ACDC Success Tip: What Should I Know About My Reference Page?

It can be hard to determine how a reference page should look/who you should ask to be on it. Below are a few things you should be aware of when writing a reference list.

1. You don’t need to include “References available upon request” at the bottom of your resume.
2. Your references should be on a separate page from your resume and the page should use the same name, address heading and format as you used for your resume.
3. List 3 to 4 professional references. Be sure to include his or her name, position title, company, office address, phone number, email and a brief explanation of your professional relationship with each reference.
4. Choose a variety of people that know you well to serve as references. For college students, consider asking professors who can speak to your educational abilities and successes or leadership experience, and supervisors or coworkers from internships or jobs you’ve had that can speak on your work ethic and contributions to the organization.
5. Always be sure to ask permission from your references before listing them. Even if you’ve used them before, make sure to contact them each time you start a new job search, so they are prepared for a potential call from an employer. Also, provide them with your resume and information about the jobs/positions for which you are searching.
6. Thank your references once you’ve finished your job search. Even if they were never contacted, it’s still courteous to thank them for their willingness to help.

For an example of a reference page, please refer to the example posted on the ACDC website.

As always, if you have any further questions about your reference page, resume, cover letter, interviewing or anything career related, please make an appointment to speak with a Career and Academic Advisor at ACDC!

ACDC Success Tips are written by Peer Advisors in the Academic & Career Development Center to share information about getting connected and involved on-campus, spotlights on various employers, programs and events, and tips for being a successful student. The content is created for students, by students. We look forward to sharing our experiences with you!