References for Jobs

 It's important to be prepared to provide a list of employment references who can attest to the skills and qualifications that you have for the job you are applying for.  Plan ahead and get your references in order, before you need them. It will save time scrambling to put together a list at the last minute.

Who should you ask to provide references? On the average, employers check three references for each candidate, so have at least that many ready to vouch for you. It's important to know your references, and to select the right people to recommend you.  Here's information on who and how to ask for a reference.

• Who to Ask for a Reference
• Sample Reference Request Letter
• Sample Email Message Requesting a Reference

Looking for your first job? Concerned about the references your employer might give you? Looking for a business-releated reference? Consider using a character reference (personal reference) in addition to or as an alternative to employment reference letters.

• Personal Reference Letter Examples
• Student Reference Letters
• Business References

When you are applying for jobs you'll need to have a list of references ready. Those references should be able to vouch for your skills, abilities and qualifications as they relate to the jobs you apply for.  Here's more about who to to use for references when you apply for jobs and how your can help your job search.

When you provide a list of professional references to an employer, you should include your name at the top of the page. Then list your references, including name, job title, company, and contact information, with a space in between each reference.

• Sample Reference List
• Sample Reference List Format
• Sample Reference Page

Here's advice on how to get LinkedIn recommendations, who to ask for references, and how to manage the recommendations you've received.

Sample reference and recommendation letters, letter samples for character references, reference and recommendation letter templates, and sample letters asking for a reference.

There are several types of recommendation letters you can use for job searching including academic recommendations from teachers or professors, references from employers, character references, and online recommendations on professional networking site LinkedIn or BranchOut endorsements on Facebook.

• Academic Recommendation Letters
• Employment Reference Letters
• Personal and Reference Letters
• Sample Reference Letters

When you are job searching, expect to having your references checked by prospective employers. Here's what you need to know about reference checks, including the reference check questions your previous employers will be asked, what employers can disclose, and information on more detailed background and credit checks for employment.