A Reference Sheet is absolutely one of the most important and most critical things to have ready at the beginning of a job search.  It is a list of individuals such as past employers, colleagues, clients, professors, or advisors who can testify to your experience, qualifications, and character to a prospective employer.

Select Solid and Reliable References – know that your references will speak well of you.

• Select three to four individuals with whom you have a professional relationship as your references.
• Ask if they are willing to be a reference for you.
• Listen carefully to their answer and tone of voice.
• Do they seem enthusiastic about representing you?
• Ask what they would say should someone ask about you?
• Are they articulate and positive in what they say about you?
• Inform your references about the job(s) and the company(s) who may be contacting them.
• Review the skills and accomplishments that make you are a good candidate for the position.

Verify Your Reference

• Call your potential references to get their permission to use them as a reference.
• Verify each reference’s contact information: name, title, company, email address, phone number, and preferred method in being contacted.
• Thank them for being your reference.
• Update reference information as needed.

Red Flags

• As above ask your potential references what they will say about you?
• Carefully listen to their words and tone of voice. Are they articulate and positive in what they say about you?
• If you have any doubt as to the reliability of a reference or that he/she could potentially jeopardize your candidacy, continue to get their contact information, thank them, but do not use them as a reference.

Creating An Unique Reference Sheet

• Be consistent in creating the reference sheet by using the same heading as your resume – your name, address and contact information.
• The next line after your heading is “REFERENCES “in all capital letters and bold.
• List your most recent references numbered in importance including their contact information (see above)
• Get a written statement from your reference(s) about your qualifications for inclusion after contact information.
• You may be asked to write the statement in which they will need to sign-off.
• An example statement might be: “Name can speak about my strong technical, project management and problem solving skills. She can also talk about my creativity, willingness to mentor others and my resourcefulness.”
• Continue this format with the next references on your list.

Follow Up

• Keep in contact with your references and up to date on your job search status.
• Make them an advocate for you in your job search. Take them out for coffee/tea.
• Ask them for suggestions in improving your skills.
• Let them know when you find a position.
• Send an email or hand-written note thanking them for their time and effort.
• Always reciprocate their kindness by offering your help to them.