1
List the person’s full name and
position title.
2
Provide the company name
and department office/
address.
3
List a professional email
address and full phone
number.
REFERENCES
SARAH CENTRAL
100 Washington Road • Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 • (989) 555-0000 • [email protected]
REFERENCE
ETIQUETTE
Use a separate page to list
your references. Be sure to
use a consistent font and
heading from your resume
and cover letter.
Include 3-5 professional
references, including past
or current supervisors,
internship coordinators,
and/or professors. Consider
avoiding personal references
such as family and close
friends.
Select your references
carefully. Consider several
references who can speak
about your different
professional qualities,
abilities, or accomplishments.
Make sure your references
can help build a strong case
for your candidacy.
Start by asking your
references if they would
agree to serve as a reference
for you, and confirm which
contact information they
would prefer you use. Then,
be sure to stay in touch with
them. Notify them of each
position you have applied
for and how to best speak on
your behalf.
References
Ms. Carol M. Dotson
Instructor
Department of Physical Education and Sport
Central Michigan University
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859
[email protected]
989-555-1234
Dr. Benjamin I. Fine
Vice President
Alpha Company, Inc.
123123 Auto Alley
Livonia, MI 48452
[email protected]
111-555-3333
1
2
3
Mr. George H. Smith
Human Resource Specialist
Omega Services, Inc.
1234 Greek Avenue
Troy, MI 48123
[email protected]
235-555-6622
TAKING IT A STEP FURTHER
When applicable, ask your references to write a letter of recommendation on
your behalf for your professional portfolio and to attach to your application.
Remember to give your references adequate time to write the letter, and gently
suggest a date to complete the letter.
Consider adding a reference section to your professional website.
Write your references a thank you note shortly after they write you a letter of
recommendation or give a verbal reference on your behalf. Also, be sure to stay in
touch with them to share your job success!
26
Stop by Ronan 240 for walk-in
resume and cover letter critiques.