Last updated December 27, 2023
Written by
Cindy Pereira Cindy Pereira, BA, MFA
Cindy Pereira joined the LawDepot team as a Marketing Writer in 2023. She has over five years of experience through her previous time spent in the print and publication industry and by ...
|
Fact checked by
Kyle Adam Kyle Adam, BComm
Kyle Adam is a seasoned content creator, editor, and SEO specialist with over four years of experience. Presently, he serves as Senior Marketing Writer and Editor at LawDepot. Holding a...
What is a Reference List?
A Reference List is a page compiling the contact information of people who can attest to your skills, character, and accomplishments. Along with your Resume and Cover Letter, a Reference List is an essential document when interviewing and applying for jobs.
Many employers ask for a Reference List before offering an employee a position and entering an Employment Contract.
In addition, landlords will often ask for one before entering into a Lease Agreement with a tenant.
Many employers ask for a Reference List during the hiring process. In addition, other organisations and landlords will often ask for one.
There are two types of references: professional and personal.
- A professional or job reference can attest to your work ethic and abilities.
- A personal or character reference can speak positively of your character and personality traits.
How to make a Reference List
A Reference List, both professional and personal, consists of the following details:
- Your contact information, including your name, phone number, and email address
- Your professional reference’s contact information, including their name, job title, workplace, phone number, and email address
- Your personal reference’s contact information, including their name, relationship with them and the length of that relationship, phone number, and email address
LawDepot’s Reference List template helps you format your document. You add the above details, and we do the rest.
Who should I include on my reference list?
For professional references, it is a good idea to focus on individuals with whom you had a positive employment experience. This could be a:
- Manager
- Supervisor
- Fellow employee in a higher position (especially if they are someone that you directly reported to)
Personal references are more flexible. They can be:
- People you had a positive working relationship with
- Teachers or professors
- Coaches
- Someone you volunteered for or with
- Professional or personal mentors
- Leaders from your place of worship
Our template allows you to add up to six professional and two personal references.
More tips for Reference Lists
- Always ask the person before adding them to your Reference List. They might be caught off guard if they receive an unannounced phone call or be unable or unwilling to provide a reference.
- Tell your reference what they are being used as a reference for. If it is for a job, provide the company name and details related to the company or position you are applying for. If you are applying for an apartment or other type of residence, give your reference the landlord’s name and that of the property management company.
- Give your reference some key points to comment on if they are contacted. Talk to them about why you’re a good fit for what you’ve applied to so they can confirm what you discussed with potential employers or landlords during your interview.
- Thank your references and keep them updated. Overall, they’ll be interested in the process, and it is the polite thing to do.
- Ask for your reference to provide you with a Letter of Recommendation. This will give them more time and space to discuss you and your accomplishments.
