Your resume can include the phrase, "References available on request.". This means that should you be interviewed, you are prepared to provide the names and contact information of people who can vouch for you. Do not list family members as references.

These are people who know you from an employment or other non-family context and who will speak well of you. References are generally not contacted unless the company is preparing to extend a job offer.

Companies generally check your references for two reasons:

• To uncover reasons why the offer should be withheld
• To fulfill "due diligence" requirements.

Therefore it makes good sense to inform the people who will be a reference for you early in your job search process. Request their permission to be a reference on your behalf. Be prepared to explain what your job search plans are. Also, provide the potential reference with examples of qualities you possess and ask the reference if he or she would like a copy of your resume as a reference.

At the top, include the phrase: "This is a list of references for (and include your name exactly as it as used at the top of your resume)"

On your printed list of references, include:

• The person's name
• Job Title
• Relationship: they worked with you in a previous job or the person was your supervisor.
• telephone number.

It makes most sense to submit your reference list only under two circumstances: The prospective employer explicitly requests it, and the references would clearly help you advance your job candidacy. Let's look at some job search situations and see whether submitting references is called for:

• Completing a job application: If the form asks, you should provide the references.
• On your resume: Generally you have better things to do with your resume space.
• Initial Interview: Even though it may not be requested during this first meeting, bring a list of references to the interview in your interview folder. It is better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
  
  If the interviewer tells you that he loved his last job at Acme Products and John Jones, a VP at Acme Products is one of your references, be sure to call that to the interviewer's attentiont. "That's interesting. Did you know John Jones. He happens to be one of my references."
  

Be sure to include your reference list in your interview folder and be prepared to submit the whole package to your interviewer if it is requested. It is also a good idea to contact your references to let them know that you have reached this stage.

Finally, should you have questions about your reference list...

Contact Us for assistance >>