

When deciding on who to include as references, consider former colleagues or supervisors who can validate your skills and qualifications, as well as your reliability and trustworthiness as an employee. Try to list people who are prepared to speak about the talents specific to the job you’re applying for. When deciding who to list as a professional reference, check with them first to ensure that they are willing to be a good reference. Only include people you are comfortable with knowing you are looking for a new job, especially if you currently work with or for them.

The following people tend to be the best references:

Academic advisors
Former employer

3. Then, ask your professional contacts to be your references

As mentioned above, it is important to ask your contacts if they are willing to provide a reference before you submit their names. This is a common courtesy, as many people prefer to keep their contact information as confidential as possible. You also want to make sure they’re comfortable providing a reference for you. Checking with your references also allows time for them to expect a call from the employer and prepare what they want to say about you with examples and specific praises.

4. Last, decide how and when to submit your list of references

As a rule, do not send your reference list with your application unless it is requested on the job posting or the hiring manager requests references along with your resume. Typically, you can wait until the hiring manager requests the list. Knowing that they will ask for your references allows you to feel free to remove ‘references available upon request’ from your resume.

People typically choose to list references in reverse chronological order, beginning with the person they worked with most recently, though some people choose to order the list based on which person knows them best.

Here is one example you can follow to format your resume reference list:

Reference contact information:

Name Title or position Company Company address Reference phone number Reference email address

Description: Include where you worked with this reference, when you worked together and your working relationship.

Lea Martin Sales Director Eagle Crest Advertising, LLC 4747 Main St. Austin, TX 78701 555-555-5555 [email protected]

Lea was my direct supervisor while I worked as a regional sales manager for Eagle Crest Advertising, LLC from 2013 to 2018.

Joann McDonald Professor, Cooley School of Business The University of Texas at Austin 1268 Delaware Avenue Austin, TX 78712 555-555-5555 [email protected]

Dr. McDonald was my professor for several business courses I completed to earn my MBA from the University of Texas, Austin.

Your reference list should include your contact information in the header using the same theme, look and feel as your resume, using the same fonts and matching colors. This allows your list of references and your resume to look more professional and consistent.

When you get hired at your new position, make sure to reach out to thank your contacts for providing references that assisted you in finding a new job. This can be a quick phone call, handwritten note or email. Showing your gratitude to these connections is not only common courtesy, it will ensure that you remain in the good graces of your contacts.

Advice & Tips

The Ultimate Guide on How to Write a Great Resume With No Experience

March 18, 2024

Introduction

In the dynamic landscape of today's job market, both job seekers and employers face unique challenges. For job seekers, especially those with no prior work experience, crafting a compelling resume can be a daunting task. On the flip side, employers are constantly looking for top talent to fill their roles but often struggle to identify suitable candidates among the sea of applications they receive. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of creating a standout resume with no experience, equipping job seekers with the tools they need to land their dream job.

Importance of a Resume with No Experience

When entering the job market with no prior work experience, crafting a standout resume becomes even more crucial. Your resume serves as your first impression on potential employers and is often the determining factor in whether you secure an interview. Here are some key reasons why a well-written resume, despite lacking experience, is essential:

Demonstrates Initiative and Determination

Even without prior professional experience, a resume tailored to showcase your skills, education, and potential demonstrates initiative and determination to succeed in the workforce. It highlights your willingness to learn and grow, attributes that can impress employers looking for motivated candidates.

Communicates Transferable Skills

While you may not have direct work experience, your resume offers an opportunity to communicate transferable skills gained through education, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities. These skills, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management, are highly valued by employers.

Sets You Apart from Other Candidates

In a competitive job market, where many applicants may have similar levels of experience, a well-crafted resume that effectively showcases your unique qualities, skills, and accomplishments can set you apart from other candidates. It helps you stand out and capture the attention of hiring managers.

Demonstrates Potential for Growth

A resume with no experience allows you to emphasize your potential for growth and development within a role. Employers often look for candidates who show promise and a willingness to learn, adapt, and contribute positively to the organization. A thoughtfully constructed resume can convey this message effectively.

Opens Doors for Networking Opportunities

Your resume serves as a powerful networking tool, enabling you to connect with professionals in your desired industry or field. By presenting yourself in a compelling manner on paper, you increase the chances of networking opportunities that could lead to mentorship, internships, or even job offers down the line.

Overall, a resume tailored to highlight your strengths and potential, even in the absence of direct work experience, is a valuable tool that can significantly impact your job search journey.

Formatting Your Resume

When crafting a resume with no experience, the formatting you choose plays a crucial role in capturing the attention of potential employers. A well-organized and visually appealing resume can make a significant difference in how your application is perceived. Follow these formatting tips to create a professional-looking resume:

Use a Clean and Easy-to-Read Layout

Stick to a clean, well-structured layout that allows for easy navigation.
Choose a professional font such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in a readable size (10-12 point).
Use bullet points to list key information and keep paragraphs concise.
Utilize white space effectively to separate sections and improve overall readability.

Organize Your Information Strategically

Start with your contact information at the top of the resume, including your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable).
Follow with a clear and concise summary or objective statement highlighting your career goals and what you can bring to the table.
Arrange sections such as education, skills, and relevant experience in a logical order based on their importance to the position you are applying for.
Use headings and subheadings to guide the reader through different sections of your resume.

Be Consistent in Style and Formatting

Maintain consistency in formatting choices throughout the resume, including font style, size, and spacing.
Use bold or italics sparingly to emphasize key points, but avoid overusing them as it can distract the reader.
Ensure that alignment, indents, and margins are uniform across the entire document.
Proofread your resume to eliminate any spelling or grammatical errors that can detract from its overall professional appearance.

By paying close attention to the formatting of your resume, you can create a visually appealing document that effectively showcases your skills and qualifications, even if you have limited or no prior work experience.

Highlighting Transferable Skills

When you lack formal work experience, showcasing your transferable skills on a resume is crucial. These are abilities and qualities that can be applied to various roles and industries, making you a valuable candidate even without direct experience in a particular job.

Identifying Your Transferable Skills

Start by identifying the transferable skills you possess. These may include communication skills, teamwork, problem-solving abilities, time management, leadership, adaptability, and more. Reflect on past experiences such as group projects, volunteering, sports teams, or academic achievements to pinpoint relevant skills.

Communication: Effective written and verbal communication skills gained through presentations, writing assignments, or customer service roles.
Teamwork: Collaboration with classmates on projects, participating in group activities, or group study sessions demonstrate your ability to work well with others.
Problem-Solving: Highlight instances where you successfully resolved challenges, whether in academic tasks or during extracurricular activities.

Integrating Transferable Skills into Your Resume

After identifying your transferable skills, strategically incorporate them into your resume. Utilize bullet points in the experience section to showcase how you have applied these skills in different contexts. Additionally, consider mentioning them in your professional summary or objective statement to grab the employer's attention right from the start.

For example, if you are applying for an entry-level sales position and lack direct sales experience, emphasize your strong communication skills and ability to build relationships with customers. Employers value candidates who can quickly adapt and contribute positively to the team.

"In today's competitive job market, employers are increasingly looking for candidates with a diverse skill set. Highlighting your transferable skills demonstrates your versatility and potential for growth within the company." - Sarah Johnson, HR Manager at Talent Boosters Inc.

Emphasizing Results and Outcomes

When describing your transferable skills, focus on the results and outcomes of your actions. Provide specific examples of how your skills have positively impacted a situation or project. Quantifying your achievements, when possible, adds credibility to your claims and gives employers a clear understanding of your capabilities.

Remember, recruiters are not just interested in what you can do but also how your skills can benefit their organization. Tailor your resume to align your transferable skills with the needs of the job position to which you are applying.

By highlighting your transferable skills effectively, you can present yourself as a competent and adaptable candidate, increasing your chances of landing interviews and ultimately securing your desired job.

Showcasing Relevant Coursework and Projects

When you lack work experience, highlighting relevant coursework and projects on your resume can demonstrate your skills and eagerness to learn. This section is crucial for recent graduates, students, or those transitioning careers.

Relevant Coursework

Include any courses that are directly related to the job you are applying for. This could be major-specific classes, seminars, workshops, or online courses. Make sure to list the course title, institution, and completion date. For example:

Introduction to Marketing , University of XYZ, May 2021
Data Analysis with Python , Online Course, Coursera, August 2020

Projects and Assignments

Detailing relevant projects can give employers insight into your practical skills and how you apply theoretical knowledge. Whether it's a group assignment, research project, case study, or independent study, provide a brief description of the project, your role, and outcomes achieved. For instance:

Market Research Project - Conducted a comprehensive study on consumer behavior trends, analyzed data using SPSS, and presented findings to the marketing team, resulting in a 15% increase in customer engagement.
Software Development Project - Led a team to develop a mobile application from concept to launch, collaborating with designers and developers to ensure functionality and user experience.

Quantify results wherever possible to showcase your achievements and impact. Remember to tailor these examples to align with the job requirements and desired skills.

"Employers value candidates who can demonstrate practical application of their knowledge through coursework and projects. Highlighting relevant academic experiences can set you apart from other applicants." - John Smith , Hiring Manager.

Additionally, consider creating a separate "Projects" section on your resume to draw attention to these significant undertakings. This can help employers quickly identify your hands-on experience and creativity.

Collaborative projects, research papers, presentations, or thesis work can all showcase your abilities and dedication to your field. Use concise language and bullet points to describe these experiences effectively. Always keep the employer's needs in mind and emphasize how your coursework and projects make you a suitable candidate for the position.

Including Extracurricular Activities and Volunteer Work

When you lack professional experience, it's essential to leverage your extracurricular activities and volunteer work on your resume. Employers value candidates who demonstrate initiative, leadership, and a commitment to their community.

Highlighting Extracurricular Activities:

Engaging in extracurricular activities showcases your interests, skills, and personality outside of academics. Whether you were part of a sports team, student council, or drama club, include relevant activities that demonstrate valuable qualities such as teamwork, time management, and dedication.

Specify your role and responsibilities within each activity.
Highlight any achievements or awards you received.
Show how these experiences have helped shape your character and work ethic.

Incorporating Volunteer Work:

Volunteer work is another excellent way to demonstrate your commitment and passion. Whether you volunteered at a local shelter, organized fundraising events, or participated in community service projects, these experiences can set you apart from other candidates.

Describe the organization you volunteered for and the duration of your involvement.
Explain the impact of your contributions and the skills you gained.
Emphasize any leadership roles or special projects you undertook.

"Including extracurricular activities and volunteer work on your resume provides employers with insights into your character and potential cultural fit within their organization." - John Smith, Founder of CareerBoosters

Furthermore, highlighting your extracurricular activities and volunteer work demonstrates your ability to balance multiple responsibilities and shows that you are proactive in seeking out opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Utilizing Keywords for Applicant Tracking Systems

When it comes to crafting a resume with no experience, one essential aspect to consider is the strategic use of keywords. In today's digital age, many companies employ Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to streamline the hiring process. These systems scan resumes for specific keywords and phrases to identify the most qualified candidates for a position.

The Importance of Keywords in Your Resume

Using relevant keywords in your resume can significantly increase your chances of passing through the initial ATS screening and landing an interview. By incorporating industry-specific terms, skills, and qualifications, you not only demonstrate your suitability for the role but also show that you understand the language of the field.

How to Identify the Right Keywords

Start by carefully reviewing the job description for the position you are applying for. Highlight key skills, requirements, and qualifications mentioned in the posting. Pay attention to recurring words or phrases, as these are likely to be the primary keywords that the ATS will be looking for.

Make a list of relevant keywords and include them strategically throughout your resume.
Use variations of keywords to cater to different synonyms or terms that might be used in the industry.
Avoid overloading your resume with too many keywords, as this could appear unnatural and hurt your chances of advancing in the selection process.

Placing Keywords Effectively

Integrating keywords seamlessly into your resume is key to getting past the ATS and capturing the attention of the hiring manager. Here are some tips on where to place keywords for maximum impact:

Include keywords in your professional summary or objective statement at the beginning of your resume.
Weave keywords naturally into your work experience, skills, and achievements sections.
Utilize a "Key Skills" section to list relevant competencies using keywords from the job description.
Avoid keyword stuffing and ensure that all terms are contextually appropriate within your resume.

"Keywords are the currency of applicant tracking systems. Tailor your resume for each application by customizing your keyword selection based on the job requirements." - Emily Johnson , Career Development Consultant at Elite Careers Solutions

By optimizing your resume with the right keywords, you not only enhance its chances of getting noticed by ATS but also showcase your qualifications effectively to potential employers. Remember, striking the right balance between keywords and content relevance is key to standing out in the competitive job market.

Professional Summary or Objective Statement

When you have no prior work experience, crafting a professional summary or objective statement can help you stand out to potential employers. This section serves as an introduction to your resume, providing recruiters with a brief overview of who you are and what you bring to the table.

Key Components of a Professional Summary:

Your professional summary should be concise yet impactful, showcasing your skills, strengths, and career goals. Here are some key components to include:

Introduction: Start with a strong opening sentence that highlights your qualifications and career aspirations.
Skills: Mention relevant skills that make you a suitable candidate for the position.
Accomplishments: Highlight any significant achievements or certifications that demonstrate your abilities.
Career Goals: Clearly state what you aim to achieve in your career and how this role aligns with your objectives.

For example, a professional summary for a recent graduate applying for a marketing assistant role could read:

"Recent marketing graduate with a passion for digital marketing and strong analytical skills. Proven track record of developing social media campaigns that drive engagement and brand awareness. Seeking to leverage my skills to support the marketing team at ABC Company."

Key Components of an Objective Statement:

If you are targeting a specific job or industry, an objective statement can help tailor your resume to the role. Here’s what to include:

Job Title: Clearly mention the position you are applying for.
Skills and Qualifications: Briefly outline your relevant skills and qualifications.
Career Goals: State your career objectives and how they align with the job you are seeking.

For instance, an objective statement for a student looking for a research assistant position might look like this:

"Motivated biology student seeking a research assistant position to apply my knowledge of molecular biology and data analysis in a practical setting. Eager to contribute to groundbreaking research projects at XYZ Labs."

Remember, whether you opt for a professional summary or an objective statement, customization is key. Tailor this section to each job application by emphasizing the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific role. Keep it brief, engaging, and compelling to capture the attention of hiring managers right from the start.

References and Recommendation Letters

References and recommendation letters can be a valuable addition to your resume, especially when you lack professional experience. They provide employers with insights into your character, work ethic, and skills from the perspective of others who have interacted with you. Here are some key points to consider when including references and recommendation letters in your resume:

Choosing the Right References

When selecting references, opt for individuals who can speak to your strengths and qualifications. This could include former teachers, professors, mentors, or supervisors from internships or volunteer experiences. Make sure to ask for permission before listing someone as a reference.

Requesting Recommendation Letters

If possible, request recommendation letters from individuals who can attest to your abilities in different contexts. For example, one letter may focus on your academic achievements, while another could highlight your leadership skills or work ethic. Ask recommenders to customize each letter to align with the job you're applying for.

Formatting Recommendations

When including recommendation letters in your application, format them similarly to your resume by using the same font and layout. Consider attaching the letters as PDF files or pasting them directly into the body of an email if submitting applications electronically. For physical submissions, print the letters on quality paper.

Reference Page Structure

Create a separate reference page to accompany your resume, listing the names, titles, contact information, and relationships of your references. Include a brief sentence explaining how you know each reference (e.g., "Professor Smith, my academic advisor for two years.") Be sure to inform your references each time you share their contact details.

Preparing Your References

Prior to including references in your application, inform them about the jobs you're applying for and send them a copy of your resume. This will allow them to tailor their recommendations to the specific role and company. After interviews, follow up with your references to update them on your progress and thank them for their support.

International Expert Insight

"In today's competitive job market, recommendation letters and references can give candidates a competitive edge by showcasing their skills through the eyes of others. Including diverse perspectives can paint a comprehensive picture of the candidate's capabilities." - Jane Smith, HR Consultant at Stellar HR Solutions

By strategically incorporating references and recommendation letters into your resume, you can provide employers with additional evidence of your qualifications and potential fit for the role.

Final Touches and Proofreading

Once you have crafted your resume with the essential sections and information, it is crucial to give it a final polish before sending it out to potential employers. This last step ensures that your resume is error-free and presents you in the best possible light. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Check for Errors

Proofread your resume carefully to catch any spelling or grammatical mistakes. A simple typo can create a negative impression on recruiters. You can also ask a friend or family member to review your resume with a fresh pair of eyes.

2. Consistency in Formatting

Ensure consistency in font styles, sizes, and bullet points throughout your resume. A uniform format makes your resume more professional and easier to read.

3. Tailor for Each Job Application

Customize your resume for each job application by highlighting the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific role. This targeted approach increases your chances of getting noticed by recruiters.

4. Use Action Verbs

Start bullet points with strong action verbs to describe your achievements and responsibilities. Action-oriented language adds dynamism to your resume and showcases your proactive approach.

5. Quantify Your Achievements

Where possible, include numbers or statistics to quantify your achievements. For example, "Increased sales by 20%" or "Managed a team of 10 people." This helps employers understand the impact you can make.

6. Seek Feedback

Don't hesitate to seek feedback from professionals in your field or career services experts. Constructive criticism can help you refine your resume further and make it more impactful.

7. Save in the Right Format

Save your resume as a PDF to ensure that its formatting remains intact across different devices. PDFs also look more polished and professional compared to Word documents.

8. Create a Strong Cover Letter

Accompany your resume with a compelling cover letter that tells your story and explains why you are the perfect fit for the job. A well-crafted cover letter can complement your resume effectively.

By paying attention to these final touches and ensuring that your resume is error-free and tailored to each job application, you increase your chances of standing out to potential employers. Remember, your resume is your personal marketing tool – make sure it represents you in the best possible way!

Career Exploration
Arts, Communications, & Media
Education, Nonprofit, & Social Impact
Business, Consulting, Finance, & Marketing
Government, International Affairs, Law, & Public Policy
Health Professions Advising
Graduate School
Signature Internships
Grants Program
Internship Credit
Short Internship Projects (SHIPs)
Fellowships for Undergraduates
Fellowships for Graduates
Class of 2025 Fellowship Planning
Fellowships for International Students
Civic Engagement

How to Write Effective Resume Bullets

The Formula

The p.a.r. framework, make an appointment.

Writing resume bullets is often the most challenging aspect of writing a resume. Yes, settling on the best design and format and determining the most relevant experiences to highlight on your resume can take time; however, effectively describing your experience is the most important task. In many ways, this is because your bullets provide the majority of the content and context for your resume, and it is the content of a resume (i.e. the resume bullets) that will distinguish an average resume from a competitive one.

The first step to writing more effective bullet points is to recognize that your bullets can and should be more than just a list of the tasks and responsibilities you managed in a particular role. Don’t just copy and paste directly from your position description. While a job description is a great place to start, simply listing your duties doesn’t harness the full potential of a resume bullet. It doesn’t communicate the skills that you have developed nor does it distinguish you from someone else who has been in the same role or had similar experiences. Most important, it doesn’t demonstrate the impact or results of the tasks and the responsibilities you had.

Instead, think of your bullets as accomplishment statements . Using this framework, you are able to focus more on the results of your work and the skills you have developed through your various experiences. Ask yourself: What did you accomplish? Why and how did you complete this task? What was your unique impact or contribution within this role? What sets you apart from others in this or a similar role? The answers to these questions will help you outline the skills you will bring to your next position and demonstrate the results you are likely to produce once you are in the new role.

To help you get started, use the following basic formula to craft your resume bullets:

In addition to the above mentioned formula, many students find it helpful to think about their experiences using the Problem - Action - Result framework. For each task or responsibility, what problem were you seeking to address? What action did you take to address this problem? What were the results of your action? Once you have determined these answers, you can summarize the content into one (or more) bullets.

We’ve compiled a list of “before” and “after” resume bullets to help demonstrate how you can transform your bullets from good to great.

If you are having difficulty turning your resume bullets into accomplishment statements or you would like someone to review your newly created bullets, set up an appointment with your Advisor for Career Exploration (ACE) or an industry/field Career Advisor in Handshake ! You can also come to Career Education Drop-In Hours for a quick resume review.

Related resources

Side Hustles
Power Players
Young Success
Save and Invest
Become Debt-Free
Land the Job
Closing the Gap
Science of Success
Pop Culture and Media
Psychology and Relationships
Health and Wellness
Real Estate
Most Popular

The No. 1 AI mistake job seekers make, from a career expert: So many people use ChatGPT 'in exactly the wrong way'

As a leader at the education nonprofit Khan Academy, I was thrilled when ChatGPT came out in November 2022. It meant we could use generative AI to provide personalized tutoring to more kids than ever.

But as a hiring manager and cofounder of a career development business who's trained first-gen students at CUNY and MBAs at Harvard Business School alike, I was heartbroken to see that so many job seekers were using these tools in exactly the wrong way.

They forgot that no matter how exciting this new technology is, humans are still in charge of the hiring process. Which is why having a robot write your resume is a recipe for disaster.

But given that I wrote the literal book on using ChatGPT in your job search , I know you can still turn to AI to make your resume shine. Used properly, it can help you land the interview — and ultimately the job.

The wrong way to use AI for your resume

In my experience, most job seekers using ChatGPT or other AI platforms begin with a prompt like "Generate a marketing resume." This might seem like a great place to start, but it's the biggest mistake you could make. Here's why:

The results are massively generic

Take this summary, for instance:

As a hiring manager, the first thing I'm always looking for is evidence of specific accomplishments. When I scan this, though, my first thought is "Wow — this candidate is great at buzzwords, but not so great at actual marketing."

That's hardly the first impression you want to make when employers spend seven seconds , on average, reviewing your resume!

ChatGPT and other AI tools are going to make stuff up

As if that wasn't bad enough, check out what comes next under a single job listing under the experience section:

Not only do these bullet points lack specificity (with no clear projects or outcomes), but the sheer range of skills covered is literally unbelievable. As in, I've never met a marketer in my two-decade career who did all of these things in one job.

So my human BS detector immediately assumes the worst: This isn't a resume, this is a hallucination!

The right way to use AI for your resume

OK, you get the picture: Having AI generate your resume from scratch can be a fast track to rejection. But if we know that human reviewers want specificity and credibility, we can actually leverage AI to help us with those exact things.

1. Start with a draft resume written by a human (i.e., you)

Instead of asking AI to generate your resume, start with your own first draft, even if it's in rough shape. That way, you can at least be specific and accurate about what you actually did, even if those accomplishments need a little polishing.

2. Identify and incorporate missing keywords

Go right to the source of truth. The job description was created by the hiring team to spell out the skills they're looking for — and it contains the exact keywords you want to match.

Here's where you turn to AI. Enter the following prompt:

Which keywords from the below job description are missing from my resume?
Here's the job description: [Paste the job description here]
And here's my resume: [Paste the text of your resume here]

Once you've got a list of missing keywords, identify the ones you have experience with and prompt the AI to help you incorporate them:

Suggest three ways to incorporate [keyword] into my resume.

3. Quantify achievements and demonstrate results

The best predictor of future performance is usually past performance, which means recruiters and hiring managers want to see real results, not just hallucinations.

So get a little nudge in the right direction with a prompt like:

Suggest three ways to add more quantitative impact to the following bullet point: [Paste your bullet point here]

Now, it's tempting to copy and paste the bullets your AI platform suggests straight into your resume. But make sure you're editing the text to match your actual accomplishments. For instance, maybe you generated $300,000 in donations, not $500,000 like the AI spit out, or your organization actually measures growth quarterly rather than monthly.

4. Review, review, review!

Always proofread your resume before submitting it. If you've used AI, it's all the more important to review every last word and number to make sure everything's 100% accurate.

The last thing you want is to be sitting in a final-round interview and have your prospective boss's boss's boss ask you about a resume bullet the AI fabricated and you forgot to update!

Jeremy Schifeling is the founder of The Job Insiders , which provides career technology training for hundreds of top universities and business schools. He is also the author of " Career Coach GPT: The Complete Guide to ChatGPT Resume, Cover Letter, Interview, and Job Search Success " and shares his latest career and AI hacks on LinkedIn .

Want to land your dream job in 2024? Take CNBC's new online course How to Ace Your Job Interview to learn what hiring managers are really looking for, body language techniques, what to say and not to say, and the best way to talk about pay. CNBC Make It readers can save 25% with discount code 25OFF.

Plus, sign up for CNBC Make It's newsletter to get tips and tricks for success at work, with money and in life.

This 28-year-old works 3.5 days a week and makes $189,000

What to Do If You Don't Have Any References for a Job Application

Why are references so important, anyway?

What are some reasons that you may not have references, five people you can ask for a reference, tips to consider when you’re asking for references, example email of a job applicant with no references, key takeaways.

You have a brand-new, polished resume and cover letter for each of the roles that you’re applying for, and updated your personal website and LinkedIn. You’ve just had a phone interview and you feel you did well! There’s only one issue: you’ve just been asked to give three references and you don’t have any.

This is a common problem for those new to the business world. Whether you just entered a new field, are fresh out of university, or are making a significant change , you might not have any references from professionals within the field.

If that’s you, don’t fret. In this article, we will give you some tips to find references, including:

Gaining a better understanding of why you need references.
Understanding general reasons for a lack of references.
Discovering how you can scour your professional and personal network for specific references.
Tips to consider when asking for references.
Some examples of how to communicate a lack of references to a hiring manager.

References simply allow a potential hiring manager to get to know you a little more from an outside source. Although they’re going to hear your story in an interview, it’s best to hear other voices that can lend some credence to the claims that you’re making. A good reference can help you get a job because it can show a recruiter that other people have put trust in you and you haven’t let them down.

Some jobs may require two or three professional references in order to showcase your competency in your previous roles. A hiring manager may reach out to those references specifically to discover if everything you told them about yourself in the interview was true. That’s why it’s important to never ’fudge’ the details and make stuff up during an interview.

There are two main types of references that you’ll come across – personal and professional. Personal references include any number of people that you have in your circle of friends and family members. Whether it’s your favorite high school teacher, a personal acquaintance who can be a character reference for you, or coworkers that you worked with years ago, a personal reference allows you to showcase a bit more about your personality and the soft skills that you bring to the table.

On the other end of the spectrum, professional references can speak about your competency in previous roles that fit the position you’re applying for. A professional reference can be a former boss, a colleague at a previous company that’s in the same field as the position you’re applying for, or it could be a university professor whom you worked closely with to develop your thesis which applies the feel that you’re in.

Professional references are the two-in-one type of reference, as they can allude to your soft skills or people skills, but also can tap into your abilities with hard skills that are required for the position you’re applying for. For example, if you are a chemical engineer straight out of university, you may wish to use a professor who guided you on your master’s thesis. That professor may have intimate knowledge of how you work and your abilities, but they also might have an intimate understanding of whether your skills make you an outstanding employee.

Most employers will be specifically looking for a reference from your current employer, as they’re the ones who know your up-to-date skills and abilities.

When you are new to a field, chances are you won’t have references that you can use from previous work experience in that field. If you are straight out of university or switching careers , there’s a good likelihood that you won’t have any professional references to reach out to.

But here’s the thing: employers are a lot more understanding than you may think. They may know that you have no previous roles in this field, and so maybe they are just willing to learn a bit more about you through personal references. Don’t be afraid to share with a recruiter that you’ve never worked in the field.

Below, you’ll find some reasons you might not have professional references for a job application:

Applying for an entry-level position
Recent college graduate
Returning to the workforce after a gap
Self-employed small business owner returning to the workforce
Moved from another country and there is a language barrier between the new manager and the former employer.

Even if you have no experience within a field, you will likely still have opportunities to use other references. Most of the time, your new employer is just seeking to know a bit about your work ethic, personality, and any achievements that you’ve had in the past. As a result, you can use any number of references from throughout your professional, work, and educational experience.

Your favorite high school teacher or college professor

If you’re new to the job market, including your favorite high school teacher or college professor may help you gain an entry-level position . Try to choose one that you have a personal or working relationship with, and this may be difficult if you went to school at a larger university or high school.

Also, try to narrow your choices by choosing what professor or teacher you want to reach out to. Try to find those that you worked with, either as a teacher’s assistant or who helped you complete a major assignment, like a master’s thesis or a doctoral thesis. These are the ones who have the best ability to speak to your character and work ethic.

Community Leader, volunteer coordinator, or religious leader

Did you know your volunteer experience can benefit you when applying for a position? You can include any volunteer experience on your resume to help showcase certain skills and abilities. In that same way, you can reach out to a volunteer coordinator or community leader to help provide a reference for you.

Did you lead a youth group or help in a church choir? If you volunteered through a religious organization, you can also reach out to the leader of the local religious organization.

The benefit of including a volunteer coordinator as one of your references is that they can help shed light on your community involvement. In addition, they can also provide a hiring manager with a glimpse of certain soft skills that you’ve gleaned through working with other volunteers and members of the community. These soft skills include communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

Personal or professional coach

It’s always great to have someone volunteer to mentor you, show you the ropes and teach you the skills that you need to succeed in any business. If you received leadership training or advice from a seasoned professional, you can also include them as a reference. Even if it was an informal relationship, they can help to shed light on unique skills and knowledge you have.

A family member or friend who you’ve worked for

You can also consider reaching out to a family member or friend that you’ve worked for. Even if it’s in a completely different field than the job you’re applying for, they might be the best people to speak about your abilities and skills. Some employers may be a little hesitant about reaching out to a reference that's related to you. However, some will be curious to see the work that you’ve done in the skills you picked up along the way.

A former colleague or classmate

You may consider reaching out to a peer to ask for a reference. Although they may not be seen as authoritative as a former employer, a colleague or classmate can help shed light on personal details and provide you with a character reference. They may also provide an employer with an honest assessment of your growth.

Now that you’ve scoured through all of your professional and personal contacts and have a list of people to contact, you’ll need to reach out to them and ask for permission to use them. There are a few other things to keep in mind when you are reaching out to somebody for a reference.

Ask for permission

Never include somebody on your resume reference section who you haven’t asked for permission to use as a reference. Even if you reached out to them years ago for a reference for a separate position, let them know recently that you’re looking for a new job and that you’d like a reference. The worst thing you can do is to include somebody as a reference you haven’t contacted. They might give you a bad reference because you never asked them.

Prepare your reference

Now, I’m not suggesting that you ask your reference to lie or bend the truth. Instead, share some details on the job that you’re applying for, and give your reference ideas of things that you’ve done in the past with them so you can jog their memory and give them exactly what they need to provide you with a great reference.

Ask for contact information

One of the easiest mistakes to make when including somebody as a reference is to pass on old, not up-to-date contact information for reference to a potential hiring manager. A recruiter may become frustrated If they try to reach a former boss, but nobody returns their calls. You may be asked to get another reference or update the contact information, and this can make you look unprepared and unorganized.

Assess your references

While you’re speaking to a potential reference, be sure to assess whether they will be able to provide you with a valuable reference. For example, if you are speaking to a former boss who completely forgot about you or your role within their company, you may reconsider using them as a reference. If you can’t jog their memory, then get rid of them as a reference.

Scour your LinkedIn and social media for other references

If you’ve made a list of references and are still falling short of the minimum three professional references, you may choose to look through your social media or LinkedIn. You may reach out to a former employer or a coworker who you used to work for. You don’t always have to use current employers as a reference.

Consider asking for reference letters

A reference letter, or letter of recommendation as it is commonly known, is a brief letter that highlights a candidate's skills, abilities, and experience. A letter of recommendation can also showcase an applicant’s career growth and goals.

If you reach out to a potential reference and they don’t seem super keen on giving you one, you could ask for a reference letter instead.

One benefit of asking for a letter of recommendation is that you’re able to see exactly what your references are putting down about you. Essentially, there are no surprises with the letter of recommendation. These are also documents that you can keep for years and reuse them again and again.

If you’ve been terminated from a job for a valid reason, like being laid off, ask your employer for a reference letter as part of your severance package.

Subject: Reference Inquiry for Dianne Vandersaar — Director of Human Resources

Dear Mr. McCormick,

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to express my sincere interest in the Director of Human Resources position at ABC Consulting and my eagerness to move forward in the hiring process. I am confident that my skills and experience align well with the role, and I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to your team.

I understand that reference checks are a standard part of the hiring process, and I want to be transparent with you about my current situation. As I am currently in a transition period and have not been in a traditional work environment recently, I don't have direct supervisors or colleagues who can serve as references.

However, I have taken proactive steps to ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding of my qualifications and potential contributions to your team. Instead of traditional professional references, I have included on my resume contact information for individuals who can speak to various aspects of my character, work ethic, and skills.

These references include a professional mentor who has guided my career development, a community leader from a volunteer project where I actively contributed, a colleague from a collaborative project, a personal development coach who has been instrumental in my growth, and a family friend who is well-acquainted with my professional attributes.

I believe that these individuals can provide valuable insights into my abilities and character, offering a well-rounded perspective despite the absence of traditional workplace references. I have informed them about your potential inquiry and have confidence in their ability to provide you with a comprehensive view of my qualifications.

If you have any specific preferences regarding the reference-check process or if there are additional materials you would like me to provide, please don't hesitate to let me know. I am committed to ensuring a smooth and transparent hiring process, and I appreciate your understanding in this matter.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with the needs of your team.

Dianne Vandersaar

505-555-5555

What does this example do well?

It can be really difficult to admit to a potential hiring manager you don’t have any current references. The author of this example clearly and professionally states that they haven’t been in a traditional work experience in the past few years. However, they also share some older references to speak about their abilities and character. This can help an employer gain a better understanding of the applicant, and this explanation goes a long way toward building trust with an employer.

If you’re interested in learning all the finer nuances of crafting a letter to a recruiter speak with a career counselor from Enhancv. They’ll point you in the right direction with how to ace your next interview and are also experts in resume writing and can help you to better understand the interview process.

If you’ve been between work or are entering a new field, then you may not be able to list a current employer as a reference.
Instead, you can reach out to a favorite university professor, a family member you’ve worked with or for, or even a volunteer coordinator for an organization you volunteered for.
Reach out to your references, asking them for permission and giving them more information about the job you’re applying for.
Consider asking for reference letters from potential references who may not feel comfortable or have the time to speak to someone on the phone.
Be upfront with a recruiter if you don’t have any current references, as an employer will respect your honesty and candor.

What does a president’s resume look like?

What questions can an employer ask you about your health, why and how to write a resignation email (with examples), compétences linguistiques sur un cv : comment expliquer la connaissance et la maîtrise d’une langue, how to use freelance work to add value to your resume, myers-briggs cheat sheet: expert advice on the best careers based on personality.

Create Resume
Terms of Service
Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences
Resume Examples
Resume Templates
AI Resume Builder
Resume Summary Generator
Resume Formats
Resume Checker
Resume Skills
How to Write a Resume
Modern Resume Templates
Simple Resume Templates
Cover Letter Builder
Cover Letter Examples
Cover Letter Templates
Cover Letter Formats
How to Write a Cover Letter
Resume Guides
Cover Letter Guides
Job Interview Guides
Job Interview Questions
Career Resources
Meet our customers
Career resources
English (UK)
French (FR)
German (DE)
Spanish (ES)
Swedish (SE)

Made with love by people who care.

How to respond to a professional reference request

Q: I was just told that I should email my references to an employer. I guess I am now a final candidate. Who should I give as references? I know my neighbor will serve as a reference, but not sure who else I can give. My current manager is too risky. I am questioning the logistics of this process.

A: Congratulations! It sounds like you are a strong candidate for a new opportunity. When an employer asks you for references, there is usually serious interest in your professional capabilities, and you are likely qualified for the role.

Most employers are trying to assess your relevant work experience, capabilities and transferrable skills. One way that can be done is to talk to someone who has worked with you in the past.

Usually, an employer prefers to talk with a professional reference. This means someone who has worked with you, or supervised you. Sometimes an employer will be fine talking to a personal reference, like a neighbor, a classmate or a friend. A personal reference is often used, when a candidate can’t give a current reference from their employer, or the candidate has a gap in their background, which would make it difficult to track down a former co-worker or manager. Some employers insist on talking to someone who has supervised you. Some employers may even extend an offer contingent upon the completion of satisfactory references.

Our rule of thumb is to request 3-4 professional references. Sometime telephone tag, travel schedules or other factors may make it difficult to have a live conversation with a professional reference. We like to have the reference’s name, how you knew them, their cell phone number and their email address. Specifically, we suggest that a candidate present a one-page document with the title of “References for John Doe.” This document should have the same “look and feel” as the candidate’s resume. The font and the layout should be similar. We are always impressed when a candidate is able to email this document to us quickly when we request references.

A candidate should make every attempt to prepare their references before the company and/or hiring representative contacts them. A candidate should ask their reference to include skills and experience, which are most relevant to the new opportunity. The reference may know little or even nothing about this new role, or even the prospective employer. If this role requires strong Excel skills, then the reference should discuss Excel skills at some point during the call. If the role requires the ability to meet a sales quota, then the reference should offer examples of how you met and/or exceeded a sales quota.

Professional references are typically one of the last steps in the process. It is important that this step is completed, and that the information is positive, and is consistent with what the employer has learned, thus far, about the candidate.

Newsletter Signup

Stay up to date on all the latest news from Boston.com

The post How to respond to a professional reference request appeared first on Boston.com .

IMAGES

8 Amazing Reference On Resume Sample, Template and Example
How to List References on a Resume
How to List References on a Resume [And If You Should]
Resume Reference Sheet Template Collection
How to Write a Resume Reference List (With Examples)
How To List Your Resume References [With Formatting Examples]

VIDEO

How to format a resume
How to write reference context and explanation
HOW TO WRITE A RESUME #resumetips #resumetemplate
How To Write A Resume? Tips For Writing An Impressive Resume
How to write a resume that is ats friendly and how to choose a resume template as a fresher
How to create an instant resume? (reference: kickresume.com)

COMMENTS

How To List References on a Resume (With Examples)
How to write a resume reference list. 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. 1. Determine how many references to include. The number of references you list depends on your career level. For example, if you're entering the job ...
How to List References on a Resume (Dos and Don'ts)
On your reference sheet, you should list each reference with the following information: Name. Current Job/Position. Company. Phone Number. Email Address. Reference Description: Write one sentence explaining how you know or have worked with this person, where, when, and for how long.
How to List References on a Resume (Examples + Template)
To expand upon Eva's advice, here are three straightforward tips for listing your references correctly: 1. Create a dedicated list of references separate from your resume. If you haven't done this yet, gather your references onto a page and label it " Professional References .". Having a dedicated references page that's separate from ...
When and How to List References on a Resume [+Examples]
Here's how to list references on a resume: 1. Put your name and "References" on top of a separate page. 2. Format all references the same way: list full names, job titles, companies, and contact info. 3. Add at least 3 professional references. 4.
How to List References on Your Resume (With Examples)
Rather than putting references on your resume, type them up on a separate document. On a separate reference page, include the person's first name and last name, current job title and company name, email address, and phone number. Be sure to check with each of your professional references ahead of time, to confirm that the person is willing to ...
How to List References on a Resume in 2024 [+Examples]
Choose three to five references. These should mainly be professional references and one personal reference. Choose your references carefully only ask people who will have positive things to say about your performance and personality. Ask permission from your references before sharing their contact information.
How to List References on a Resume [w/ Examples]
First, put your references on a separate sheet. Add an exclusive reference page, as the last page of your resume. Keep the same format for your reference sheet as your resume and cover letter, meaning use the same font, margins, and color scheme. Start off at the very top with your name, address, and phone number.
How to List References on a Resume and When to Do So
Preferred form of contact. If you're really tight for space, just add "References available upon request" at the bottom so employers know you have some prepared if needed. Include 2-3 references on a resume and 3-5 on a reference sheet. Never submit your reference sheet with your resume — save it for employers that ask.
How and When to Include References on a Resume · Resume.io
Resume references examples. If you do want to include professional references, here are some resume reference examples: Resume references examples. Generally, your professional references will be from companies you've already mentioned in your employment history, or professors at colleges mentioned in your education section.
How To List References On A Resume (With Examples)
An example of how to list references on a resume can help you decide what you need to do. Here, we have a few different scenarios for you to consider. How to format a resume references section. If you are adding a dedicated references section to the bottom of your resume, here's the resume format you should follow: [Name of individual]
How to List References on a Resume in 2022 (with Examples & Tips)
123 Avenue Way. (123) 456-9890. [email protected]. Always be specific when including the reference's job position or title. Don't just list the name of the company without the exact job title to go along with it. If you are unsure of a reference's job title, ask them before submitting your references to an employer.
How to List References on a Resume [Full Guide with Examples]
Reference No. 3. [Reference Name] [Reference Current Occupation] [Reference Current Work Place] [Reference Contact Information] [Description of the Reference] etc. As you can see, there are no drastic changes in terms of style —we have the same font style and size throughout the entire section.
How to List References on a Resume in 2024 (with Templates)
1. Select the Right Resume References. Your first step is to pick the right people for your resume references list. Remember that you should only include professional references—personal references from family members and friends are usually irrelevant and heavily biased, so recruiters won't take them seriously.
Writing References on a Resume: A Guide With Examples
Professional references on a resume are a list of people who will provide information about you and your work to potential employers. Employers prefer a list of professional references because they can receive a second view of the value you'll bring to their team from a 3rd party. Each professional reference can affirm recruiters when it comes to your character, abilities, and work performance ...
How to List Resume References: A Job Seeker's Guide + Sample
Once you have a list of approved references, you can now create your reference list. The proper format for each reference should be as follows: Full name. Job title. Company name. Address. Contact information (phone number and email address) Description of relationship to the reference. Your references should also be listed from top to bottom ...
How to Write a Resume Reference List (With Examples)
Select your resume references. Decide how to send your reference list. Ask your contacts to be a reference. 1. Determine how many references to include. There is no set number of references that you should include on your resume reference list. You should at least add two references, though the standard is usually three.
How to Write a Resume Reference List With Examples
Here is one example you can follow to format your resume reference list: Reference contact information: Name. Title or position. Company. Company address. Reference phone number. Reference email address. Description: Include where you worked with this reference, when you worked together and your working relationship.
Effectively Listing References on Resume [+ Examples & Templates
Reach out to the people who you want as references. Ask your contacts if they are willing to be listed as references on your resume and request their contact details, including email, phone number, and address. 4. Determine how you want to list the reference on your resume. Lastly, it is up to you if you want to make a section on your resume or ...
How To Put References on a Resume (With Template & Examples)
3. Mention your personal details. Before listing the contact details of your references, try to include your details on the page. You can include your name, address, phone number and email address as it appears on your resume. Just below your details, add a title to your page. The title could be "Professional references" or "References.".
How to Write Resume Reference Letters [+Examples & Templates]
Salutation: Greet the letter's recipient. Since resume reference letters are typically written late in the interview process, the person who has requested the letter of recommendation should be able to provide you with the name of the hiring manager or recruiter to whom it should be addressed.
How To Write a Resume Reference List (With Examples)
To create a reference page to add to your resume, follow these steps: Determine how many references to include. Choose references to include on your resume. Decide whether to add references to your resume. Ask a contact before including them as a reference. 1.
References on a Resume: To List or Not to List?
No, you shouldn't include references on a resume. The phrase "references available upon request" isn't needed and it's a thing of the past. The only time you should submit a resume with references is if it's requested in the job description. Create a separate document with your list of references.
How to Create a Resume Ultimate Guide: From College to Career
Here are a few more resources to help you create your resume: Resume writing: Find a Nationally Certified Resume Writer to help you create your resume by searching the National Resume Writers' Association (NRWA) database. Resume templates: Start creating your resume with free, customizable resume templates from Canva and Microsoft.
The Ultimate Guide on How to Write a Great Resume With No Experience
Here are some key points to consider when including references and recommendation letters in your resume: Choosing the Right References. When selecting references, opt for individuals who can speak to your strengths and qualifications. This could include former teachers, professors, mentors, or supervisors from internships or volunteer experiences.
How to Write Effective Resume Bullets
Writing resume bullets is often the most challenging aspect of writing a resume. Yes, settling on the best design and format and determining the most relevant experiences to highlight on your resume can take time; however, effectively describing your experience is the most important task. In many ways, this is because your bullets provide the majority of the content and
No. 1 ChatGPT mistake job seekers make: Having AI write your resume
The No. 1 AI mistake job seekers make, from a career expert: So many people use ChatGPT 'in exactly the wrong way'
What to Do If You Don't Have Any References for a Job Application
Subject: Reference Inquiry for Dianne Vandersaar — Director of Human Resources . Dear Mr. McCormick, I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to express my sincere interest in the Director of Human Resources position at ABC Consulting and my eagerness to move forward in the hiring process.
How to respond to a professional reference request
This document should have the same "look and feel" as the candidate's resume. The font and the layout should be similar. We are always impressed when a candidate is able to email this ...