Resume References

Today, many job seeking sites offer the job seeker a chance to include references in their portfolio. References are contacts of people you have worked with or for in previous employment. Typically you will need to have the following information for your reference(s):

• Reference type – co-worker, manager, friend
• First and Last name of your reference
• Email address
• Company name, title, company website, phone
• Comments: this is the place where you can include a write up from your reference

References are not a given. You cannot take for granted that a former boss or co-worker is willing to be a reference for you. First you need to get their permission. Then, once you have that hurdle out of the way, you can request that they email a statement about you that can be included in your online account portfolio.

Make sure, however, that the reference you are using is going to show you in a positive light! Also, the reference that you use needs to be someone you have known for more than two minutes. This person needs to be knowledgeable of you – including your work ethics. They need to know if you come to work on time and get the job done. They need to know how you get along with others and how you handle workplace issues.

How is this reference used? Well, when you apply for job online, a link is sent to the hiring company that allows them to view your portfolio, including your personal references. If the company is interested, they are going to contact the reference and talk to them about you. It is almost like a mini-interview for your reference. So I caution you again, make sure that this person is going to give you a very glowing and honest report.

If you are going to apply for a position in person rather than online, make sure that you have at least two references available. You will need the same as above – name and contact information. It would also be great if you had a copy of the reference letter with you. That way you could just include it along with your resume and application when you apply. This would save the human resources a little bit of time.

It is a great idea to include references in your portfolio and on an in-person application. Positive references can make the difference between getting hired and being turned away.

By: Nancy Anderson, Staff Writer