Getting a new job can sometimes be a little challenging. Competition is fierce when a great opportunity appears, and potential applicants are willing to do everything to be hired in the company of their dreams. A good way of standing out over the other candidates in the eyes of the potential employer is building an exciting professional references list. In this guide, you learn How to Write Job References that fit your purposes.

A job reference list, also known as a resume reference letter, is a document that contains primary and contact information on professional references. A reference list is used to publicize previous work experiences when seeking a new industry job or looking to change an appointment. Sometimes it also can contain a personal reference list.  

References could come from any person, colleague, boss, manager, etc., who shares a workspace with you and knows your hard and soft skills, diligence, work ethic, and other details. 

The reason for a job reference list is that recruiters, job seekers, and managers contact former employers during the hiring process to talk and learn more about your job performance and previous experiences.

Most job seekers and employers tend to ask you for references to attest to your qualifications. This way, the company will verify your qualifications and aptitudes by contacting any professional reference to measure your ability to do the job efficiently.

Recruiters also contact references looking to get an insight into your work ethic, attendance history, and relevant data for the companies. Employers ask for your work commitment, motivation, and relationship with former team members.

Most professional reference lists are very similar since they contain well-structured information about your references. Still, you can use the following professional reference letter template as a base and modify it a bit if you want. You should include the following information: 

• The reference name is at the top of the page, the first and last name.
• Below, include the reference’s job description or the job title, company, address, phone number, and email address.
• Next, insert the reference description. It can include information about your relationship with the reference. One or two sentences are enough. 
• Include three professional references to determine your ability to perform the job you are applying for.

All the reference contacts should be on one page, no more. Besides, it’s a good idea to follow the same feel and look as your resume, i.e., the same font, size, colors, and style. Most employers will notice this as a professional detail.

Now that you know that you must create a professional and good-formatted reference list professionally, it's time to give you some tips or steps you should fulfill to proceed correctly in this process.

The number of references you might want to include in your list for your prospective employer will depend on your career level. 

For example, if this is your first job search and your first application, you may include just one or two personal references. If you have experience, a reference from a previous employer may be desirable.

On the other hand, if you’re applying for senior positions, you can consider a longer reference list with several contacts from different stages of your career to present to the hiring managers. 

Still, in many cases, the supervisor or direct manager provides instructions about how many references they want you to include. Just follow the guidelines and retain the best contacts for the job.

Now you know how many references to include in the resume, it’s time to select the best ones that fit the potential employers. It would help if you considered people who can talk about your specific skills, best qualities, and qualifications. If possible, try to include people with a positive attitude who can discuss the job's particular skills.

In general terms, the best people you can include as references are the following:

• Former or current supervisor or manager;
• Former or current co-worker or colleague;
• Former or present employees/direct reports;
• Professional mentor;
• Academic adviser.

Please ensure the people you choose to include in the reference list feel comfortable knowing you’re looking for a new job or you have them as a good reference. In a few words, your professional experience and contacts will look consistent.

Note. It’s best to have your references ready before submitting the list to the recruiters. Just keep them updated during the search.

As you’ve decided who to include in your reference letters, it’s time to ask them for permission for their names to be in the document. Before starting the application process, try to contact your previous employers and managers and ask them if you can add them as good references to your list. 

Consider asking your contacts to be a reference for a specific position as a courtesy.  

Besides, asking for cover letters in advance gives your contacts time to prepare for an email or phone call from prospective employers. Furthermore, giving them enough time to recall specific examples of why you’re the proper person for the job will add many points to your cause.

If the chosen people accept being references, let them know that someone might be calling to ask about you. Also, remind them about your skills & accomplishments when you worked with them. 

Finally, make sure that the list of references is up-to-date, accurate, and error-free.

The only right moment to send a professional letter alongside your cover letter and resume is when recruiters explicitly ask for one. Otherwise, wait until the hiring manager asks you for references. Do not leave space for a reference list in your resume. Thus recruiters will request this list if they believe it’s helpful to know more about you during the interview.

Below we mention three examples of how you must structure a simple but efficient job reference. The three are just for one candidate, as companies usually ask before the interviews. 

References for Alex McKellen

John Davis

Project manager

Art Life Architecture

52 Cleveland Ave

Columbus, OH 12435

john.davis@artlifearquitecture.com

(555) 133-4469

John Davis is the leading architect and the project manager of the last studio where I worked.

Sara Woods

Human Resources Director

Abstract, Art & Design

255 Haight St

San Francisco, CA 55112

sara.woods@abstractart.com

(555) 153-5767

Sara Woods was my supervisor at Abstract, Art & Design.

Peter Mingle

Chief Builder

B&S Architects

255 W Jefferson Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 55112

mingle.peter.builder@bandsarchitects.com

(555) 922-5592

Sara Woods was my supervisor at Abstract, Art & Design.

Notice that the reference description is in one sentence. No more is necessary.

Finally to say that the best program where you can build a good job reference is MS Word. This Microsoft application will allow you to structure the above template efficiently, even in seconds. If you’re interested in getting this app, you can acquire a Microsoft Office 2021 Professional Plus Key Retail Global.

You’ll often be prompted to mail a hard copy of your references. So, if this is the situation, name the file. This way, it’s easy to identify and keep track of. It is best to send it as a PDF file to retain the original formatting. To do it, follow these instructions:

• For Word Documents, click “File, Save As, PDF” to save your documents as a PDF file.
• Name all the files with your full name, so your documents don't get mixed up with other applicants' materials.

Now that you know the more important things about writing and structuring your job reference letter, we’re giving you some advice to improve your work and document and impress the organization.

Format the job reference list using the same font and style in your resume or CV. This way, both documents will match and look better for the business. You’ll present yourself in the best professional possible way.

When you structure your reference letter, you may have several names on your list. We know that it’s very likely that all of them are willing to help you, but sometimes you need to roll out some alternatives. If an organization is going to hire you pending a reference check, select only good references that fit better with the new job position.

Do not include the job reference list on the same page as your resume. When an employer asks for references, they usually put this page away from others. Creating a well-written and separate reference letter will save you some trouble. Just title the page "Job Reference List" or "Professional Reference Letter" at the top and center it in bold font.

A separate line is just a detail, but it’s recommendable that you insert a thin and subtle line between each field of reference to separate them properly. This may sound silly, but recruiters love these types of details.

After finishing the hiring process and you’re happy with your current position, thank your references for their effort and commitment. Use the media you feel more comfortable with, for instance, a quick call, a note, or an email, and show your gratitude by writing a nice thank you message.

Template

If you’re in need of a professional and free job reference template, you can download one from LawDistrict's website. This resource provides a well-structured and easy-to-use template that can help you organize and present your job references effectively. Whether you’re applying for a new position or preparing for an interview, having a solid reference list is crucial.

If you’re happy with your job and have a good relationship with your current employer but still want to apply for a new job, then you’ll need a job reference list and a good resume. 

A reference list will speak of your past practices, responsibilities, commitment to previous projects and jobs, and even your character, so don’t take it lightly.

Most people tend not to have an excellent professional reference document. Thus, if you can create an exciting one, you’ll stand out over other applicants. The line between being hired and not is thin. Leverage any aspect you can to take the lead! 

You can read another high-quality article on our blog for more details about applying for jobs and hiring processes. Here you will find other topics of your interest. Browse our website, and you’ll find what you’re looking for.