professional
One
Choose Relevant References:
Select individuals who have worked closely with you in a professional capacity, such as former supervisors, colleagues, or clients. If you’re a recent graduate or have limited work experience, you can include professors or mentors who can vouch for your skills and character.
Two
Ask for Permission:
Before listing anyone as a reference, always ask for their permission. It allows them to be prepared if a potential employer contacts them.
three
Maintain Contact Information:
Include the full name, job title, company/organization, email address, and phone number of each reference. Double-check for accuracy.
four
Formatting:
Typically, references are listed on a separate page with the same header, font, and style as your resume and cover letter. Use a standard format, including the name, title, company, email, and phone number for each reference.
five
Quantity:
Provide three to five references, though the exact number may depend on the employer’s requirements.
six
Diverse Perspectives:
Try to include references who can speak to different aspects of your abilities and character. For instance, having both a former supervisor and a colleague can provide a more comprehensive picture of your skills.
seven
Customize for the Job:
Tailor your reference list to the specific job you’re applying for. If possible, include references who have experience relevant to the position.
eight
Notify Your References:
Once you’ve listed them on your application, inform your references about the job you’re applying for and provide them with any relevant details. This will help them better understand how to support your application.
personal
One
Choose Wisely:
Select individuals who have known you for a significant amount of time and can speak positively about your character and personal attributes. Friends, neighbors, coaches, or community leaders can make suitable personal references.
Two
Avoid Family Members:
It’s generally best to avoid listing family members as personal references, as their opinions may be perceived as biased.
three
Ask for Consent:
Before including someone as a personal reference, seek their permission and make sure they are comfortable providing a reference for you.
four
Provide Contact Information:
Include the person’s full name, relationship to you, email address, and phone number on the application.
five
Explain the Relationship:
In some cases, it may be helpful to briefly explain the nature of your relationship with the personal reference and how they know you.
six
Highlight Relevance:
If possible, emphasize how the personal reference’s knowledge of your character is relevant to the job you’re applying for.
seven
Quantity:
As with professional references, provide three to five personal references, depending on the employer’s requirements.