How to List Your References on a Resume

When applying for a job, applicants are usually required to provide a reference list as part of the job application process. 

What is a reference list?

A reference list is a document provided by a graduate to a potential employer during the job application process. The list contains professional references and their contact details. This allows employers to contact colleagues and professional acquaintances of a graduate in an effort to learn more about their skills, competency and work ethic. As such, it is an influential aspect of a job application and thus should be carefully considered by all graduates.

How to write a reference list?

There are a number of factors to consider when creating a reference list:

How many references should I include?

The number of references that you should include in a job application is dependent on the type of job and your previous experience in the job market. As graduates are typically fairly unexposed to the job market, you should aim for two or three references. It is important to note however that if the hiring manager in the job advertisement prescribes the number of references needed, it is imperative that you fulfil that requirement.

Another aspect to consider is that employers often have many job applications to consider, with multiple references for each application. As such, it is possible that an employer only contacts one or two references during the job application process. This means that it is important to prioritise quality over quantity, as you don’t know who they will contact, and you don’t want to risk them contacting a less influential or strong reference.

Who should I choose to be my reference?

The next step when creating a reference list is to choose who to put as your professional reference. It is helpful to maintain an updated list of professional contacts from your volunteer, intern or paid work. This makes it easier for you to remember and choose relevant professional references when applying for a job. 

The professional contacts should be individuals that are most familiar with your skills, work ethic and achievements. They should also be able to articulate such abilities to an employer in order to provide a well-rounded and convincing endorsement of your ability to excel at a job.

There are so many people who you could put as your professional references, but instead of just choosing your former work coffee buddy, try to provide someone who has some tenure or authority in their field, as this further enhances the value of their reference. For example, you could include a current or former supervisor, a professional mentor or an academic professor. You also want someone who has seen first-hand your skills and abilities, rather than someone in the workplace who you rarely interacted with.This allows for a more personal response which will ultimately let you stand out.

Should I let my professional contact know?

You never want a professional contact to be caught off-guard or unprepared when they receive a call from the hiring manager. As such, it is important to first obtain their consent and let them know that they can expect to be contacted soon about a professional reference. This prior notice is great in allowing your references to consider what they may say in endorsing you and also allow them to recall examples of your work to share.

Where do I put the references?

Although some people prefer to list references at the end of their resume, this is not necessary, unless explicitly stated by the employer. The reason for this is that a hiring manager usually does not contact every applicant’s references as there is simply not enough time. If you are successful in reaching the next stage, for example an interview, then they will likely request professional references from you then. When providing references at this stage, you should create a separate sheet which serves as an exclusive reference list document. 

What is the difference between a character reference and a professional reference?

A professional reference is someone from a workplace who can provide an assessment of your skills and abilities. Whilst a hiring manager is no doubt also wanting to hire someone who will boost team morale and fit in seamlessly, their aim when contacting a professional reference is not to deduce your personality traits and flaws. In instances where a hiring manager does place a high importance on the character type of the applicant, they may request a character reference. A character reference’s primary goal is to provide an insight into your general disposition and your personality when in a workplace or faced with challenges. However, it is important to note that you should avoid listing personal relationships as character references as professional etiquette must still be maintained.

How should you structure your professional reference list?

A reference list should always maintain the same format as the rest of the resume, even though it is usually provided at a later stage. This included keeping the same font, margins, colour scheme and layout. This allows you to remain professional in the eyes of a hiring manager. 

When listing references, it is a good idea to provide them chronologically. After providing the professional contact details, make sure to include a brief overview of your relationship with the contact. This can be a good way to impress the hiring manager if the contact has seniority, and also further demonstrate your experience in relation to the field of your choosing. It is also helpful to cater each reference specifically to the job you are applying for. 

A reference list can be formatted as:

1. Reference’s First and Last Name
2. Professional Position
3. Organisation or Company Name
4. Organisation or Company Address
5. Phone Number
6. Email Address
7. Description of relationship with reference

Repeat this for the number of references provided. 

For a law student applying for a graduate job in the legal field, an example of a strong reference is:

✏️ Example