Referee on Resume

Learn how to list referee on resume. Effectively list current supervisor, academic advisor, professional colleague, project manager/team lead, character reference (if applicable) with best practices and real-world examples.

Should You List Referee on Resume

In most cases, it is not necessary to list your references directly on your resume, especially in countries like the United States where it is more common for applicants to provide them separately upon request during the hiring process. This is because potential employers often prefer to contact references after an interview, giving you an opportunity to explain why they are suitable for the position and ensuring that the timing of reference checks aligns with the interview process. However, in some countries or industries where providing references upfront is more common, such as the United Kingdom, it may be acceptable to include them on your resume.

Why to List Referee on Resume (in special cases)

In some circumstances, listing your references can add value to your application:

  • If you have little to no work experience, strong references can vouch for your skills and character, helping you stand out from other candidates.
  • In certain industries like academia or government, it may be expected that you provide references with your initial application.
  • When applying for positions in countries where references are typically included on resumes (e.g., the United Kingdom), it can help demonstrate your familiarity with local customs and expectations.

Where to List Referee on Resume

If you decide to include your references on your resume, here are some options:

  • In a dedicated "References" section at the end of your resume
  • In the "Contact Information" section, with a note that they will be provided upon request during the interview process
  • On a separate sheet of paper, labeled as "References" and submitted along with your resume

Examples of How to List Referee on Resume

Example 1: Dedicated "references" Section

References

Name: [John Doe] Position: [Director, XYZ Corporation] Contact Information: [john.doe@xyzcorp.com | (123) 456-7890]

Name: [Jane Smith] Position: [Manager, ABC Ltd.] Contact Information: [jane.smith@abcltd.com | (987) 654-3210]

Example 2: Contact Information Section with Note

Contact Information [Your Name] [Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Phone Number] [Email Address] [LinkedIn Profile URL]

References will be provided upon request during the interview process.

What to Avoid While Listing Referee on Resume

  • Including more than three references, as potential employers may not have time to contact all of them.
  • Listing family members or friends without relevant professional experience, as they may not provide credible endorsements.
  • Including incomplete or outdated information for your references (e.g., incorrect email addresses or phone numbers).
  • Providing only one reference, as it may raise concerns about the quality of your support network and professional connections.

How to List Character Reference (if Applicable) on Resume

Best Practices for Listing Character Reference

  • Position the Character Reference section appropriately: Place the Character Reference section at the end of your resume, after your Work Experience, Education, and Skills sections. This is because it's less crucial than these other sections in demonstrating your qualifications for a job.

  • Label the section clearly: Title this section as "Character References" or "References - Character" to make it easy for hiring managers to find.

  • Include relevant details: For each reference, list their full name, contact information (email and phone number), and your relationship with them. If possible, include how long you have known the referee and in what capacity they know you.

  • Limit the number of references: Aim to list 3-5 character references on your resume. More than that may seem excessive, while fewer might not provide enough evidence of your character.

  • Obtain permission: Always ask for permission before listing someone as a character reference. They should be aware that their name and contact information will appear on your resume and may be contacted by potential employers.

Example 1: Character Reference (if Applicable) on Referee Resume

In the context of seeking a position as a referee for a youth sports team, you might list character references to showcase your trustworthiness and commitment to the well-being of children. Here's an example:

Character References

  • John Doe, [johndoe@email.com], (555) 123-4567 - Youth Coach at ABC Soccer Club, Known for 5 years as a fellow coach and teammate in mentoring young athletes
  • Jane Smith, [janesmith@email.com], (555) 987-6543 - Elementary School Teacher, Known for 2 years through volunteer work at local schools
  • Bob Johnson, [bobjohnson@email.com], (555) 345-7890 - Parent of a former player, Known for 3 years as the parent of one of your players and a fellow team supporter

Example 2: Character Reference (if Applicable) in Referee Context

When applying to be a referee for a professional sports league, you may want to include character references from individuals who can speak to your integrity, fairness, and understanding of the rules. Here's an example:

Character References

  • Sarah Lee, [sarahlee@email.com], (555) 123-4567 - Former Professional Soccer Player, Known for 8 years as a professional player and coach in the soccer community
  • David Kim, [davidkim@email.com], (555) 987-6543 - Sports Lawyer, Known for 5 years through his work representing athletes and understanding the nuances of sporting regulations
  • Emma Park, [emmapark@email.com], (555) 345-7890 - Former Professional Referee, Known for 10 years as a fellow referee in various leagues and tournaments

How to List Project Manager/team Lead on Resume

Best Practices:

  • Highlight Achievements: Quantify your achievements in terms of project timelines, budgets, team size, or any key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to the role. For example, "Managed a team of 10 software developers to complete a complex system integration project 20% under budget and ahead of schedule."

  • Specify Project Scope: Clearly outline the scope of each project you've managed, including its objectives, challenges, and the methods you employed to successfully execute it. For instance, "Led a cross-functional team in the design, development, and deployment of a new CRM system for a Fortune 500 company."

  • Emphasize Leadership Skills: Showcase your leadership abilities by detailing how you motivated and mentored your team members, fostered collaboration, and resolved conflicts effectively. For example, "Developed and implemented training programs to upskill junior team members, resulting in a 20% increase in productivity."

  • Use Action Verbs: Begin each bullet point with an action verb to create a dynamic and engaging resume. Verbs such as "managed," "led," "coordinated," "supervised," "delegated," and "monitored" are appropriate for this subcategory.

  • Include Relevant Keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords, especially when applying through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). For example, "Experienced Project Manager with a proven track record in leading cross-functional teams, managing complex projects, and driving results."

Example 1: Project Manager/team Lead on Referee Resume

  • Managed a team of 6 engineers to successfully deliver the XYZ project, resulting in a 20% increase in system performance.
  • Developed and executed an innovative risk mitigation plan that saved the company $50,000 in unforeseen costs.
  • Led cross-functional teams in troubleshooting complex technical issues, ensuring minimal downtime for critical systems.
  • Mentored junior team members, providing guidance on best practices and fostering a collaborative work environment.

Example 2: Project Manager/team Lead in Referee Context

  • Led a diverse team of 10 in the development and implementation of a new e-commerce platform for an international client, resulting in a 30% increase in sales.
  • Coordinated with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration between various system components.
  • Implemented a project management methodology that reduced project delivery time by 25%.
  • Served as a referee for one team member, speaking highly of their skills and work ethic in the context of the above project.

How to List Professional Colleague on Resume

Best Practices for Listing Professional Colleagues

  • Highlight Relevant Skills: Mention the skills you've shared or developed with your professional colleague that are relevant to the job you're applying for. For instance, if you've collaborated on a project using specific software, be sure to note this.

    Example: "Collaborated with [Colleague's Name] on a complex data analysis project using Excel, Power BI, and Tableau. This partnership honed my skills in data interpretation and visualization."

  • Describe Collaborative Projects: Detail the projects or tasks you undertook together, focusing on achievements and outcomes. Emphasize your role, contributions, and any positive impact made.

    Example: "Worked closely with [Colleague's Name] to develop a comprehensive marketing strategy for our previous company. Our efforts resulted in a 20% increase in sales leads over a six-month period."

  • Highlight Professional Relationship: Indicate the nature of your professional relationship and the length of time you've worked together. This can help establish credibility and continuity, particularly if you're listing multiple colleagues.

    Example: "Worked alongside [Colleague's Name] for three years in the marketing department at XYZ Company."

  • Use a Clear Label: Use a clear label like "Professional Colleagues" or "Collaborative Partners" to make it easy for recruiters to understand the context of your listing.

    Example: "Professional Colleagues:"

  • Include Contact Information for the Referees: If you are asked to provide a referee, include their name, job title, company, email address, and phone number. This allows potential employers to reach out directly for a reference check.

    Example: "Referee: [Colleague's Name], Marketing Manager at XYZ Company - Email: colleague@xyzcompany.com; Phone: (555) 123-4567"

Example 1: Professional Colleague on Referee Resume

If you're asked to provide a referee, you can include professional colleagues as references if they are familiar with your work and can speak positively about your skills and abilities.

Example: Professional Colleagues:

Example 2: Professional Colleague in Referee Context

If you're not asked to provide a referee but still want to include professional colleagues, list them as part of your professional network or collaborative partners. This can help demonstrate your ability to work effectively with others.

Example: Professional Network:

  • [Colleague's Name], Marketing Manager at XYZ Company - Collaborated on projects related to data analysis and marketing strategy development.
  • [Another Colleague's Name], Software Engineer at ABC Corporation - Partnered on initiatives involving software development and testing.

How to List Academic Advisor on Resume

Best Practices for Listing the 'Academic Advisor' Subcategory:

  • Highlight Relevant Duties and Achievements: Start by outlining your primary responsibilities as an academic advisor, focusing on areas such as guiding students through their academic journeys, providing counseling, and ensuring timely degree completion. Additionally, mention any notable achievements like increased student retention rates or successful implementation of new academic policies.

    • Provided academic guidance to a diverse student population, helping them navigate course selection and graduation requirements.
    • Implemented a new mentoring program that led to a 10% increase in student retention rate within the first year.
  • Detail the Number of Advisees: Mention the approximate number of students you advised during your tenure as an academic advisor, emphasizing any significant responsibilities or challenges associated with managing such a large group.

    • Managed and advised a caseload of 200 undergraduate students in various disciplines.
  • Emphasize Soft Skills: Academic advising requires excellent communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills. Highlight these abilities by providing examples where you successfully addressed student concerns or facilitated effective dialogue between students and faculty members.

    • Fostered open and honest communication between students and faculty members to address academic challenges and conflicts, promoting a positive learning environment.
  • Mention any Specializations: If you have experience in advising students within specific academic fields or programs, make sure to mention those specializations to showcase your subject matter expertise.

    • Provided academic guidance to computer science majors, helping them select appropriate courses and navigate the challenging curriculum.
  • Include Any Relevant Technologies: Mention any software or tools that you have used to streamline your work as an academic advisor, demonstrating proficiency in using technology to improve efficiency and service quality.

    • Utilized student information systems (SIS) and Learning Management Systems (LMS) like Blackboard and Canvas to manage student data and course offerings effectively.

Example 1: Academic Advisor on Referee Resume

When listing an academic advisor position on a resume that includes a referee, emphasize your ability to work collaboratively with faculty members and other campus resources to support students' academic success. For example:

Academic Advisor (2018-2021) - University of Technology
  • Collaborated closely with faculty members and administrative staff to provide comprehensive academic guidance to a diverse student population.
  • Managed a caseload of 300 undergraduate students, advising them on course selection, graduation requirements, and academic policies.
  • Utilized Blackboard and Canvas to streamline the advisement process and maintain accurate student records.
  • Worked with campus resources such as counseling services, financial aid offices, and career development centers to address students' holistic needs.

Referee: Dr. Jane Doe, Dean of Students, University of Technology (jane.doe@university.edu)

Example 2: Academic Advisor in Referee Context

In a resume that includes a referee, describe the impact you've made as an academic advisor and how your work has positively influenced students' lives. For example:

Academic Advisor (2015-2018) - State University
  • Provided personalized academic guidance to a caseload of 250 undergraduate students, helping them navigate the challenging curriculum and stay on track for graduation.
  • Implemented a new mentoring program that significantly improved student retention rates within the first year.
  • Fostered open communication between students and faculty members, resolving academic conflicts and promoting a positive learning environment.
  • Collaborated with campus resources to address students' holistic needs, ensuring their academic success and overall well-being.

Referee: Dr. John Smith, Associate Provost for Student Success, State University (john.smith@stateuniversity.edu)

How to List Current Supervisor on Resume

Best Practices:

  • Include Name and Title: Start with the full name of your current supervisor followed by their title (e.g., John Doe, Department Head). This gives context and shows professionalism.

    • Example: Jane Smith, Team Lead
  • Company Name and Contact Information: Provide the name of the company where they work, along with their work email address or phone number (if appropriate), to help potential employers reach out for references.

  • Duration and Position Relationship: Mention your current position in relation to the supervisor (e.g., Current Employee) and the duration of your tenure under their leadership.

    • Example: Current Employee, January 2018 – Present
  • Achievements and Responsibilities: Highlight key achievements and responsibilities under their supervision to demonstrate your abilities and potential contributions in a new role. Use actionable verbs and quantifiable results where possible.

    • Example: Managed team of five, achieving a 30% increase in sales during my tenure.
  • Available as a Reference: Clearly state that you are willing to serve as a reference if requested by potential employers. This shows professionalism and openness.

    • Example: Available as a reference upon request

Example 1: Current Supervisor on Referee Resume

In this example, the applicant is applying for a managerial position and wants to emphasize their current supervisor's support for their leadership potential.

  • Name: John Doe, Team Lead
  • Company Name: XYZ Corporation
  • Contact Information: john.doe@xyzcorp.com
  • Duration and Position Relationship: Current Employee, January 2018 – Present
  • Achievements and Responsibilities: Managed team of five, achieving a 30% increase in sales during my tenure.
  • Available as a Reference: Available as a reference upon request

Example 2: Current Supervisor in Referee Context

In this example, the applicant is switching careers and wants to show that their current supervisor can vouch for their adaptability and transferable skills.

  • Name: Jane Smith, Team Lead
  • Company Name: ABC Company
  • Contact Information: jane.smith@abccompany.com
  • Duration and Position Relationship: Current Employee, June 2017 – Present
  • Achievements and Responsibilities: Successfully led a cross-functional team in implementing a new process, reducing operational costs by 15%.
  • Available as a Reference: Available as a reference upon request

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