How To Create a Reference for Job Interviews

We long ago stopped including "references available upon demand" on resumes (or should have), so job seekers nowadays need to have a good, professional reference page prepared ahead of time — one that includes an up-to-date, accurate list of their job references.

But how you prepare your list can make a big difference. If you've managed to get to the point in the interview process where an employer asks to see your references, the last thing you want is to give them a list of outdated information or bad phone numbers – or a reluctant reference!

Here's an article that shows you how to avoid those pitfalls:

What Does It Mean If They Are Checking References?

If an employer is checking your references after your interview, this is a positive sign. Although this action doesn't guarantee you a job offer, it's an indicator that you are a strong candidate for the job role.

Because the action doesn't guarantee you a job offer, you should continue applying for other jobs even if you are in the reference check stage. Our Resume Builder can help you build a new resume or tailor an existing one easily, and in no time at all.

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What is an Example of a Professional Reference?

Although you shouldn't include your references on your resume, you should have a list if individuals ready to go. Examples of professional references you should include on your reference page are:

• Supervisors
• Colleagues and Coworkers
• Former employees
• Mentors and Advisers

Remember to tell your references before you share their contact information.

And now for the professional-looking sample I promised…

Sample Reference List Sheet to Use as a Template

So now that you know how to make sure you have a quality reference list page, it's time to put it together in a way that looks good (everything counts) and presents your information accurately – and in way that is easy to read.

There's also a place for you to add a note, where you can explain the relationship, any change to the reference's employment or title, or whatever else would help the employer when they make the call.

[CLICK ON IMAGE FOR FULL PAGE VIEW]

A few more thoughts about reference pages

Everything you do or say during your job search, even the littlest things, helps create the total impression in an employer's mind.

This is just a sample you can use as a template for your own reference page. And I think it would be great if you want to use your resume's format to make the style even more your own.

But if you prefer to use this format just as it is for your references list, that's great too. I hope it will help you get yourself to the job you really want.

Good luck!

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