When do you need a list of references?

• Potential employers commonly ask for a list of references whom they might contact (usually by phone) before or after interviewing you.
• Be sure you have such a list at hand when you go to an interview or when you need to fill out an application for employment.
• Sometimes you will be required to collect letters of recommendation - usually when applying for graduate school, though occasionally when appying for jobs.

How many people do you need to serve as references?

• You should have three to five people on your list.
• If you have been in the work force for a year or more, at least two of these should be professional references, such as from previous employers or close business associates.
• Always ask these people if it is okay to list them as references. If they agree, take down their exact job title, the name of the company where they work, and their work address and phone number. You will need to include all of this information on the list you present at job interviews.
• If you can, tell them the type(s) of position you are applying for and the skills and personal characteristics that are being sought.

Whom should you ask?

• People who have supervised your work, through your paid jobs, internships or volunteer and extracurricular activities.
• In addition, close business associates can provide references, whether you have worked with them on the job or while planning professional association activities.
• Do not list family members as references.
• People who, preferably, know you in a context that is appropriate to the job to which you are applying (for research positions, you would typically ask professors with whom you had worked; for most other jobs, work and internship supervisors or advisors to extracurricular activities; a mix of people who know you in different contexts is probably best).
• People who are willing to say good things about you! If you're not sure, ASK. Be straightforward: "These are the skills my potential employers are looking for. Do you feel that you know me well enough to say positive things about me in these areas?" A less-than-positive recommendation can kill your chances at a job.

How should you format your list?

• Do not make the mistake of listing your references on your resume, as it is commonly seen as inappropriate and unprofessional.
• On a separate page, list three to five people; their exact title, the company they work for, their work address and phone number (add e-mail address if it is available); and their relationship to you ("supervisor at summer internship at Houghton Mifflin," "thesis advisor," "supervisor of volunteers at Cambridge Community Services," etc.).
• At the top of the page, write "References for (your name)."
• Create this using word processing software (such as Microsoft Word, or WordPerfect)--in other words, don't hand-write it.
• Print on high quality bond or linen paper in white, off-white or light gray.

Stay in touch with your references.

• Don't forget to send each of your references a thank-you note when your job search is over. Proper etiquette aside, it will help keep your contacts current. You never know when you might need their help again sometime down the road.
  

Sample List of References

 Anita Job
Boston College, Box 9999, Chestnut Hill, MA   02167   617-655-0000
123 South Compo Road, Westport, CT  06880  203-227-5555

References

Mr. Alexander J. Holmes, CPA
Vice Presdent of Mutual Fund Accounting
The Keystone Group
Boston, MA 02199
617-235-1976
alexander.holmes@keystone.com

As Fund Tax Manager, Alex hired me and helped train me as a staff audit representative. He also became an accounting mentor and role model.

Ms. Kathy Hawthorne
Vice President of Corporate Accounting
Fidelity Investments
82 Devonshire Street
Boston, MA 02109
617-727-6237
hawthornk@fidelity.com

I met Kathy while attending Dartmouth College. She has been a long time accountant & finance mentor and friend. While working at Keystone, I was a member of the Boston Society of Corporate Controllers, of which Kathy served as the Vice President.

Mr. Francis J. Melville
Sales & Operations Manager
The Keystone Group
Boston, MA 02199
617-235-1991
francis.melville@keystone.com

When I was chosen to participate in the new Cross Training Mutual Fund Division, Frank was my boss and assisted in developing my sales and customer skills.

Professor Peter W. Frink
Finance Department
Wallace E. Carroll Graduate School of Management
Boston College, Fulton Hall
Chestnut Hill, MA  02167-3808
617-552-8698

I was a student in two of Professor Rockwell's classes. I developed an independent course with Professor Rockwell which examined the financial and tax considerations of international mutual fund management.