Crafting a Compelling ‘References’ Section on Your Resume
The ‘references’ section of the resume often causes stress and confusion for job seekers. Some resumes include it, while others don’t. How do you know if you should list out all your references or simply note ‘references available upon request’? Choosing to include references or not depends on a bunch of factors, including the role you are applying to, the industry you are in, and sometimes something as simple as how much space you have left on the paper. In this post, we’ll share expert tips for the ‘references’ section of the resume. We’ll explore how to use references on the resume – including when to include, who to ask, how to ask, and how to set them up for success so they paint you in the best light.
When to Include the References Section (and When Not To)
Not all resumes have a ‘references’ section, and that’s okay. As mentioned, the decision to include one largely depends on how much space you have left and the specific expectations of the industry and role you’re applying to. In many cases, it’s just not necessary to include references in the resume. Sometimes, employers carve out a section of the hiring process to ask formally for them. Below is a breakdown of when you may want to include them and when you may want to hold back.
When it’s appropriate to include references:
- Industry norms: Certain industries, like education, medicine, law, or engineering often expect a list of references with your initial application.
- Senior-level positions: Employers might expect you to proactively provide references early on if you’re applying for a higher-level role where validating your credentials holds more weight.
- By request: If the job posting specifically asks for references, you should take the time to include them in your application materials from the onset.
When it’s not necessary:
- Early career stages: If you are newer to the workforce and haven’t had much professional experience, proactively providing references may not be required or even expected.
- Space constraints: If you’re tight on space, give that space to things like skills, experience, and achievements. This information is higher on the priority list than references, and you can always let the recruiter know in the hiring screen that you can send over references at any point in the process if they need them.
Why References are Powerful
First and foremost, references serve as a checkpoint and exist to validate that everything you have presented in the interview process is factual and accurate. Hiring managers rely on them to double check that they are making the right decision before they extend an offer.
References also are a great tool for hiring managers because they provide insight into your work ethic, skills, and overall fit for the company. By speaking with someone who has worked with or managed you, hiring managers gain first-hand insight into what it’s really like to have you on a team – directly from someone who has experienced it firsthand, rather than just hearing it from you!
This is why it’s really important to find a strong reference that can support your case. A well-chosen reference should be someone who can seamlessly speak to the quality of your work and ability to operate within a professional setting. They may highlight things such as your leadership experience, ability to work on teams, attention to detail, or problem solving skills.
Types of Professional References
When it comes to professional references, there are a few that you may want to consider as you build your hiring case. Each type of reference offers a unique perspective, and by including various types, you give the hiring manager a well-rounded view of your abilities.
- PEER REFERENCE
- Who they are: Coworkers or colleagues who worked at the same level as you
- Why you should include them: A former peer can speak to your collaboration, teamwork, and how you handle day-to-day tasks. Plus, they can offer an honest assessment of your abilities since they were held to the same standards and expectations as you.
- When to include: If the job description specifically calls out team-based work or communication skills, a peer reference can be particularly effective.
- MANAGER REFERENCE
- Who they are: A direct supervisor or manager from a previous role
- Why you should include them: Managers can offer a top-down perspective of your performance, potential, and growth within your past role. They are also most suitable to speak to your accountability and reliability.
- When to include: It’s important to note that most employers will want to hear from at least one former boss. If you’ve only had one professional job, that boss will likely be your top pick.
- EXECUTIVE REFERENCE
- Who they are: Senior-level executives or department heads within your old company
- Why you should include them: These senior references have the ability to speak to your broader impact within a company and your potential for leadership. They can also vouch for your strategic thinking and overall company or department wide contributions.
- When to include: If you’re applying for a management or leadership role, having an executive as a reference can really bolster your case.
How Many References to Include
In general, you should aim to provide three to five references. At least one of them should be from a previous manager or supervisor, and the rest can come from a mix of peers or executives, depending on your work experience and the role you’re applying to.
By the way, if you’re newer to the industry or only have one or two previous employers, it’s totally okay to just list one former boss. If that feels weird to you, you can also supplement them with other individuals who have seen your work in a relevant capacity, such as clients, professors, or mentors.
Asking Someone to Be Your Reference
In our experience, this is where candidates usually drop the ball. It’s imperative that you ask someone’s permission before putting them down as a resume. Not only is it just a common courtesy, but it’s also important to give them a heads up so they perform as a strong reference for you. There is nothing worse than catching people off guard.
Here’s a sample email you can use when asking someone to be your reference:
Subject: Request for Reference
Hi [Name],
I hope you’re doing well! I’m reaching out to ask if you would be willing to serve as a reference for me as I’m currently applying for [role/job title] at [company name]. Given our time working together at [company], I believe you could provide valuable insight into my [specific skills or attributes, e.g., leadership, project management, etc.].
If you’re open to this, I’d be happy to share more details about the role and any specific points you could highlight in a potential conversation with the employer.
Thank you in advance for considering this. I really appreciate your support.
Thanks,
[Your Name]
Prepping Your Reference Ahead of Time
Once you get confirmation that someone is willing to be your reference, the next step is to provide them with all the information they need to speak to your strengths. You definitely don’t want them to struggle with vague memories or irrelevant details when a hiring manager reaches out.
What to provide your references:
- Resume: Provide this so that they are up to date on your most recent roles and accomplishments
- Job description: Provide this so they understand what the employer is looking for in a candidate and know what relevant details to highlight.
- Talking points: Provide some talking points on specific areas you want them to focus on. This way, you guide them to the most important achievements and skills you want them to underscore.
Below are a few questions that your reference may be asked, along with some strong answers.
- Can you describe [your name]’s strengths?
- Yes, [your name] has really strong communication skills and consistently demonstrated leadership ability while working with cross-functional teams. One particular example comes to mind…
- What is an area [your name] could improve in?
- One area [your name] has been actively working on is their delegation skills. I’ve actually seen drastic improvement in how they manage their workload over the last few quarters. One example that comes to mind is …
- How does [your name] handle working under pressure?
- [Your name] performs well in high-pressure environments. In my experience, they have always maintained a calm and focused demeanor, even in times of crisis. During [specific project], they…
By the way, make sure to check out our FREE downloadable reference workbooks here. You can leverage these templates for a peer, manager, or executive if you want to go above and beyond to prepare your reference for their upcoming conversation.
Final Expert Tips for the ‘References’ section
- Rotate your references: Depending on the number of jobs you are applying for, you may want to consider having a roster of a few people so you’re not burdening the same people over and over again. If this is not possible, that is ok. Most references will understand and just warn them that there may be a few conversations they need to participate in if this is the case.
- Keep them updated throughout the process: Make sure to let your references know when you’ve listed them for a job, especially if there’s an interview scheduled. Also keep them informed as you make it through the process. They will want to know how things turned out!
- Thank them: No matter what the outcome is, you should always send a thank-you note to show appreciation for their support. No need to get a gift (unless you feel the need). A nice worded email or card is totally sufficient.
In Summary
References sometimes seem like an afterthought in the job search process, but they actually play a crucial role in your employment case. Just make sure to take the time to not only select the right people, but also prepare them with the right information so they positively contribute to your candidacy. Good luck in the hiring process!
