When applying for jobs, a lot of focus is put on the resume and encompass letter. But what about references? A professional reference page tin can be the deciding factor for whether or non you get your dream job. But it often doesn't get the attention it deserves, simply thrown together and addended right before sending it in.

What exactly are hiring managers looking for in a reference canvass? And how should yous present your references so that you lot stand out from other job applicants?

In this article, you'll learn the right style to write a reference page and what to include. We've as well included a customizable references template then you tin can nail your job application.

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What is a references template?

Before nosotros jump into templates, let's make sure we're on the same folio about references. References are people who tin can back upward your claims about your feel, education, skills, achievements, habits, and leadership abilities. Employers oft utilize references to verify the contents of your resume and determine if you're a skillful match for their business.

A reference sheet or reference list is the folio with the contact information of your references. It'due south one of the documents hiring managers will request during a job awarding, along with a resume and encompass alphabetic character.

A reference template helps you organize your reference sheet in a structured, logical manner. A good reference template volition have the post-obit sections for yous to fill out:

  • the name of your reference
  • their title
  • the proper noun of the company they work for and their relevant department
  • their email address
  • their phone number

Why employ a references template?

In that location are many reasons to apply a professional references template during your job search.

Keeps your references organized and up to date

It's ideal to compile a long list of references who tin provide testimonies at brusk observe. Common references typically include:

  • Former employers
  • Supervisors and managers
  • Former co-workers
  • Manufacture colleagues
  • Professors and teachers

With so many different types of references, information technology tin can exist hard to keep runway of each person's contact information. Using a template will brand your references easier to manage and keep organized.

It'll also brand it easier for you to update your reference sheet with their latest contact data.

Makes a good first impression

It's of import to present your reference folio in a professional person way that shows you've put some thought into it. And the right template will help you do that. Using a template structures your references in a way that showcases your superior organizational skills.

Presenting a reference canvas that'south neat and organized creates a good first impression with a hiring manager. This could ultimately increment your chances of being hired.

Saves you time

Ideally, your reference canvas, resume, and cover letter of the alphabet should be uniform and have the same format. This tin exist time-consuming, especially if y'all are starting with a blank document and pattern isn't your forte.

With a references template, at that place's no demand to fiddle with things like aligning your columns and bolding certain text. The right template volition accept all the formatting embedded in it, so you can focus on important things like preparing for your task interview.

What are some examples of a references template?

Just as at that place are different types of references, there are different templates that tin can be used to present your reference page. Allow's look at some examples.

Professional references template

Professional or work references are provided by people you accept worked with in the by, including employers, managers, and co-workers. People who have worked with yous before are in a skillful position to vouch for your reliability, teamwork, communication skills, and other qualities that employers volition be looking for.

Professional person references often include previous employers who understand your achievements or skills. Ideally, you lot should select work references that yous have remained in touch on with after leaving your past roles.

Hither is an example of a professional person reference folio. As well as the applicant'south basic contact information, it includes each reference's name, position, company, and contact data. It also includes a cursory reference clarification to requite prospective employers an overview of the applicant'southward positive qualities.

Example of a Professional Reference List

Personal references template

A personal reference is besides called a character reference. They pertain to your grapheme and soft skills and can be used in place of academic or work references if you have no work experience.

People who tin can provide character references include landlords, neighbors, adept friends, and community leaders. Choose references who know you lot well and can evidence to your positive qualities, like reliability, timeliness, compassion, and honesty.

A personal reference sheet should include the following information:

  • Reference name
  • Their address
  • Their phone number
  • Their email
  • Their relationship with you

Example of a Personal Reference List

Academic references template

Academic references can raise your chances of landing a task or internship. They are usually provided past professors, teachers, tutors or, supervisors. Since they've spent time with you in the conext of educational activity, they can verify your academic achievements, personal character, problem-solving skills, and more.

An bookish reference listing should include the following information:

  • The reference's proper name
  • The academic institution they are a part of
  • Their relevant department
  • Their contact information

Example of an Academic Reference List

monday.com's references template

At monday.com, nosotros appreciate the fourth dimension and energy that goes into applying for jobs. That's why we've created a fully customizable, user-friendly references template to make each job application as uncomplicated and efficient as possible.

View your reference sheet differently

With monday.com, your reference canvas comes to life. You lot tin can hands transform your reference list into whatever view suits you best, whether that's in the form of a dashboard, table, or cards.

Reference Sheet Card View

Our personal favorite is the Cards View, where you can get an overview of each reference's of import contact information in a very visual, gallery-like display. Add their phone number, email, and a profile motion picture, so each reference is hands identifiable.

You can easily view and update whatever contact information past but clicking on a card. This will open a popular-up view with any extra information you may have included for each reference. From there, you lot tin easily view and update whatever reference details, and the changes volition reverberate automatically in other views likewise.

Easily shareable

Gone are the days of a tatty-looking printed reference sheet. With monday.com's template, you can easily share your reference canvass online with as many potential employers as yous want.

With the click of a button, generate a shareable link to your lath of references and then they can admission your reference sheet from anywhere. You can create comprehensive, expandable profiles for each entry that will give prospective employers in-depth access to your references. If cypher else, they're certain to be impressed by your proficient tech skills.

Keep your references safe

Contact information similar addresses, emails, and phone numbers is sensitive, especially when it belongs to previous employers and academic professors. At monday.com, we sympathise how important the security and privacy of data are, whether it's your data or someone else's. That'southward why we ensure all your information is protected with encryption and other security features.

For extra security for your reference sheet and other documents, enable 2-gene authentication (2FA) via a text message or an authenticator app.

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References template tips and tricks

Use these tips and tricks to ensure that yous can always provide a professional page on request.

Cull professional over personal

When it comes to work references, the full general rule is always to apply professional references over a personal reference where possible. Stick with people who tin vouch for your work ethic and piece of work-related skills, like past employers and colleagues.

Choose appropriate references for the position at hand

A common mistake to avoid is to list the same piece of work references for every position you apply for. The people you listing should be for chore references from past positions that are similar or relevant to the role you are applying for now. For example, you should apply different references when applying to a police firm than you would when applying for an administrative position.

Continue your references upwardly to date

If you lot ask your past hiring manager to act every bit a reference for you, information technology's good form to let them know where you lot are applying so that they can exist prepared when they receive a phone call from your interviewer. You should too tell them the proper name and phone number of the person who may contact your references if you have this information.

Send your resume to your references

Call back to send your resume and cover letter to your current reference list then that they tin speak nigh your skills and abilities. They may exist able to do this without your resume, but having it on hand will refresh their memories of you and your experience.

Ensure y'all take your references' correct contact information

Few things await more unprofessional to employers than contacting your references and discovering that they've been given the wrong contact details. Ensure that you lot provide prospective employers with accurate data to avoid annoyance.

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FAQs most references templates

Is in that location a template for references?

monday.com offers a range of references template options to suit every job seeker's needs. Each template is piece of cake to access and can be updated anytime and anywhere to make providing references quicker and easier.

What does a good reference sail expect like?

A good reference sheet includes at least 3 or more than high-quality references that are relevant to the job you are applying for. It should also be well-formatted with plenty infinite to keep your reference canvas scannable without leaving too much white space.

Are 2 references plenty?

Most hiring managers ask applicants for at least three loftier-quality references. Generally speaking, the more contactable references you lot can provide, the better your odds of landing the job you lot're applying for will be. If you don't have many professional references available, you can also provide personal and academic references to fill out your reference sheet.

Do you have to put references on a job application?

If an employer requires references at the time of your task awarding, they will include a dedicated section for you to fill up out. Otherwise, you lot can provide your reference list at the time of the interview or whenever a hiring director requests it.

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