How to Make a Resume Reference Page

The phrase "references available upon request" generally isn't required or even recommended nowadays, because employers already know that you'll provide references if you want the job. However, attach a reference page to your resume if you want to convey to the recruiter or hiring manager that you're really interested in working for the company and that you have impressive references. Properly including references on resume submissions will make it easier for potential employers to contact your peers.

Confirm Your Contacts

Re-affirm with all of your contacts that you have permission to use their names and contact information on your list of professional references. For professional references with whom you have especially good relationships, ask for blanket permission so you won't need to bother them every time you apply for a job. Or tell your references that you're on a diligent job search and that you are sending out many copies of your resume, including your references page that contains their names.

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Put In On A Separate Page

Complete your resume information and start a new page for your references. You may create it as a separate document, but include it as part of your complete application package. In the heading, type the phrase "Professional References" in a large font, such as 16 to 18 point if you're using Arial or Times New Roman font and the rest of your text is in 10 or 12 point format.

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Avoid using all caps to avoid shouting (which makes text more difficult to read). If you're using another font, judge an appropriate size based on the font and size you used for your resume. Make your references page the same font as your resume for a consistent and visually appealing format.

Employers don't always contact all of your references, so put your reference in order of importance to you, recommends Novoresume.com.

Use an Organized Format

Organize your references in alphabetical order by last name. Ensure that you have complete and current contact information. Type each reference's name, followed by a comma and a job title. If your reference is retired, indicate that in parentheses. On the next line, type your reference's place of employment or affiliation. On the next two lines, type the reference's mailing address and city, state and ZIP.

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Provide the reference's telephone number and email address on the next two lines. The last line for each reference should indicate how long you've known the person and the nature of your relationship. For example, list your references as "Ms. Jane Doe, Manager | ABC Company | 1234 State Street, Suite 56 | City, State ZIP | Phone: (000) 555-1212 | Email: JDoe@abccompany.com | Years Acquainted: 10, Colleague."

Insert two line spaces between your references. On an 8.5 inch x 11 inch sheet, you can easily fit five references on the page. Check the spelling and accuracy of the information, especially phone numbers, before distributing your list of references.

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