How to Quickly Write a Modern Reference Sheet

When an employer asks for your professional references, it’s hard to tell exactly how you should send them. Your first thought might be to plop them in the body of an email or list them in an unformatted Word doc. However, there are a few strategies to make your reference sheet appear professional (instead of scrambled together last minute). 

This expert guide on how to make a reference sheet covers:

• What are professional references?
• The question you must ask your professional references
• Etiquette for listing professional references
• The most common reference sheet myth
• Writing a reference sheet
• A professional references template
• A reference sheet example

By following these easy tips on listing professional references, you’ll be able to whip up a modern reference sheet in no time!

What are professional references?

Let’s start by answering the first question you might be asking, “What are professional references?”

Professional references are people you’ve worked closely with in a formal setting who are willing to talk about how amazing you are!

It’s important you don’t list your family as professional references, because an employer won’t be able to trust their opinion. Instead, you can ask your former/ current:

• Supervisors
• Coworkers
• Professors/ teachers
• Managers
• Mentors

Wondering how you land a mentor to use as a stellar reference? Check out this awesome guide on How to Get a Mentor!

The most important part of choosing professional references for a reference sheet is using people who can talk about related skills and experiences.

If you don’t have experience in the exact job you’re applying for, choose references who can talk about related transferable skills, like teamwork, leadership, and organization.

Now that we’ve gone over what professional references are, let’s cover the question you must ask before putting someone on your reference sheet.

The 1 must-ask question for your professional references

Alright, this is mandatory advice, so listen closely! 

You absolutely must ask for permission to use someone as a reference. 

There’s no reason to surprise a reference, especially because them agreeing to be your reference means they’ll actually say nice things about you.

Btw, when it’s someone who’s said, “use me as a reference anytime,” it’s always good to just give them a heads up. That way, they’re prepared when someone calls and more likely to answer an unknown number.

Let’s go over 1 more piece of reference sheet etiquette- this one is an insider, lesser known tip, so get ready!

Professional References Etiquette

This part of listing professional references is a great way to impress your references and help them talk about how great YOU are.

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When someone agrees to be your reference, send them an updated copy of your resume. That way, they’ll have a complete picture of your career. This is also important if your reference is someone from a couple of years ago, so they get an update on where your career is now.

Emailing your references a copy of your resume is the best way to give them a little extra boost of confidence in you and all of the amazing things you bring to a company!

Now that we’ve covered the etiquette, let’s go deeper into how to make a reference sheet!

How to write a reference sheet

Writing a reference sheet is much easier than your resume or cover letter, so don’t spend time stressing about this! Once you’ve learned the basic reference sheet template, you’ll be able to make new ones super quickly!

#1 Reference Sheet Myth

Before we dive into how to make a reference sheet, I want to disprove a common myth. 

Your resume should NOT say “references available upon request.” 

Also, there’s no reason to send your reference sheet with your job application or without them asking for it.

Why? 

There are 2 main reasons:

1. They already know you’ll send them your references if they ask. Don’t use up valuable space on your resume with an empty phrase about references. 
2. Reference checks are usually the last step of the hiring process, so give them space to focus on your resume and cover letter first. (btw, if someone tells you they’re checking your references, it means they’re seriously thinking about hiring you- yay!!)

Alright, now that we’ve cleared up that reference sheet myth, let’s move onto what you have to put in it.

What to include when listing professional references

There are a few essential elements of a reference sheet. It’s important to optimize each step of your job app- even something as small as your reference sheet. 

By making a detailed reference sheet template, it gives them a clear idea of who they’re contacting.

Rather than just listing the names and contact info for your references, also tell them about your connection.

Overall, this is what you should include for each of your professional references: 

• Name
• Job title
• Company/ office address
• Email
• Preferred phone number
• Relationship to you.

By giving them a detailed briefing of your professional references, your reference sheet will stand out!

Professional references template

Don’t overthink your reference sheet template- it’s really not complicated! Here’s an easy way to format your professional references template:

Reference sheet example

Now that you’ve checked out the professional references template, here’s a reference sheet example so you can quickly create your own!

These tips to quickly write a reference sheet will help you avoid that “deer in the headlights” moment after someone asks for your references. Remember to include a little background information for each reference, ask permission or give your references a heads up, and send your references a copy of your resume. Once you’ve done these steps, your reference sheet is ready to go!