Over 80% of employers check references, so be prepared to submit a list of your professional references. They should be on a separate document from your resume, titled “Professional References.”
Why do employers conduct reference checks?
- Ensures the consistency of everything stated on your resume and what you have said in the interview
- Obtains feedback that provides a more in-depth picture of you as a candidate, including their perception of your skills, personality, and work performance
- Identifies any areas of weakness or concerns
The only individuals capable of providing this information objectively:
- Current and former supervisors and colleagues (supervisors preferred)
- Current and former faculty/staff members
- People that may know you from a substantial volunteer experience
- If you are applying for a supervisory position, a former supervisee could also be helpful
Sample Reference Entry:
Mr. John Smith
Teller Supervisor
Everglades Bank
100 Main St.
Fort Myers, FL 33988
Cell: (xxx)xxx-xxxx
Work: (xxx)xxx-xxxx
Email: jsmith@eb.com
Relationship: Immediate supervisor for two years at Everglades Bank. Can speak on behalf of my [ability to____, skills in____, etc.].
Preparing your list of references:
- Your list should have three to five references.
- Ask each person ahead of time if they would be willing to serve as a positive reference. If they don’t seem sure, ask someone else. A lukewarm response or “I don’t know her very well” reference can be damaging.
- Ask them for the phone number and email by which they prefer to be contacted; do not provide contact information they have not approved.
- If you know, let them know what kinds of jobs or which companies you are applying to. This can help them customize their feedback toward the job/company.
- Put them in order of strongest to weakest. Your strongest references are typically your current supervisor, individuals who know you well and have the most favorable things to say about you, and people that have known you the longest. Avoid having more than two references from the same place.
- Bring a hard copy on stationary that matches your resume when you go to an interview.
Example: Sample References
Once you have obtained the job, it is professional protocol to send a note or email to all of your references letting them know and thanking them for their help.