Reference Section
The
references section of your resume is not a phonebook in which you can write
anyone you want. Your fate as a job applicant lies in the people you put there, to
put it bluntly. The basic rule in choosing employment references is, "the more
you know the person, the better". But, that's just the tip of the iceberg.
Choose someone who knows you as a "professional", not as a "friend". There's a
big difference between the two. It¡¯s always best to choose former managers or supervisors for this.
Resume
references should be contacted before you distribute names to a prospective
employers as part of a job application. Because you may not be contacted for a
job interview until after your credentials (including references) are checked
out, it is very important that the Resume references be accurate and current.
Today,
many employers will simply want a list of your references, including addresses
and phone numbers. They can often get more accurate and useful information from
references over the phone.
Instead
of cluttering your resume with this information, prepare a separate sheet
listing your references. This sheet should be printed on the same paper as your
resume and should indicate that it is your reference list. This can be done by
putting your name, address and telephone number at the top of the page just as
it appears on your resume.
When
providing references to a prospective employer make sure that you provide
information that would be included on the person's business card. This includes
the reference's name, title, organization, complete address and telephone number
of the individual serving as a reference. Fax numbers and e-mail addresses are
optional.
It is
imperative that you obtain an individual's permission before using them as a
reference. It is helpful to your references to give them your resume so they can
see what you are emphasizing. Generally three to five references will be
adequate. At least one or two should be people who have supervised you in a work
setting. If you are a new graduate, at least one or two should be faculty from
your major academic area. If you are returning to the work force after some
time, you may use references who have worked with you in a volunteer capacity.
Try to avoid personal character references.
Sample Reference Section
1234 Main Avenue Tucson, AZ 85012
602/743-4866, johnsmith@maryville.edu
|
Edward Swanson Manager Eddie's Restaurant 5687 Manchester Road St. Louis, Missouri 63555 (314) 654-6326 Dr. Susan Barber, Professor of Art Park University Chicago 563 South Michigan Avenue Evergreen Park, IL 60372 (312) 456-3453 Drew Berry Executive Director Bango and Cash Investments 2211 Webster Street Green Bay, WI 32654 (920) 469-5457 Wesley Jones Professor of Broadcasting Smith University 1234 Pacific Coast Hwy Stevens, CA 91205 (213) 897-7890 |
