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How to Format a List of References With a Resume

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It is very important to have a list of at least three professional references that can be submitted along with your resume, or provided to job interviewers upon request. Choose people who are willing to speak on your behalf and won't hesitate to promote you as you are seeking employment.

Brainstorm for people who you can ask to serve as references for you. It's best to select people who can vouch for your professionalism and experience rather than personal references.

Get in touch the people you select and ask for permission to include them on your list of references. Let them know that you are actively searching for a job, and inform them that employers may be contacting them on your behalf if they agree to help.

Place the title "References" at the top of the page, followed by your name, so the prospective employer will know exactly what information is on the page.

Next, hit enter three times, then type the name, company or profession of the first person and the address including street, city, state and ZIP code. Finally, type the telephone number where they can be reached. In many cases, you will have email addresses for the references; type them below the telephone number. An example: Mr. Joe Jones Principal of John High School 70 Smith Road New York, NY 56789 765-435-7869 [email protected]

Double-space in order to begin the next entry that is going to be directly below this one. Repeat until all references have been added.

Select a font that looks professional and is easy to read. Helvetica, Times Roman, Arial and Lucida are very easy to read and conservative, but attractive just the same. Blackadder, Edwardian Script and French Script are not recommended; they could possibly make your references difficult to read. Because you may be sending your reference sheet with your resume, it's a good idea to use the same font on both documents.

Tip

Choose high-quality white or white off-white paper. If you have not held a professional job, consider asking teachers and activity advisors who can vouch for your abilities.

Warning

Proofread your reference sheet carefully. Typos are unprofessional and can keep prospective employers from being able to contact the people you have listed. This could keep you from being considered for employment.

Tips
  • Choose high-quality white or white off-white paper.
  • If you have not held a professional job, consider asking teachers and activity advisors who can vouch for your abilities.
Warnings
  • Proofread your reference sheet carefully. Typos are unprofessional and can keep prospective employers from being able to contact the people you have listed. This could keep you from being considered for employment.
Writer

Amy's been an ehow.com contributor for over a year, specializing in Education, History, Health, Disabilities and Home Repairs/Decorating. Amy's education is a Bachelor's Degree in History from Xavier University, Cincinnati. Her Master's, earned at the same institution, is in Secondary Education. Amy taught at both secondary and post-secondary levels.