References: Types, What To Include and How To Get Them
What Are Employment References?
Employment references are people who can provide information about your qualifications, character, experience or performance.
Employers may ask references about:
- Your job responsibilities
- Work quality
- Reliability
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Leadership
- Professional conduct
- Strengths
- Areas for development
- Eligibility for rehire
- Suitability for the new role
Reference checks often occur after an interview and before a final hiring decision.
Three Main Types of References
1. Professional references
Professional references are people who have directly observed your work.
Examples include:
- Former managers
- Supervisors
- Coworkers
- Clients
- Vendors
- Project leaders
- Senior colleagues
- Employees you supervised
A former manager is often a strong choice because they can discuss your responsibilities and performance. Coworkers may provide more detail about teamwork and daily collaboration.
2. Academic references
Academic references are useful for students, recent graduates and candidates applying for research or education-related positions.
Potential references include:
- Professors
- Teachers
- Academic advisors
- Thesis supervisors
- Laboratory instructors
- Research supervisors
Choose someone who remembers your work and can discuss relevant projects, skills or achievements.
3. Character references
Character references describe your personal qualities rather than your performance in a formal workplace.
They may include:
- Volunteer coordinators
- Community leaders
- Coaches
- Mentors
- Long-term professional contacts
- Leaders of organizations in which you participate
Character references are most useful when you have limited employment history or when the employer specifically requests a personal reference.
Who Should You Choose as a Reference?
Select someone who:
- Knows your work well
- Has observed relevant skills
- Can communicate professionally
- Is likely to respond promptly
- Can provide specific examples
- Understands the type of position you want
- Has agreed to act as a reference
A person with an impressive title is not necessarily the best choice if they barely know you.
Who Should You Avoid Using?
Avoid listing:
- Someone who has not given permission
- A person who cannot remember your work
- Someone with whom you had unresolved conflict
- Family members, unless specifically requested
- Friends who cannot discuss relevant qualities
- People who may provide an unpredictable response
- Your current manager when the job search is confidential
If you are unsure what someone might say, ask whether they feel comfortable providing a positive reference.
How Many References Should You Have?
Many employers request two or three references. Maintain a larger list so you can choose the most relevant people for each application.
For example, you might select:
- A former manager who can discuss performance
- A coworker who can describe collaboration
- A client who can confirm results
Students may use two academic contacts and one volunteer or work reference.
What To Include on a Reference List
Your reference page should have a clear heading and use formatting consistent with your resume.
For each reference, include:
- Full name
- Professional title
- Company or organization
- Phone number
- Email address
- City and state, if relevant
- Your relationship to the person
- Years or period you worked together, if helpful
A full street address is rarely necessary unless the employer specifically requests it.
Employment Reference List Template
References for [Your Full Name]
[Reference Full Name]
[Professional Title]
[Company or Organization]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
Relationship: [Explain how you worked or studied together.]
[Reference Full Name]
[Professional Title]
[Company or Organization]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
Relationship: [Explain how you worked or studied together.]
[Reference Full Name]
[Professional Title]
[Company or Organization]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
Relationship: [Explain how you worked or studied together.]
Reference List Example
References for Jordan Lee
Maya Patel
Senior Marketing Manager
ClearPoint Media
555-014-7285
Relationship: Maya directly supervised me for three years while I worked as a marketing coordinator at ClearPoint Media.
Daniel Brooks
Content Strategy Lead
Northwood Digital
555-017-4852
Relationship: Daniel and I collaborated on content and product launch campaigns between 2023 and 2025.
Professor Elena Garcia
Associate Professor of Communications
Lakeside University
555-013-9214
Relationship: Professor Garcia supervised my final research project and advised me during my senior year.
How To Ask Someone To Be a Reference
1. Ask for permission
Never list someone without asking first. Contact the person before submitting their information to an employer.
2. Explain the opportunity
Tell the reference what type of role you are pursuing and why you believe it is a good match.
3. Provide relevant documents
Send the person:
- Your current resume
- The job description
- A short description of the employer
- Relevant work examples
- The application deadline
- Instructions provided by the employer
4. Remind them of your work
Even a supportive former manager may not remember every project. Mention relevant responsibilities and accomplishments without telling the person exactly what to say.
5. Confirm contact information
Check that their title, employer, phone number and email address are current.
6. Provide advance notice
Tell the reference when an employer may contact them. Include the recruiter’s name when available.
7. Express appreciation
Thank the person for supporting your application and update them when the process ends.
Email Example for Asking a Former Manager
Subject: Reference Request
Hi Maya,
I hope you are doing well. I am applying for a marketing project manager position with Brightway Solutions and would like to ask whether you would feel comfortable serving as a professional reference.
The role emphasizes cross-functional coordination, campaign planning and client communication, which are areas we worked on together at ClearPoint Media. I have attached my current resume and the job description for context.
The employer may contact references within the next two weeks. Please let me know if you are comfortable with me providing your contact information.
Thank you for considering my request.
Best,
Jordan
Email Example for Asking a Professor
Subject: Academic Reference Request
Dear Professor Garcia,
I am applying for a research assistant position with Westbridge Labs and would like to ask whether you would be willing to provide an academic reference.
Because you supervised my final research project, I believe you could speak about my research, writing and data-analysis skills. I have attached my resume and the position description.
Please let me know if you would be comfortable acting as a reference. I appreciate your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Jordan Lee
When Should You Provide References?
Provide a reference list when:
- The job advertisement requests it
- The application form requires it
- A recruiter asks after an interview
- You reach the final hiring stage
- A scholarship or academic program requires recommendations
Do not automatically attach references to every resume. Keep the reference page separate and send it when requested.
You generally do not need to write “References available upon request” on your resume. Employers already understand that candidates can provide references later.
What Employers May Ask References
Employers may ask:
- How do you know the candidate?
- What were the candidate’s responsibilities?
- What are the candidate’s main strengths?
- How did the candidate respond to feedback?
- How reliable was the candidate?
- How did the candidate work with others?
- What type of environment suits the candidate?
- Would you work with or hire the candidate again?
- Is there anything else we should know?
Specific questions and permissible disclosures may vary according to company policy and applicable law.
Common Reference Mistakes
Using someone without permission
An unexpected call can lead to a rushed or unhelpful response.
Providing outdated contact information
Confirm details each time you submit a reference list.
Choosing only friends
Friendly support is not the same as evidence of professional performance.
Failing to prepare references
A reference can provide a better response when they understand the role and remember your relevant achievements.
Using the same references for every position
Different people may be appropriate for technical, leadership, creative or academic opportunities.
Ignoring references after the application
Send a thank-you message and let them know whether you received the offer.
How To Get References With Limited Work Experience
If you have little formal employment history, consider:
- Teachers
- Professors
- Volunteer supervisors
- Internship managers
- Coaches
- Club advisors
- Clients from freelance work
- Leaders from community organizations
- Supervisors from part-time jobs
You can also build future references by volunteering, completing internships and developing strong relationships during projects.
Present Your Qualifications More Effectively With Dokie
References provide outside validation, but candidates may also need to demonstrate their work through portfolios, interview assignments and case studies. Dokie is an AI presentation maker that turns documents, URLs, research and notes into structured, business-ready slides, helping professionals explain their experience and achievements clearly.
Dokie offers professional templates, customizable layouts and editable PowerPoint exports. Job seekers can use it to prepare project portfolios, interview presentations and career summaries that complement their resume and references during competitive hiring processes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a friend be a job reference?
A friend can serve as a character reference when the employer accepts personal references. A professional or academic contact is usually stronger when the employer wants information about your work.
Should references appear on a resume?
Usually not. Create a separate reference page and provide it when the employer requests it.
Can an employer contact someone who is not on my reference list?
Employers may attempt to contact other professional connections, subject to company policy and applicable law. Tell recruiters if your current job search is confidential.
What if I do not have three references?
Use the strongest relevant contacts available, such as teachers, volunteer supervisors, internship managers or clients. Do not add an unsuitable person simply to reach a specific number.