How to Write a Personal Reference Page
Are you interested in knowing how to write a personal reference page? Well, there are a couple of things you need to know first in order to write a perfect reference page. Simply put, a reference page is supposed to include names and contact information of around 3 to eight people with whom you have either worked with in the past or you are working together currently.
These references should be individuals with the capacity to vouch for your capability to give your best and serve well in the position you are sending an application. It has become common to write the reference page separately rather than including it in a resume.
A guide on how to write a personal reference page
- Inform your targeted references
It is important to inform references that you intend to use them as such. You should not give their personal contact information unless you have received explicit permission from them. The references should be willing to provide positive recommendation and also ask them how they prefer to be contacted whether by cell phone, email or by their work phone.
- Write references on a new page
References should not be written at the bottom of the resume. Majority of employers make the assumption you already have references and hence request you provide them towards the end of the interview process. As you get to know how to write a personal reference page you will realize that you don’t have to mention references in the resumes body.
Who to include in your references
To write a great reference page, you must know who to include in it. It is important that you list individuals who can say good things regarding your education and you as a person. When you request someone to be part of your references, you are actually giving them the right to say what they want regarding you.
Therefore, pick individuals who are trustworthy capable of speaking accurately and in a positive manner about your work ethics and skills. Some other individuals you can also use as references include:
- Teammates
- Professors or teachers
- Members of a committee where you served
- Volunteer supervisors
- Former coworkers
Bear in mind that not everyone makes a good reference. There are people who might not be aware of your educational or work experience and as such, they cannot provide the details needed by prospective employers to hire you.
Do not list the clergy or family members as there is the general assumption they will talk positively about you regardless of your abilities. The only exception is in cases where you have worked in a family business or carried out a volunteer or job at your church. Knowing how to write a personal reference page will increase your chances of getting your dream job.
Get down to the actual writing
Now that you already know the basics of writing a personal reference page, you can get down to the actual writing. In this case, there are a couple of things you need to remember.
- Begin the list with a suitable heading
Ideally, the heading of your reference list is supposed to be your name. It should be written in a bold, clear font. Beneath your name, include your phone number, email and address in a font that is slightly smaller. For purposes of aesthetic, it is advisable to align contact information you provide to the opposite side.
- You might also consider adding a line under the heading so as to separate it clearly from other parts of the document. If you make the decision to include a line, make sure it is not only elegant but simple as well.
- For a look that is more professional and cohesive, you should maintain the formatting and style you applied in the resume.
Here is a good example of a personal reference page. By using the outline and following the sample, it becomes easier to understand how to write a personal reference page that stands out.
- Under your heading, add a title that is clear
The title is supposed to be in a font that is slightly larger. Preferably, it should be the same font size as your name which is part of the header. The title you select should be clear, simple and a reflection of the contents on the page. For instance it could be “Professional References for Becky”
- List the references and relevant information
When it comes to the order of placing references, no specific rules exist. However, it comes in handy to have the “best” references first. This means those you have had a positive work experience with and those you worked the longest with.
- Begin the reference list by listing the name of the first person. This should be done in bold. Under that name, indicate the kind of relationship you had in the company you worked together.
- The work address of that reference should come beneath that so long as they are still working where you both initially worked. If they are working some other place, do not include the address. Always counter check with your references to ensure the contact information you provide is up to date.
- If the reference has agreed that they can be contacted through phone, list their phone number. It is important to indicate whether it is a cell or work phone.
- If the reference agreed to be contacted through mail, include their email
Click here to view a personal reference letter samples that you can use for guidance.
- Additional references should be formatted in the same manner
If you are experienced in multiple work fields, break the reference list into different subsections. There should be a subsection for each as this makes it easier to read your references. Bear in mind if you have references you worked with and they are in a field that is completely different from the one you are applying, then you should not add them to your list.
Important points to remember while writing reference list
As you explore how to write a personal reference page, there are some things you should not forget. Ideally, these include the following:
- Generally, you should include 3 to 6 references to the page and ensure that you know most of them on a professional level.
- Always ensure you request permission from any potential references before adding them to your list.
- Take time to organize the references carefully by starting with the strongest contacts first.
- Some of the professional references might include, for instance, current or former employees, colleagues, deans or professors as well as managers.
- If you believe it is appropriate (especially in instances where you lack professional references) include a few personal references for instance classmates, community organizations you have worked for or ecclesiastical leaders. If the reference listed is part of a civic organization or community, make sure you include their contact information within the organization.
- Issue a copy of your resume to individuals included in your reference list. This is important as it familiarizes them with your education, experience as well as qualifications. Also, once they review your resume, it is easy for them to remember having worked with you if a lot of time has passed. This will prepare them to answer any questions asked when contacted by potential employers.
- Whenever possible, you should alert references regarding the job you have applied for or the position you are interested in.
- Lastly, only list references you are certain will provide positive recommendations. If you do not do this, it beats the purpose of having them in your reference list.
Click here to view a sample that will guide you on how to write a personal reference page. Reviewing such samples is not only beneficial but it eases the entire writing process and ensures you get it right the first time.
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References
http://iseekinteractive.org/2010/06/11/the-whos-and-hows-of-personal-references/
http://www.wikihow.com/Include-References-on-a-Resume
http://www.writeexpress.com/reference-page.html