Positive references are very helpful when looking for a job. A reference sheet supplements the resume and provides contact information for people who have agreed to speak on your behalf with your potential employer. Most cheat sheets list between three and six people. Also, a very good idea is to keep an up-to-date contact list so it's ready when you need it.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Gather Your References
Step 1. Make a list of your possible professional and personal references
Most interviewers expect to see a list of three to five references for entry-level or mid-level positions. For a more advanced position, you will have to include between five and seven. Think of supervisors, coworkers, HR representatives, mentors, previous clients, and even teammates that you know well and are familiar with your work.
- References should not include your close family or friends. In the case of having worked for your family, be sure to indicate the relationship to the person on your reference sheet.
- If you are looking for your first or second job, you may not have many professional references yet. In this case, think of your teachers, community leaders, coaches, counselors, and mentors who can talk about your work ethic and personality.
Step 2. Contact each of the references to obtain their permission before including them on your sheet
Also, ask them what contact information they prefer to use. They may have a professional email or phone number that they prefer to use, rather than giving their private number. For each reference, you will need to include the following information:
- name and surname
- position or title
- company or organization name
- phone number
- two or three sentences describing the relationship to the reference
Step 3. Have a document to record the names and personal information of the references
This can be your "main reference list", and you can keep it on your computer so you always have it ready when you need to create a reference sheet. Since you will have to adapt it depending on the job you are applying for, it will be useful to have between 10 and 15 names that you can use at any time.
Keep names and information in the same order and font to make it easier for you to copy and paste when necessary. For example, if you include email before phone number, follow that organization for every referral you list
Step 4. Update the list annually so it is always ready
Set a reminder on the calendar to review the list of references once a year and make the corresponding changes. Maybe you have new references you can add or need to update someone's job title or phone number.
This will also be a great opportunity to update your resume and add any new jobs or skills you have acquired over the course of the year
Step 5. Keep cultivating relationships with supervisors and co-workers
Regardless of whether or not you want to look for a job soon, it is important to maintain a good relationship with your co-workers, bosses and supervisors, as it will improve your day-to-day work and increase the chances that these people will provide you with good references later on.
It's always a good idea to keep in touch with your references, even if it's casually via text message or email. This way, you won't feel like you can't use the reference because you haven't talked to the person in question in several years
Part 2 of 2: Prepare Your Citation Sheet
Step 1. Create a separate reference sheet after your resume
Use the same format and style of your resume, but make sure that the reference sheet is a separate document, since many times you will not deliver it until after having the first interview.
- If the ad asks for the resume and reference sheet, be sure to include it after the resume on a separate sheet with title.
- You can design your own resume and reference sheet, or download a template to use as a guide. In case you want to make your own design, you can look for examples online to know the different formats available and create an impressive document.
- When creating your reference sheet, include your name, address, phone number, and email at the top center of the page. Create a space of two to three lines and begin typing the references. Each one should have a separate line (name, title, company, phone number, email, relationship or how you know the person in question).
Step 2. Tailor your references based on the job posting description for best results
For example, if you want to apply for a job from home, it will not help at all to include a coach who can talk about your ability to work as a team. Also, if you want to apply for a technical job (like accounting), it won't matter as much if you include a reference to a job you've done in a bakery.
Look at the skills listed in the job posting, then identify the experiences on your resume that best match the required skills. Include people from that period in your life who can talk about these characteristics
Step 3. Include at least three or four references and specify how you know them
Of these references, try to make most of them professionals and limit personal ones to one or two. When writing your “relationship” with them, include a brief and succinct description such as “Mr. Gutiérrez has been my supervisor for three years in my previous position at ABC Electronics. We had weekly meetings and I was directly responsible for preparing reports on my productivity”.
Include how long you've known the person and under what circumstances (coworker, supervisor, manager, boss, friend, mentor, community leader, etc.)
Step 4. List your best reference first to increase the chances of being called
HR supervisors typically evaluate the list from top to bottom, and sometimes they don't call every referral. Therefore, you should always include your best references first and list the rest in descending order of importance.
Include your personal references at the end, unless the person can speak directly about the type of job you are applying for. For example, if you have a literature major, have had a good relationship with your counselor, and want to apply for the counseling industry, this may be an ideal reference to include first
Step 5. Contact your references once they call you for an interview
When you start submitting job applications and they call you for an interview, let your references know. You can call or email them to let them know that they may be contacted, and to tell them what job you have applied for so they can tailor their comments to highlight the necessary aptitude for the position.
If you send in your applications, but have not yet received calls for an interview, you do not need to contact your references. Wait for an interviewer to ask for that information before contacting your references
Step 6. Bring your reference sheet to the interview or email it, if necessary
Since you generally won't include a reference sheet on your resume, you will need to bring two or three copies to the interview. Put them in a file or folder so they don't wrinkle. If the interviewer asks you to email the sheet to them, instead of providing a hard copy, check the email you should use.
If the interviewer doesn't ask for a reference sheet, ask if they want a copy at the end of the interview. This will show that you have prepared yourself
Advice
- If a referral helps you get a job, it's a good idea to send them a thank you note.
- Review your resume and reference sheet carefully before submitting them.