References on Resume

Should You List References on Resume

In many professional contexts, especially in the United States, it's customary to include a reference section in your resume. However, this practice varies by industry and country. In some regions like Europe, for example, references are not typically included in resumes due to privacy laws. It's essential to research the norms specific to the industry and location where you're applying.

Why to List References on Resume

• Verification of work experience and qualifications: References can provide potential employers with an independent verification of your professional achievements, skills, and character traits.
• Demonstrate credibility: A strong reference can enhance your credibility as a job candidate, signaling to employers that you've held positions of responsibility and have positively impacted previous organizations.
• Insight into work style and interpersonal skills: References can offer insights into your work style, collaborative abilities, and how well you handle challenges – aspects that are difficult to capture through a traditional resume.

Where to List References on Resume

• Separate section: Traditionally, the reference section is placed at the end of the resume, after your professional summary or qualifications statement.
• Cover letter: In some cases, you may include relevant references within your cover letter if space constraints make a separate section impractical. However, this approach should only be used when there's no room for a dedicated reference section on the resume itself.

Examples of How to List References on Resume

Example 1: Traditional References Section

References available upon request

[Your Name] [Address] [City, State, Zip] [Phone Number] [Email Address]

John Doe, HR Manager XYZ Corporation 123 Main Street Anytown, USA 12345 (123) 456-7890 john.doe@xyzcorp.com

Jane Smith, Team Lead ABC Company 456 Park Avenue Anothertown, USA 23456 (234) 567-8901 jane.smith@abccompany.com

Example 2: References Within a Cover Letter

Dear Hiring Manager,

... (Your cover letter content here) ...

I am happy to provide references upon request. John Doe, HR Manager at XYZ Corporation, can be reached at john.doe@xyzcorp.com. Jane Smith, Team Lead at ABC Company, can be contacted via email at jane.smith@abccompany.com.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

What to Avoid While Listing References on Resume

• Including irrelevant or unprofessional contacts: Ensure your references are people who can speak positively about your professional abilities and work ethic.
• Providing insufficient contact information: Always include the full name, title, organization, email address, and phone number of each reference to make it easy for potential employers to reach them.
• Listing too many or few references: Aim to provide between two to four references, as this gives hiring managers a sufficient pool of contacts without overwhelming them.
• Including personal or family members: While it's acceptable to include professional connections such as coworkers and supervisors, it's generally best to avoid listing personal relationships (e.g., spouses, parents, siblings) as references.

How to List Online References on Resume

When listing online references on your resume, it's essential to maintain professionalism and adhere to best practices. Here are some tips:

• Provide Links to Professional Networking Sites: LinkedIn is a popular choice for this purpose. Include the link to your profile with a brief explanation of your role or position if necessary.

  • Example 1: Online References on References Resume

Online Networking Profiles

LinkedIn Profile - Your Name

• Use Email References: If a reference prefers to be contacted via email, provide their first name, last name, and their email address.

  • Example 2: Online References in References Context

Email Contacts

John Doe (Email Reference) - john.doe@example.com

• Specify the Relationship: Briefly describe your relationship with the reference. This gives context to the potential employer and shows that you have a professional network.

• Include Only Relevant References: Make sure that the references you list are relevant to the job you're applying for. This demonstrates that you understand the importance of tailoring your resume to each position.

• Consider Privacy Concerns: Be aware that some people may not want their contact information publicly available. Always ask for permission before listing someone as a reference on your resume.

• Online References Best Practices

  • Include only professional references (colleagues, supervisors, etc.)
  • Provide clear and concise descriptions of the relationship
  • Use consistent formatting throughout the references section
  • Include a mix of online and traditional references to demonstrate a well-rounded network

How to List Previous Employers on a Resume (with References Context)

Best Practices for Listing 'Previous Employers' on a Resume:

• Include Company Name, Position, Dates of Employment, and Key Accomplishments: Provide the name of your previous employer, the job title you held, the dates of employment (including months and years), and a brief list of your key achievements and responsibilities in each role. This information helps potential employers understand the context of your work experience and evaluate your qualifications for their open position.

• Company Name: XYZ Corporation

• Position: Sales Manager

• Dates of Employment: January 2015 - December 2019

• Key Accomplishments: Led a sales team of 10, consistently meeting and exceeding sales targets, and improved the company's CRM system to increase efficiency by 30%.

• List Employers in Reverse Chronological Order: Organize your previous employers in reverse chronological order, meaning that the most recent employer should be listed first. This makes it easy for recruiters to quickly scan your work history and understand your career progression.

• Company Name: ABC Enterprises

• Position: Marketing Coordinator

• Dates of Employment: June 2012 - December 2014

• Key Accomplishments: Implemented a successful email marketing campaign that increased open rates by 50%, and coordinated the company's trade show appearances, resulting in a 30% increase in leads.

• Include Contact Information for References: If you are including references on your resume, make sure to list their names, job titles, and contact information (phone number and/or email address) alongside the details of each previous employer. This shows that you are professional and organized, and it makes it easy for potential employers to reach out to your references if they have questions about your work experience.

• Company Name: DEF Industries

• Position: Operations Manager

• Dates of Employment: January 2010 - May 2012

• Key Accomplishments: Improved the company's supply chain management, reducing costs by $50,000 per year.

• References:

  • John Doe, Operations Director, DEF Industries, john.doe@defindustries.com, (123) 456-7890
  • Jane Smith, Human Resources Manager, DEF Industries, jane.smith@defindustries.com, (123) 456-7891

• Tailor Your Listing to the Job You're Applying For: When applying for a job, it's important to tailor your resume to the position you are seeking. In addition to highlighting relevant skills and qualifications, make sure that your previous employers and their roles align with the requirements of the job posting. This will help ensure that your application stands out to recruiters and increases your chances of landing an interview.

Example 1: Previous Employers on References Resume

Here's an example of how you could list your previous employers, including references, in a resume:

Work Experience

• Company Name: XYZ Corporation

• Position: Sales Manager

• Dates of Employment: January 2015 - December 2019

• Key Accomplishments: Led a sales team of 10, consistently meeting and exceeding sales targets, and improved the company's CRM system to increase efficiency by 30%.

• Company Name: ABC Enterprises

• Position: Marketing Coordinator

• Dates of Employment: June 2012 - December 2014

• Key Accomplishments: Implemented a successful email marketing campaign that increased open rates by 50%, and coordinated the company's trade show appearances, resulting in a 30% increase in leads.

• Company Name: DEF Industries

• Position: Operations Manager

• Dates of Employment: January 2010 - May 2012

• Key Accomplishments: Improved the company's supply chain management, reducing costs by $50,000 per year.

References

• John Doe, Operations Director, DEF Industries, john.doe@defindustries.com, (123) 456-7890
• Jane Smith, Human Resources Manager, DEF Industries, jane.smith@defindustries.com, (123) 456-7891

Example 2: Previous Employers in References Context

Here's another example of how you could list your previous employers and their contact information as part of a references section on your resume:

References

John Doe, Operations Director DEF Industries 123 Main Street Anytown, USA 12345 (123) 456-7890 john.doe@defindustries.com

Jane Smith, Human Resources Manager DEF Industries 123 Main Street Anytown, USA 12345 (123) 456-7891 jane.smith@defindustries.com

Company Name: XYZ Corporation Position: Sales Manager Dates of Employment: January 2015 - December 2019

• Led a sales team of 10, consistently meeting and exceeding sales targets
• Improved the company's CRM system to increase efficiency by 30%

Company Name: ABC Enterprises Position: Marketing Coordinator Dates of Employment: June 2012 - December 2014

• Implemented a successful email marketing campaign that increased open rates by 50%
• Coordinated the company's trade show appearances, resulting in a 30% increase in leads

Company Name: DEF Industries Position: Operations Manager Dates of Employment: January 2010 - May 2012

• Improved the company's supply chain management, reducing costs by $50,000 per year

  In this example, the references are listed at the beginning of the document, followed by each previous employer and their key accomplishments. This format allows recruiters to quickly access your references and gain a better understanding of your work history and qualifications.

How to List Character References on Resume

Best Practices

• Identify the Right Section: Character references should be listed under the 'References' section of your resume. They are distinct from professional references in that they vouch for your character traits rather than your work skills or abilities.

  Example: In a volunteer position, you might have someone who can attest to your dedication, empathy, and reliability. These qualities are crucial when working with vulnerable communities but may not be immediately apparent from your professional references.

• Label the Category Appropriately: Make sure to label this section as 'Character References' or 'Personal References' to distinguish it from your professional contacts.

• Provide Context: Each reference should include a brief context of the relationship with the reference and why they can vouch for your character traits. This helps hiring managers understand the nature of your connections.

• Contact Information: Just like your professional references, provide the name, title, organization (if applicable), email address, and phone number of each character reference.

• Limit the Number: While it's essential to have character references, you don't want to overwhelm potential employers with too many. One or two well-chosen references should suffice.

Example 1: Character References on References Resume

Character References

• John Doe
  • Title: Volunteer Coordinator, ABC Animal Shelter
  • Email: john_doe@abcshelter.org
  • Phone: (123) 456-7890
  • Context: John has supervised my volunteer work at the animal shelter for the past six months. He can attest to my compassion, reliability, and patience, particularly in working with difficult animals.

Example 2: Character References in References Context

References

• Jane Smith
  • Title: Manager, XYZ Community Center
  • Email: jane_smith@xyzcenter.org
  • Phone: (987) 654-3210
  • Context: Jane has known me for five years as a participant in the afterschool program at the community center. She can vouch for my teamwork skills, adaptability, and commitment to helping others.

In both examples, the character references are presented professionally and succinctly, providing necessary context without overwhelming the hiring manager with unnecessary details.

How to List Academic References on Resume

Listing academic references on a resume is crucial, especially when applying for academic positions or scholarships. Here are some best practices to help you format this section effectively:

• Include the Label 'Academic References' Clearly label your academic references section to separate it from other reference types. This helps recruiters quickly understand the context of the information provided.

Example: Academic References

• List References in Reverse Chronological Order Just like with work experience, list your academic references in reverse chronological order, with the most recent contacts listed first.

• Provide Full Contact Information Ensure that each reference includes the following information: name, title (if applicable), institution/organization, address, email, and phone number.

Example:

• Dr. John Smith, Dean of Academic Affairs, University of Science, 1234 Main Street, City, State, Zip Code, john.smith@universityofscience.edu, (555) 555-5555

• Ask for Permission Before listing someone as a reference, always ask for their permission first. This ensures that they are aware of the application and willing to provide a positive recommendation on your behalf.

• Limit Your References While it's essential to have strong references, it's also important not to overwhelm potential employers with too many names. Limit your academic references section to 2-3 relevant contacts.

Example 1: Academic References on References Resume

In a traditional resume format, the 'References' section is typically located at the end of the document. To incorporate academic references within this structure, you can create two subsections: one for professional references and another for academic references. This allows recruiters to easily distinguish between your work and academic backgrounds.

Professional References [List 2-3 relevant professional contacts here]

Academic References [List 2-3 relevant academic contacts here]

Example 2: Academic References in References Context

When applying for an academic position, you might choose to create a separate 'Academic CV' that focuses solely on your research, publications, and references. In this case, the structure would look like this:

Professional References [List 2-3 relevant professional contacts here]

Academic References [List 2-3 relevant academic contacts here]

Publications [List your research and publications here]

Research Experience [Detail any research experiences, such as internships or assistantships, here]

Regardless of the format you choose, remember to maintain consistent formatting throughout your resume and tailor your academic references section to highlight your most relevant and impressive contacts.

How to List Professional References on Resume

Best Practices for Listing Professional References

• Include the Title and Contact Information: List the full name, job title, company, email address, and phone number of each reference. This provides a complete picture of who your references are and how they can be contacted.

  Example: John Doe, HR Manager, XYZ Corporation, john_doe@xyzcorp.com, 555-1234

• Request Permission: Always ask for permission before listing someone as a reference. It's essential to ensure that the person is aware of the potential role they might play in your job search and is comfortable with providing a positive recommendation.

• Provide Context: Briefly explain how you know each reference and the nature of your professional relationship. This gives the hiring manager an idea of the context from which the recommendation originates, helping them understand the value of the reference.

  Example: I worked with Mary Smith as a team leader during my tenure at ABC Company, where our collaboration resulted in significant project improvements.

• Keep it Professional: Limit your list to professional references. If possible, opt for references who are directly related to the job you're applying for. This demonstrates that you have relevant industry connections and can make a strong impression on potential employers.

• Update Regularly: Maintain an up-to-date list of professional references to ensure their contact information is accurate and they remain engaged in your career progression. Building and nurturing professional relationships is essential for long-term success.

Example 1: Professional References on References Resume

In the "References" section of your resume, organize your professional references using consistent formatting. Here's an example of how you might list your professional references in this context:

Professional References:

• Jane Doe, Project Manager, ABC Company, jane_doe@abc.com, 555-5678

  • Knew as team member on multiple projects
  • Collaborated to increase project efficiency by 20%

• Tom Johnson, HR Director, DEF Corporation, tom_johnson@defcorp.com, 555-9012

  • Supervised during employment tenure
  • Awarded "Employee of the Year" under their leadership

Example 2: Professional References in References Context

If you choose to provide professional references within the context of a cover letter or email, follow these guidelines for effective presentation:

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am submitting my application for the open Project Manager position at your company. I have worked diligently to establish strong relationships with industry professionals and would like to share their contact information as references:

• Mary Smith, Team Leader, XYZ Corporation, mary_smith@xyzcorp.com, 555-8910

  • Collaborated on multiple projects resulting in improved project outcomes

• John Doe, HR Manager, DEF Corporation, john_doe@defcorp.com, 555-1234

  • Supervised during my tenure at the company
  • Awarded "Employee of the Year" under their leadership

Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.

Sincerely, [Your Name]