Applying for a job for the first time? Hoping to beat the unemployment rate and keep a decent income?
Your first concern is to make a great resume. One thing you need to learn is how to list references on the resume. That makes you more reputable to your potential employer.
Are you ready to learn how to write the reference page for your resume? Read on and find more today.
How to List References on a Resume
There are a lot of employers that ask for a reference list when applying for a job. They often do it at the end of a job interview. That’s why you need to ensure that you have a great list of references in hand since they’re more likely to hire you.
Here’s how to list references on a resume:
1. List the References Most Likely to Give You a Glowing Recommendation at the Top
It’s an accepted fact that the job hiring application is a tedious process. It will take more than a day if the company is picky about their criteria. That’s why most hiring managers might not have the time to contact all the people in your reference list.
That’s why it will make sense if you put the people more likely to speak well of you. It increases the probability of these references to make great recommendations based on their experiences with you.
2. Pick the Best References for Your Specific Job
You need to remember that your references will always have great things to tell you. But there are some of these that will help you make a stronger case when applying for a particular job. You need a reference that can help you emphasize your management and leadership skills, for example.
Good references include people you used to manage or former colleagues. They experienced what it’s like to be under you. They know your capabilities to lead a team, so they sound more credible when your potential employer gives them a call.
3. Maintain a Separate List of References for Confidential Job Searches
A great time to look for work is when you already have employment. But that doesn’t mean you’ll have an easy time doing it. If you’re trying to keep it a secret from your current employer, you should avoid your current co-workers for references.
There are no exceptions to this rule, even when you trust them and they only have your success in mind. A simple slip, even with the best intentions, can result in a disaster. It’s better to stay safe than sorry later on.
4. Ask for Permission First
Before you list someone as your reference, make sure they know it beforehand. It’s important for them to give consent since you’re giving their contact information. Make sure to have some sort of written agreement since their consent needs to be explicit, not implied.
It’s also more ideal if you ask your references for their preferred method of contact. That allows your potential employer to contact them without inconveniences. For example, some people prefer getting work-related calls on their work phones instead of their personal cell phones.
5. Put a Different Page for Your References
There’s no need for you to write “References available upon request” at the bottom part of your job resume. Employers will always assume that you have the list on hand and ask for them. Again, this will most likely happen at the very end of your hiring process.
The main body of your resume shouldn’t mention anything about references. There are a few exceptions such as babysitting or personal assistance jobs. As long as you’re aiming for a job that has some sort of one-on-one interactions, it’s okay to put references.
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6. Don’t Put Personal References
When you’re writing your references, it’s a common fact not to add your personal references. The main reason is that companies often don’t place much weight on these people. That’s why you need to avoid placing your family members on your reference list since they’ll most likely ignore it.
Also, you’re hurting your chances of getting employed. Your employer will think that you have no means of finding enough professional references. Try sticking with professional references whenever you can, except if you’re writing a resume without any prior job experience.
How to Ask for Someone to be in Your References
Again, it’s important to ensure that your potential reference consented before listing them. When they agree, make sure to tell them some details on the company that might call them. Give the name of the company as well as the position you’re applying for.
Make sure to manage expectations and give them an idea of when the call should happen. The general rule is that HR will contact your references around the same week of your job interview. If you fail to give them an accurate estimate, they might get caught in surprise, preventing them from giving a well-made response.
Learn How to List References on a Resume Today!
Learning how to list references on your resume affects the results of your job application. When they give great feedback, your skills, abilities, and achievements in your resume become more valid. With that, the company becomes more reassured of your qualifications for the job.
Think of your references as something that can swing your job application to your favor. That’s why you don’t include them in your resume until your employer requests it. Your resume should only have information that showcases your skills, abilities, and achievements.
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