Are you on the hunt for your dream job? Be sure to have a professional reference list ready to present to potential employers. A list of professional references is a vital component of any job application. It shows that you are a serious candidate and have established a network of successful professionals who can vouch for your work ethic, skills, and experience. In this article, we will provide tips on creating a professional reference list as well as seven examples to get you started. You can find more examples online and edit them as needed to best fit your needs.
Tips for Creating a Professional Reference List
To create a professional reference list, follow these tips:
1. Choose the right people: Select individuals who can provide a positive and professional reference, such as a former supervisor, colleague, or mentor. Make sure to ask their permission before including them on your list.
2. Include necessary information: Provide the name, job title, company, phone number, and email of each professional reference.
3. Keep your list updated: Regularly update your list with new professional contacts and remove any outdated references.
4. Customize your list: If possible, tailor your reference list to the specific job you are applying for.
5. Send a thank-you note: After using your reference list, send a thank-you note to each individual to express your appreciation for their support.
Examples of Professional Reference Lists
Professional Reference List for Sales Position
Dear Mr. Johnson,
It was great to hear from you and I appreciate the opportunity to provide you with my professional reference list for the sales position at ABC Company. I am confident that these individuals can attest to my abilities and experience in the sales field.
Sincerely,
John Doe
Professional Reference List:
1. Jane Smith, Sales Manager, XYZ Company, (111) 111-1111, jane.smith@xyz.com
2. Tom Jones, CEO, MNO Enterprises, (222) 222-2222, tom.jones@mno.com
3. Sarah Brown, Marketing Director, PQR Corporation, (333) 333-3333, sarah.brown@pqr.com
4. Michael Johnson, Vice President of Sales, RST Company, (444) 444-4444, michael.johnson@rst.com
5. David Lee, Senior Account Executive, UVW Corporation, (555) 555-5555, david.lee@uvw.com
6. Karen Wilson, Sales Trainer, LMN Enterprises, (666) 666-6666, karen.wilson@lmn.com
7. Steven Green, Sales Consultant, OPQ Corporation, (777) 777-7777, steven.green@opq.com
8. Lisa Brown, Regional Sales Manager, EFG Company, (888) 888-8888, lisa.brown@efg.com
Sincerely,
John Doe
Professional Reference List for Teaching Position
Dear Professor Johnson,
Thank you for considering me for the teaching position at XYZ College. As requested, please find my professional reference list included below. I believe these individuals can provide insight into my teaching abilities and passion for education.
Sincerely,
Jane Smith
Professional Reference List:
1. Mark Davis, Principal, ABC High School, (111) 111-1111, mark.davis@abc.com
2. Maria Rodriguez, Head of Department, XYZ College, (222) 222-2222, maria.rodriguez@xyz.edu
3. John Lee, Professor, PQR University, (333) 333-3333, john.lee@pqr.edu
4. Sarah Brown, Education Consultant, RST School District, (444) 444-4444, sarah.brown@rst.org
5. David Wilson, Academic Advisor, LMN College, (555) 555-5555, david.wilson@lmn.edu
Sincerely,
Jane Smith
Professional Reference List for Nursing Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
Thank you for considering me for the nursing position at ABC Hospital. As requested, please find my professional reference list below. I believe these individuals can attest to my nursing skills and compassionate care for patients.
Best regards,
Tom Jones
Professional Reference List:
1. Dr. Jane Smith, Chief of Staff, XYZ Hospital, (111) 111-1111, jane.smith@xyzhosp.com
2. Mary Brown, Nurse Manager, PQR Clinic, (222) 222-2222, mary.brown@pqrc.com
3. John Lee, Charge Nurse, RST Hospital, (333) 333-3333, john.lee@rsthosp.org
4. Sarah Wilson, Clinical Nurse Educator, LMN Medical Center, (444) 444-4444, sarah.wilson@lmnmed.com
5. David Hernandez, Nurse Practitioner, OPQ Clinic, (555) 555-5555, david.hernandez@opqc.com
Sincerely,
Tom Jones
Professional Reference List for IT Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
Thank you for considering me for the IT position at ABC Company. As requested, please find my professional reference list below. I believe these individuals can attest to my technical skills and experience in the IT field.
Best regards,
Sarah Brown
Professional Reference List:
1. Mark Davis, IT Director, XYZ Corporation, (111) 111-1111, mark.davis@xyzcorp.com
2. Maria Rodriguez, Chief Technology Officer, PQR Enterprises, (222) 222-2222, maria.rodriguez@pqre.com
3. John Lee, Network Administrator, RST Systems, (333) 333-3333, john.lee@rsts.com
4. David Wilson, Technical Support Manager, LMN Technologies, (444) 444-4444, david.wilson@lmntech.com
5. Sarah Hernandez, Software Developer, OPQ Solutions, (555) 555-5555, sarah.hernandez@opqsol.com
Sincerely,
Sarah Brown
Professional Reference List for Accounting Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
Thank you for considering me for the accounting position at XYZ Corporation. As requested, please find my professional reference list below. I am confident that these individuals can attest to my accounting skills and experience.
Best regards,
Michael Johnson
Professional Reference List:
1. Jane Smith, Senior Accountant, ABC Company, (111) 111-1111, jane.smith@abc.com
2. Tom Jones, Controller, PQR Enterprises, (222) 222-2222, tom.jones@pqre.com
3. Sarah Brown, Tax Accountant, RST Corporation, (333) 333-3333, sarah.brown@rstcorp.com
4. David Wilson, Financial Analyst, LMN Corporation, (444) 444-4444, david.wilson@lmncorp.com
5. Karen Wilson, CPA, OPQ Accounting Firm, (555) 555-5555, karen.wilson@opqacc.com
Sincerely,
Michael Johnson
Professional Reference List for Engineering Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
Thank you for considering me for the engineering position at ABC Company. As requested, please find my professional reference list below. I am confident that these individuals can attest to my engineering skills and experience.
Best regards,
David Lee
Professional Reference List:
1. Mark Davis, Engineering Manager, XYZ Corporation, (111) 111-1111, mark.davis@xyzcorp.com
2. Maria Rodriguez, Senior Project Manager, PQR Enterprises, (222) 222-2222, maria.rodriguez@pqre.com
3. John Lee, Mechanical Engineer, RST Systems, (333) 333-3333, john.lee@rsts.com
4. Sarah Brown, Electrical Engineer, LMN Technologies, (444) 444-4444, sarah.brown@lmntech.com
5. Michael Johnson, Structural Engineer, OPQ Solutions, (555) 555-5555, michael.johnson@opqsol.com
Sincerely,
David Lee
Professional Reference List for Marketing Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
Thank you for considering me for the marketing position at XYZ Corporation. As requested, please find my professional reference list below. I am confident that these individuals can attest to my marketing skills and experience.
Best regards,
Karen Wilson
Professional Reference List:
1. Jane Smith, Marketing Director, ABC Company, (111) 111-1111, jane.smith@abc.com
2. Tom Jones, Vice President of Marketing, PQR Enterprises, (222) 222-2222, tom.jones@pqre.com
3. Sarah Brown, Marketing Manager, RST Corporation, (333) 333-3333, sarah.brown@rstcorp.com
4. David Wilson, Brand Manager, LMN Corporation, (444) 444-4444, david.wilson@lmncorp.com
5. Michael Johnson, Social Media Strategist, OPQ Solutions, (555) 555-5555, michael.johnson@opqsol.com
Sincerely,
Karen Wilson
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a professional reference list?
A professional reference list is a document that presents the names and contact information of individuals who can vouch for your work ethic, skills, and experience. It is typically included as part of a job application and provides potential employers with valuable insight into your professional strengths and abilities.
Who should I include on my professional reference list?
You should include individuals who can provide a positive and professional reference, such as former supervisors, colleagues, or mentors. Make sure to ask their permission before including them on your list.
How many references should I include?
It is recommended to include at least three professional references on your list. However, some employers may request more or less, so be sure to read the job posting carefully.
How do I format my professional reference list?
Your professional reference list should include the name, job title, company, phone number, and email of each reference. It should be formatted in a clear and organized manner, with each reference listed in alphabetical order by last name.
How do I send my professional reference list to potential employers?
You can include your professional reference list as part of your job application or send it separately when requested by the employer. Be sure to also provide a copy of your resume and cover letter.
Should I notify my references that I am using them on my professional reference list?
Yes, it is important to ask for their permission before including them on your list. Additionally, be sure to send them a copy of your resume and cover letter so they are familiar with your qualifications and can provide a positive reference if contacted by potential employers.
Conclusion
A professional reference list is a crucial part of any job application. By following our tips and using the examples provided, you can create a strong and effective reference list that showcases your professional strengths and abilities. Remember to keep your list updated and notify your references before including them. Good luck on your job search!