Reference Page

A reference page may be a part of your resume that you submit to your prospective employer. It is a separate listing of individuals who are qualified and agreed to be contacted by an employer or recruiter to support your resume details. You must remember that a reference is usually not included in your resume unless specifically asked for. However, you should always bring multiple copies of a list of references to an interview.

Reference pages are usually included along with resume, cover letter, and application form in a package mailing when you are applying in person. Other than this, most recruiter would not be willing to examine the reference page unless you have been selected as a serious candidate for a position. After you’ve been selected you would then be asked and expected to furnish your references.

The best thing to do to get a good reference person is to meet in person with the potential reference and request if he/she would be willing to serve as a reference in your job search. Do choose family members, close friends, clergy, and former colleagues. Three to five candidates would do. They may be your current and/or former employers or other competently qualified people and will represent an acceptable pool from which hirers will draw information to support your competencies for the position.

Always bring with you copies of your resume and reference page on the day of your interview for you may be asked to submit it. Never forget to inform you references if you secure a new position and thank them for the assistance that they have given. This can further establish your needed link to them in the event that you may have to call upon them again on your future job search.

Choose a person who can enhance your candidacy with a thorough understanding of your employment qualifications, personal integrity, and proven job-related strengths. Also, remember to keep this information handy to provide to perspective employeers.

Remember to send you updated resume and additional biographic and work related information to your reference because this may strengthen your candidacy in their minds and provide a sharper image of you and your qualifications for them to forward to an inquiring potential employer. This is important because your reference may not know your current credentials and accomplishments. The chosen supporters can jump-start your career opportunities, while hastily selected references may inhibit, stall, or seriously damage your job search

Seasoned workers are also asked to provide references that can evaluate their special accomplishments and daily project assignments. A personality and character reference may be important to a hirer if a workplace culture and environment demand specific individual traits of a new hire to fit in and succeed effectively.

You must present your reference in the proper way with proper style. The preferred list is with triple-space between entries. This can adequately separate references for clarity. Also remember to check the accuracy of spelling, addresses, and contact information before submitting your references page to recruiters. Errors will be frustrating to the inquiring screener, embarrassing to you, and possibly lead to your exclusion as a suitable candidate.