How to Provide a List of Professional References (2024)

Do you have a list of references ready to provide to prospective employers? If not, take some time to line up referenceswho can speak to your credentials and qualifications for a job so you’re prepared when you’re inevitably asked for them.

It's always a good idea tohave a list of references ready to provide to hiring managers when you're job searching. It's also important to contact your references for permission to use them and to let them know they may be contacted. This way, you won't have to round up a list of references at the last minute.

Just remember, as with any other materials you provide a prospective employer, you'll want to ensure your list of references appears professional. Here's how to format your list so that it's easy to read and includes all the necessary information.

When and Why Employers Want References

During thejob application process, you will most likely be asked for references who can attest to your qualifications. A company may want to verify your credentials and speak to your references to gauge your ability to do the jobwell.

Typically, this request occurs eitherwhen yousubmit your job applicationor later in the application process, when the hiring manager is close to making their decision.

You will need to format your list of professional references either to include with your application materials, give to the interviewer, or email to the hiring manager later in thehiring process. The employer will typically advise you on how and when to provide references.

As with all communication with a potential employer, from cover letters to thank-you notes, your list of references should be formatted professionally, easy to read and understand, and free of any typos or errors.

What to Include in a Reference List

When you provide a list ofprofessional referencesto an employer, you should include:

• Your name at the top of the page.
• Each of your references, including their name,job title, company, and contact information, with a line break in between each reference.
• At least threeprofessional referenceswho can attest to your ability to perform the job you are applying for.
• If it's not clear from your resume, you may also wish to include information about your relationship with the reference.

For instance, you could write, "Reference Name was my supervisor while I was an accountant at Smith Enterprises," or "Reference Name is my current employer."

Example of a Professional Reference List Format

Here's how to format a list of professional references for employment or business purposes.

Before You Submit Your References

Listing your references on the page isn't your last step in this process. If you haven't already,ask permissionfrom each of your references. It's important only to submit thenamesofpeople who have agreed to serve as a reference.

Even if all of your references are happy to be on your list, it's a good idea to provide a heads-up that someone may be reaching out to themtoask about you. This is a great opportunity to share some information about the job you're applying for, provide some key points fromyourresumethat you'd like them to emphasize, and generally remind them about your skills and accomplishments, especially if it's been a while since you worked together.

Once you've done all that, review the list of references one last time to make sure there are no typos and that all contact information is correct and up to date. Here are some helpfulproofreading tips for job seekers.

Tips for Getting and Submitting References

Who to use as a reference: Choosing who to ask for a referenceis an important step in your application process.You will want to tailor your reference list to the job for which you're applying.

It’s also helpful to use references who can attest to your qualifications for the particular job you’re applying to. Withthisinmind,it’s great if you can list people who have worked with you in a similar context.

How to email a reference list:When you’re emailing a reference list to an employer, name the file soit’s easy to identify and easy for the hiring manager to track. You may want to send it as a PDF file so it retains the original formatting. Here's how:

• For Word Documents: Click “File, Save As,PDF (.pdf).”
• For Google Docs files: Click “File, Download, PDF Document (.pdf).”
• Save the files with your name, so they don't get mixed up with other applicants' materials,e.g., janeapplicant.pdf.

Be understanding if a potential reference needs to decline.When youask someone to give you a reference, it’s always a good idea to allow them to decline. While most people are happy to help colleagues out with references and recommendations, there may be personal circ*mstancesorprofessionalpolicies preventing them from doing so at a particular time. You could simply say something like, "I understand if you are too busy at the moment."

Consider when to use a character or personal reference.Remember there arealso circ*mstances inwhich you might want to submit acharacter or personal reference(as opposed to a professional reference) who might be better able to speak to your abilities. This is especially true when you have limited work experience or are branching into a new field.

Need more help? See more information onwho to ask for a referenceandhow to make the request.