Reference Letters versus Reference Lists

Written references (or reference letters) provide a permanent record of your contributions and achievements from a specific period of time, written from another person's perspective (previous employer, colleague, client, supervisor, mentor, etc.). A written reference often provides the strongest recommendation, as it's usually created while events are still fresh in the writer's memory. See more on Letters of Recommendation.

However, an interviewer is also going to want an opportunity to speak with your references directly. This type of contact gives the interviewer an opportunity to ask specific questions relevant to the position and company being targeted. It also gives the interviewer a chance to validate the reliability of the reference's comments.

This process will require you to provide your interviewer with a list of references, or a "reference sheet." (Example - PDF file.)

It’s always best to have both: written references (with current contact information, if possible) and a list of references that your interview may contact in person, at his or her convenience.

The time to prepare a reference list is well before the first resume is ever submitted. So if you haven't gotten your references in order, now is the time to do so. You should be able to provide your interviewer with at least three references (preferably five).

Reference List - Putting It Together

The reference list is a separate document that matches your cover letter and resume in format, layout, letterhead style and stationery, and is best provided at the time of interview or shortly thereafter.

Provide plenty of white space between each reference listed so that your interviewer has room to make notes and comments.

Your references can be personal or professional in nature, or a mixture of both, but keep in mind that your interviewer is going to want talk to individuals who are familiar with your work style, work ethics, skills and abilities - as these will relate to the working environment you're targeting.

The basic information to provide for each reference you list:

• The Reference’s Full Name

• Their Current Title and Employer (where he or she is presently employed)

• Their Relationship To You (such as: mentor, colleague, supervisor, coworker, employer, client) and the location where this association took place ("at ABC Company")

• Their Phone Number (your reference should indicate which number he or she prefers you provide – only provide phone numbers and e-mail addresses with the explicit permission of your reference)

• Optional E-mail Address

See an example of it put together - Sample Reference List - PDF file.

Don’t forget to thank your references with a "Thank you" card or letter. You may be using these same individuals as references in the future, and your appreciation of their efforts will go a long way in ensuring positive future recommendations. (Taking a reference out to lunch is not out of order here. Show your gratitude.)

If you're concerned about what previous employers are saying about you, you may want to consider hiring a professional reference checking firm - the same type potential employers hire when checking the background and histories of potential candidates.

Good luck in your job search! Sue Campbell, 1st-Writer.com - over 18 years experience helping clients achieve their career and business goals. Feel free to e-mail me with any questions you may have. I'll be glad to help!