Professional References

A reference is someone who can verify your skills and experience. Common choices include past employers, professors, and advisors—people who know you well and can speak to your qualifications.

Choose references who will speak highly of you and clearly articulate your strengths. References should be professional. Friends and family are not appropriate.

Always ask before listing someone as a reference. It’s both courteous and essential to ensure they’re willing and prepared to speak on your behalf.

Review the right and wrong way to ask someone to be a reference.

Do not list references on your resume or include "references available upon request." Employers will request them separately if needed. Create a separate reference sheet.

Your reference sheet should:

• match your resume’s formatting for a professional look
• include your name and contact information at the top
• list each reference’s name, title, and contact details
• add a brief note on your connection (e.g., "Former Supervisor")