How to Create a Professional Reference Sheet?

How to Create a Professional Reference Sheet

If you plan to apply for a job in the future, be prepared to supply the potential employer with a list of professional references. A professional reference is a person who is familiar with your qualities, experience and abilities. Basically, a professional reference should be able to provide positive feedback to the potential employer about your job performance, work history and skills. It is important that you choose your references carefully, since many employers do contact references prior to extending a job offer to an applicant. Read on for helpful information on how to create a professional reference sheet to accompany your resume.

Generally speaking, a professional reference is someone who is aware of your work skills or academic achievements, such as a current or past employer, professor, academic advisor, teacher, counselor, colleague, co-worker or volunteer supervisor. Do not include friends and relatives on your professional reference sheet. However, it is acceptable to include friends/relatives on your list of “personal” references, upon the employer’s request.

When preparing your reference sheet, you should include the following items for each reference: the person’s first and last name, job title, employer’s name, the reference’s complete mailing address, telephone number, email address, how long you’ve known the reference and how you are acquainted with the reference.

Include at least three professional references on your list (preferably five references).

Be sure to ask your references for permission to list them on your reference sheet.

Don’t forget to confirm your references contact information.

Create a header at the top of your reference sheet with your name and contact details that you listed on your resume (your mailing address, telephone number, email address). Hit the enter key twice and label your page “Professional References.” Make sure you center align the header and title.

Use the same font type and size that you used on your resume.

Never include your references on your resume. You should always create a separate sheet specifically for your references.

Example:

Your Name

Your Complete Mailing Address

Telephone Number

Email

Professional References

Shelia King

Sales Manager

ABC Company

Reference's Complete Mailing Address

Phone

Email

Ms. King was my supervisor when I was employed at ABC Company from January 2008-May 2010.