What is a Reference List?
A Reference List is a page that compiles the contact information of people who can speak to your character, skills, and accomplishments.
It's also called a reference sheet or a reference page; all three names refer to the same document.
Most employers, landlords, and other organizations request a Reference List as part of their screening process. It's a standalone document, so you can attach it to your resume or application form when needed.
You can also keep a copy ready to hand to any interviewer who asks for one.
When do you need a Reference List?
Job applications are the most common reason to prepare a Reference List, but they're far from the only one. You might need references for:
- Rental applications: Landlords often want to confirm you're a reliable tenant.
- Loan applications: Lenders may request references to verify your financial credibility.
- Academic programs: Schools and scholarship committees sometimes request references.
- Volunteer roles: Organizations may vet volunteers who work with vulnerable groups.
- Licensing or certification: Some professional boards require character references.
- Business partnerships: Potential partners may want to speak with people who know your work.
For rental and loan applications, you may also be asked to provide proof of your income.
Only share your references' contact details when you’ve received permission to use them and an organization actually asks for them. Sending the list unprompted can expose your contacts' personal information before they've agreed to field any calls.
What should you include in a Reference List?
A complete Reference List has two parts: your contact details at the top and your references below.
Start with your own information so the reader knows whose list they're viewing:
- Full name
- Phone number
- Email address
- Address
For each reference, include the details that let someone reach them and understand your relationship:
- Full name
- Job title or relationship
- Company or workplace
- Phone number
- Email address
Work references vs. personal references
Work references speak to your job performance, work ethic, and professional skills. They usually include people who've seen you at work, such as a supervisor or a co-worker.
Personal references speak to your character and reliability. Friends, neighbors, or long-time acquaintances often fill this role.
If your list combines both types of references, group them under separate headings. Clear labels help the reader find the right person for the right question.
How to format a Reference List
Formatting a Reference List yourself means adjusting margins, fonts, spacing, and alignment until everything looks consistent. LawDepot's Reference List template skips all of that by completing it for you.
We organize your details into a clean, professional format that matches the polish of your Resume and other application materials.
When you use our template, you get:
- Consistent styling: Your fonts, spacing, and alignment stay uniform throughout.
- Clear sections: Work and personal references can be grouped under labeled headings.
- A cohesive look: Your Reference List sits neatly alongside the rest of your application materials.
Just enter your information, and we'll handle the layout. If you want to fine-tune the final look, LawDepot's document editor lets you make quick adjustments before you download.
Who should you use as a reference?
Professional references typically include direct supervisors, managers, or co-workers. Direct supervisors often give the strongest recommendations because they know your work well and may be able to provide specific examples of your performance, skills, or attitude.
In any case, choose someone you've worked with directly and with whom you have a positive and professional relationship. It also helps to pick references who can support specific claims on your resume, not just people who happen to know you.
For personal references, choose someone who's known you for at least one to two years and can speak to your character and reliability. Many people list family members, close friends, or neighbors. Consider avoiding close family members unless the organization specifically permits them, as they may be viewed as less objective.
How to ask someone to be a reference
Always ask permission before you add someone's name to your Reference List. Giving them a heads-up lets them prepare and respond confidently if an employer or organization contacts them.
Share the job description or details of what you're applying for so they know what to emphasize. For a more detailed endorsement, you could also request a Letter of Recommendation that includes specific examples of your skills and achievements.
How many references should you list?
Most job postings and application forms specify how many references they need. When they don't, it's common practice to list between two and six work references. For personal references, one or two are usually enough.
Always follow the employer's stated requirements when they give them.
Are references legally protected?
Many states have reference laws that protect employers who provide references in good faith. The scope of those protections and the conditions that apply depend on the state and the information shared.
For example, Washington's reference immunity statute and Maine's employee reference law can limit an employer’s liability when they share honest information about a current or former worker in certain circumstances.
These laws generally don't protect knowingly false statements or statements with improper intent. Knowingly sharing false information may create legal risk, including a possible defamation claim.
How to make a Reference List with LawDepot
LawDepot's Reference List template generates a professionally formatted document in minutes. We handle the layout, spacing, and styling so you don't have to format it yourself. Here's how it works:
- Enter your personal details: Add your full name, phone number, email, and address.
- Add work references: Enter each reference's name, job title, workplace, and contact details.
- Add personal references: Enter each reference's name, length of the relationship, and contact details.
Once you're done, you can use LawDepot's document editor to adjust the final look before printing and downloading.
Reference List FAQ
