Reference List Template: How to Craft One

What’s the best way to write a list of references?

Job seekers have many questions when it comes to references. Should they be included on a resume? Is a separate reference page better? How many referees are needed? In this article, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about references and provide a handy reference list template to help you create your own page. We’ll also share our top tips so that you can follow best practice.

What are references?

Let’s get clear on references before we begin. References are a verbal or written acknowledgement of your attitude, skills, and experience that new employers seek before offering you a contract. They seek this acknowledgement from your referees, who can be former managers or colleagues, tutors, or even personal acquaintances. In order for them to do this, you’ll need to let your new employers know who your referees are by providing a reference list, so that they can request references and progress your job offer.

Should references be included on a resume?

No, it is generally advised that you don’t include references on a resume. Your resume should be used to sell you into the role and referees are rarely contacted in the early stages of recruitment.

Even if you’re asked for references up front, they should not be included on the resume itself. Instead, create a separate references page, using our reference list template below. Keep this page on hand, so that when you’re asked for references you can provide them immediately.

Expert tip: You should always have a reference page ready to go when you begin your job hunt, but never give it out unless specifically asked.

How many references should be included on the page?

Generally, you should have three or four referees on hand – possibly even more at executive level. It’s important, however, to have more referees to call on than you’ll need to submit to the employer. That way, you’ll be able to choose the most relevant ones for the job you’re seeking. Employers may not contact all your referees, so it’s sensible to list the strongest and most relevant first.

Who can provide a professional reference?

The best references will be from people who know you well professionally. You can ask friends or family to provide character references, but the employer will understand that they’re biased and they won’t hold as much weight as a professional reference.

A former manager can be a great reference. New employers will generally expect your most recent boss to be able to provide a reference so, if possible, choose people you’ve worked with recently. Professional peers, including co-workers, clients, or colleagues from other departments, are also great referees. If you’re new to the workforce, Professors or Tutors are generally accepted.

How to attain professional references

Rather than springing a surprise request on your referees, you must first take time to communicate with them. That means reaching out to ask them if it’s OK to use them for a reference. You’ll also want to tell them about the sort of roles you’re applying for, so that they can tailor their feedback, and thank them for their time and effort.

Even when you’ve landed a new job, keep in touch with your references. The chances are that you’ll need them again sometime in the future. After all, networking is one of the most important aspects of a successful job search. You may even be able to repay the favor by providing a reference for them in the future. It’s also important to stay in touch to ensure you have the most up-to-date contact details for them.

What if you don’t have professional references?

If you’re new to the workforce or left your previous job on bad terms, you may be wondering who to put on your reference list. In that case, it’s perfectly acceptable to use academic referees, personal referees, and referees from any clubs or societies you belong to. Religious leaders could also be considered if you’re sure they won’t attract bias or discrimination. While the ideal referee knows you in a professional capacity, there are often situations where it’s just not possible and employers understand that.

What to include in a reference list

What information should you add to your reference list? It’s generally expected that you’ll include:

Referee name
Referee job title
Referee’s employer name
Contact information such as business email and phone number

In addition to these basic details, it’s useful to provide a brief explanation of your relationship with your referee. For example, explain that they managed you in your previous role or you worked on a project together.

Your reference list template should resemble the style of your resume, to reflect a professional approach and attention to detail. For example, use the same header, font, spacing and margins across both documents.

Always position your strongest referee at the top of the list. This is likely to be your current or most recent manager.

Reference list template

_________________________________________________________________________

Your name | Your Location | Your phone number | Your email address

References

Name:

Job title:

Employer:

Contact:

Capacity in which known:

_________________________________________________________________________

You can save this job reference list template free of charge, to refer back to – ideally as a template in Word so that you can update it easily.

Reference list example

Maria Inez | Texas | 555-555-5555 | mariainez@email.com

References

Name: John Doe

Job title: Team Leader

Employer: ABC Plc

Contact: doe@abc.com, 555-555-5555

Capacity in which known: John is my direct line manager at ABC Plc.

Name: Jane Doe

Job title: Logistics Assistant

Employer: XYZ Corps

Contact: jane@logistics.com, 555-555-5556

Capacity in which known: Jane was my colleague at XYZ Corps and we worked on a warehouse rationalization project together.

Name: Homer Simpson

Job title: Health and Safety Manager

Employer: Springfield Nuclear Plant

Contact: simpson@doh.com, 555-555-5557

Capacity in which known: Homer was my team leader and mentor.

Name: Betty Crocker

Contact: betty@home.com, 555-555-5558

Capacity in which known: Betty is a family friend who has known me for 25 years.

Don’t neglect your reference list!

When you start a job search, you’ll likely put a lot of time and effort into your resume. Make sure you prepare your reference list at the same time though! References are an important part of closing your job search, so if you’re prepared in advance you’ll speed up the process and impress prospective employers with your professionalism and organization. Take your reference list to interviews in case you’re asked for it (that’s a great sign!).

While you’re preparing your reference list, why not let the experts at ZipJob assess your resume? Send it for a free resume review, so that you can iron out any bumps before you apply for those jobs.

This article was originally written by Jeffrey Macks and has been updated by Jen David.