Before even applying to any jobs, it is important to have a list of references ready. Today, you will make a list of employment references, which you will readily be able to hand to a hiring manager when he or she asks for it.

Typically employers ask for the list of references after an initial interview, although some will ask for references along with all the other initial job application materials.

Get References Ready Before You Need Them The advantage of asking now is that you do not have to scramble to get references when an employer asks for them. Asking someone to be a reference (especially asking for a written reference letter) at the last minute is not only stressful for you but can put a lot of pressure on the person you are asking. Getting your list ready ahead of time will save everyone a lot of stress later on.

Think of Who to Ask You should have 3 - 5 names on your reference list. Make a list of former bosses, co-workers, colleagues, vendors, or customers who know your skills and attributes. If you are in college or graduate school (or if you are a recent graduate), include professors with whom you have worked closely.

If you are new to the workforce or have not worked in a few years, you can also ask someone for a character or personal reference. This can be written by a neighbor or acquaintance who may not have worked with you professionally, but who can attest to your skills and attributes.

From this list, select 3 - 5 people who fit the following criteria:

You believe they know enough about your work ethic to give you a recommendation You think they will give you a positive reference. If you had negative interactions with this person in the past, or if you think they have any reservations about you, do not list them as a reference.

You should feel comfortable that they will be professional in their comments to any potential employers. If someone thinks very highly of you, but often comes across as unprofessional or rude, you might want to consider another reference. They are easy to get in touch with. It is a definite put-off when a hiring manager cannot reach one of your references. Consider skipping over potential references who are currently traveling, or who are not good at responding promptly to emails and phone calls.

How to Ask Before listing these 3 - 5 people as references, you need to get their permission. Send them a letter or email (or a LinkedIn message) giving them a little bit of information on your job search. Here’s how to ask for a reference.

Let them know what type of positions you will be applying for, so they can tailor their resumes to fit your industry. Then ask, “Do you feel you know my work well enough to write me a good recommendation letter?” or “Do you feel you could give me a good reference?” Phrasing the question in this way gives your contact an easy out if he or she does not feel comfortable writing you a glowing recommendation.

Also be sure to offer each potential reference an updated copy of your resume and any other information about your skills, so he or she can be kept up to date with your experiences.

Create Your List Once you have heard a positive response from 3 - 5 potential references, you can create your reference list. Don't list references on your resume or cover letter. Instead, have your references on a separate page that you can give to employers when they ask for them.

Make sure to include each reference’s name, job title, company, and full contact information (including work address, phone number, and email). Make sure the information you include is up to date. Ask the contact to confirm his or her contact information if you are uncertain.

Say Thank You! Keep your references updated on your job search. Let them know who might be calling for a reference. When you get that dream job, be sure to send each reference a thank you note for their help in the job search process.

Worked at same job for over 10 years. 3rd shift weekebds are hard to cover so I always felt harrased if ever I needed time to call in so often times would go to work despite being sick or going through anything personal like the death of my mother. 1 night my neice was in a roll over accident and her best friend died my neice lost all sensation from her waist to her toes and was going in for emergency back surgery. They refused to let me leave early so as soon as I got out went straight to hospital where my family was at. Long story short...I was afraid to call in..came to wk on 2 hours of sleep and nodded out at wk. Got fired no verbal no written. No final NOTHING. Now cant get a job to save my life. Can old employer sabatoge my potential new ones?

This question for HR managers. When a potential employer contacts your current employer for a reference. What kind of character reference that they can and cannot say legally?

What can an ex-employer actually tell an prospective employer? Most companies seem to be using a "WORK" number for verifications...but what can they say. Can they say you were fired or just give out your job title and how long you worked there. Does anyone know if it's federal issue or state or left to the individual company... Any HR Managers who can answer this question? Thank you

I am approaching 10th month since my last job. I am busy sending aplications, left right nd center. I jst feel like my Referencies are backstabing me....

I’m in my mid 30’s. I’ve been out of a job for months now. I’ve been searching for a job in and outside of my field. In my resume I state my experience as for as 1996. I’ve never job hopped and I’ve been at my past jobs for yrs. i have credible references. I’m not understanding why no one is hiring me.

My last position was for 13.5 yrs. I was let go because I was not comfortable with illegal things my boss was doing. After trying to have a conversation with him regarding this, he let me go. I believe he's giving me bad references now. Just looking for honest work for honest pay. I was a bookkeeper, office manager and customer go to.

Sometimes we take it for granted that there are people who are more than willing to act as references for us. We just add their names and information to the section asking for references. It's a good idea to ask first. And sometimes we can start the conversation by asking for constructive feedback about our best attributes. Here are a couple of items that should help in the thought process. https://careercoachcorner.wordpress.com/2018/03/29/getting-references/

I'm 63 yrs old and havent worked in over 30 yrs.I have taken care of sick relatives and when I did work it was in health care system.When applying fir sone jobs they want to see verifiable references and either the companies are gone or records are not in their archives.My private duty patients have passed.Is it just too late?

I wanted to know, what is better a letter of recommendation or a resume?