Prepare references before an employer requests them, but follow the application’s instructions about when and how to provide them. Choose people who can describe relevant work, ask permission, and confirm their contact details. A separate reference document helps keep those details out of a widely shared resume.
Choosing the Right References
Choose people who have observed relevant work and are willing to provide an accurate reference. Depending on the application, these may include supervisors, colleagues, clients, teachers or volunteer coordinators. Ask what they feel able to discuss. Follow any required reference categories rather than assuming a particular relationship is always preferred.
Preparing Your References
After a person agrees to be a reference, share the job description and your current resume. Explain which work is relevant and give an accurate update about the process, without inventing a contact date or scripting an endorsement. Confirm their preferred contact details and thank them for their time.
Formatting the References Page
When references are requested, provide the person’s name, relevant role or organisation, relationship to you and the contact details they agreed to share. Match the employer’s requested format. A separate document is a useful default; include details on the resume only if the application explicitly requests them.
Managing the Reference Check Process
When a company requests references, ask about the timeline and format (phone call, email, or online form). Immediately notify your references with the company name, role, and expected contact method. After the check, follow up with your references to thank them regardless of the outcome. If you're job searching actively and your references will be contacted multiple times, warn them upfront and rotate references to avoid fatigue.
- Ask permission before sharing someone’s details.
- Choose people who can describe relevant work accurately.
- Confirm current contact details and preferred contact method.
- Share the role description and your current resume with each referee.
- Follow the employer’s requested number and reference categories.
- Thank references and let them know when the process ends.