What are the 3 types of references on a resume?

Asked by: Jay Collins  |  Last update: July 22, 2023
Score: 4.7/5 (74 votes)

Who would be a good reference?
  • Work References. Many employers prefer work references. ...
  • Academic References. Academic references are also acceptable and may even be preferable, depending on the situation. ...
  • Character References. Character references can substitute for work references if there are no other alternatives.

What does list 3 professional references?

List your references, including their name, job title, company, and contact information, with a space in between each reference. Include at least three professional references who can attest to your ability to perform the job you are applying for.

Do employers usually call all 3 references?

Most employers will call your references only if you are the final candidate or one of the final two. Occasionally the final three or four. Every now and then an employer will check all the people they interview, although to me that's inconsiderate of the reference.

Who should 3 references be?

when asked to provide professional references.
  • Former Boss and Coworkers. The best professional references are often your former boss and coworkers. ...
  • People at Your Internship. ...
  • Current Coworkers. ...
  • Clients. ...
  • Where You Volunteer. ...
  • A Professor or Teacher.

What are 3 references?

Here are some good candidates to provide you with a reference: Colleagues from previous jobs or internships. Professors. Clients or vendors. Former employers.

Should You Include References on Your Resume? | Resume Tips

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Why do employers ask for 3 references?

References provide additional data points to supplement the resume, interviews, and transcripts (for newer hires) used to evaluate an applicant, and many companies ask for them just so that they have them available even if they don't necessarily plan on contacting them.

Can I put 3 references on my resume?

It's recommended that you submit three references minimum, but don't add references to your resume unless the employer specifically asks you to. Having them on hand in case you need to provide them is a good idea.

Who should you not list as a reference?

Here are some people to take off your list.
  • A former boss you didn't get along with. ...
  • Relatives and friends. ...
  • Someone you haven't checked with first. ...
  • Someone you've never worked with directly. ...
  • Someone you haven't worked with or talked to, in years.

What happens if you don't have 3 references?

Even if you don't have a long job history or it's not in the same field, there are still people who can serve as professional references. If you don't have formal work experience, you can also use personal connections who have seen you in a professional context, such as a volunteer role or an internship.

Are friends OK to use as a reference?

Those providing the reference should know you well and be able to give examples that back up statements about your character. While friends and family are acceptable referees, it is better for you to select someone who is not immediate family as their opinion may be construed as being biased.

Do you have to list 3 references?

Three is the minimum number of references to include on your job application . The employer may be able to form a thorough impression of you as a candidate after listening to diverse perspectives. However, the number of references required may depend on the role and the company.

Do jobs actually call your references?

One of the main reasons that employers will call your references is to get an idea of your skills and abilities. They will want to know about everything from your work ethic to your technical skills. Your references can provide the recruiter with an overview of how you performed in your previous roles.

What if a reference does not respond?

Find new references

If the initial reference has yet to respond to your requests, then consider selecting another to speak on your behalf. The hiring employer may have a deadline to submit your reference's contact information so finding a new one can help you be more productive with your time.

Can a coworker be a reference?

If you feel comfortable and trust them, you are welcome to list current coworkers as references.

Can a professional reference be anyone?

Professional references are people who can speak to your skills and abilities as a professional. While professional references are often people you've worked with (or for) in a paid setting, people you've worked with in unpaid roles (like volunteering) can also be professional references.

What should list of references look like?

With a reference sheet, you have more room and should include the following:
  • Reference name.
  • Company name and their current job title.
  • Brief description of your relationship (former colleague, previous employer, ongoing or past client)
  • Number of years you worked together.

Who should you use as a reference?

Most employers prefer professional references from individuals who know you best in a professional setting. They're often able to list your experience and skills and discuss their general observations. Professional references include coworkers, managers, clients and vendors.

Can you put family as references?

Employers often worry that family members won't provide as objective of a reference as an unrelated manager or coworker would, so I suggest only using family members as personal references—if you're using them at all.

How old can a reference be for a job?

A common question among job seekers is, “How far back can I go to ask people I've worked with before to be references for me?” As a general rule, the answer is not more than five to 10 years.

What is an unacceptable reference?

As long as it's fair and accurate, a reference can show that you're not suitable for a job. For example, a reference can show you do not have enough experience for a job or say that you were dismissed.

Do you have to tell someone you listed them as a reference?

Make sure to let them know immediately each time you submit their name as a reference, so they'll be ready if they're called (email is fine for this).

Should you tell someone before you list them as a reference?

Key takeaways: Always ask before including someone as a reference. Send a polite email or call them on the phone, offering a few details about the request including timelines. After your reference agrees, send them your updated resume and details about the position.

How far back should a resume go?

Generally, experts recommend keeping about 10-15 years of work experience on your resume, but that guidance changes depending on your professional history. Your resume is one of the first things a potential employer sees about you.

Should you provide references if not asked?

Keeping control of your references is important. Don't release your reference list until you're asked to. Submitting it too soon lets the employer pick and choose who they'll contact. The preferred approach is for you to suggest one or two references most relevant for the job you've applied to.

How much is too many references?

My "rule of thumb" has always been to use a maximum of three references to support a particular statement. The role of a literature review is to provide a targeted review of the literature. In my view, there are several reasons why it is wise not to use too many references: It really disturbs the flow of the paper.