Create your reference list separately from your resume, but use a similar style and the same font, letterhead and stationary. Provide the following minimum information about each reference, but make sure your references approve of what you write about them.

First and last name
Current title
Organization name
Business mailing address
Email address if appropriate
Day and evening phone numbers with area code
Relationship (e.g., former supervisor)

Carry several copies of your reference list to interviews, but don't offer it unless asked. If employers want to check your references, you can bet that they'll ask.

Protect the privacy of your references.
When posting your resume and cover letter at Internet job banks, don't post your references' personal information or you may not have them as references for long! Instead, include a statement in your cover letter that you'd be happy to provide references at some point, like after your first interview. Alternately, simply type "References available upon request" at the bottom of your resume. This is standard practice for all resumes and as mentioned above, it's best to wait until employers ask for references. The less frequently your references are pestered, the more enthusiastic they may be. However, if you have letters of reference, you might offer one or two at the right moment; e.g., when an interviewer questions you about your achievements, work habits or reliability, but only if your reference letters answer the questions well.

Tell your references when you've submitted them.
Immediately let your references know which companies might be contacting them. Make sure your references are going to be available in the next few days, too. If not, contact the companies at which you've applied, explain the situation, and provide replacements from your standbys. Then contact your standbys to let them know reference checks might be forthcoming. Don't lose a job opportunity because an employer couldn't reach one of your references.

Thank your references.
They are put on the spot, on your behalf. Let them know you're grateful. You may need them again.





PESMC - Scottsdale
14350 North 87th Street, Suite 165, Scottsdale, Arizona 85260
Phone (480) 368-0880 Fax (480) 315-8601