What Is a Reference List?
A reference list gives the recipient the names, roles, contact information and relevant relationships of people who can discuss your experience. Follow the particular employer, school or licensing authority’s instructions about the number and type of references. Obtain permission before sharing a person’s contact details and confirm how they prefer to be contacted.
This builder can group professional, personal and academic references and record credentials for a licensing submission. A name or credential entered in a field does not prove eligibility for a licensing application. The receiving authority may require its own forms, confidential responses or recommendations.
Ask each reference what they are able and willing to discuss. An employer may restrict its staff to confirming employment dates and titles. Do not promise that a reference will provide a positive evaluation or that every reference statement is protected from liability.
When an employer obtains a consumer report from a consumer reporting agency, the FCRA generally requires a separate clear disclosure and written authorization. Before taking adverse action based on that report, the employer must provide a copy and the prescribed Summary of Rights; a final adverse-action notice follows when required. Applicable state and local rules can add steps or waiting periods. This contact list is not that disclosure or authorization.
Use the verification-date and permission fields only for checks actually completed. The optional signed accuracy attestation requires those confirmations for every listed person. A reference list does not authorize an unrestricted background investigation.
Outside Perspective
Lets former managers vouch for your work in their own voice
HR-Ready Format
Matches the structure recruiters and HR systems expect
One-Page Standard
Fits everything on a single, scannable page
Reference List Preview
The preview below illustrates how a typical professional reference list is structured.
Professional References
How to Build a Reference List
- 1
Identify three to five strong references
Choose former direct managers, senior colleagues, or clients who can speak with enthusiasm about your work.
- 2
Ask each person for permission
Reach out individually and confirm they are willing to be a reference. Never list someone without asking.
- 3
Verify all contact information
Confirm each reference's current title, company, phone, and professional email before adding them to the list.
- 4
Match the header to your résumé
Use the same name, font, and formatting as your résumé so the documents look like a set.
- 5
Add relationship context
Include a one-line description of how you know each reference and the time period.
- 6
Send only when requested
Provide the list when an employer specifically asks for it, and brief your references in advance.
Key Components
Matching Header
Same name, formatting, and contact info as your résumé.
Section Title
A clear heading such as 'Professional References.'
Full Name & Title
Each reference's full name and current professional title.
Company
The reference's current employer.
Phone & Email
Direct, professional contact methods. No personal numbers.
Relationship Context
A one-line description of how the reference knows you.
Sample Reference List
[Your Full Name]
[Address] | [Phone] | [Email] | [LinkedIn]
Professional References
[Reference Name], [Title]
[Company]
[Phone] [Email]
Direct supervisor at [Company], [Year]-[Year]
[Reference Name], [Title]
[Company]
[Phone] [Email]
Senior colleague on [Project], [Year]-[Year]
[Reference Name], [Title]
[Company]
[Phone] [Email]
Client at [Company], engagement [Year]
Frequently Asked Questions
Official Resources
U.S. DOL Hiring
Federal Department of Labor guidance on the hiring process
SHRM
Society for Human Resource Management. Reference checking best practices.
EEOC
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Fair hiring guidance.
BLS Occupational Outlook
Career and hiring data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
USA.gov Find a Job
Federal job search resources and application guidance
CareerOneStop
DOL-sponsored career resources and reference checking guides
Create your Reference List in under 10 minutes.
Organize your reference contacts and download a list for the opportunity you identify. Follow the recipient’s instructions for any required forms or recommendations.