- 1). Draft a list of potential references. Consider past and current employers first. Managers, directors and supervisors can attest to your on-the-job ethical behavior, accuracy, timeliness and initiative. Continue the list with the names of co-workers, colleagues and clients. They also have good knowledge of how you perform and present yourself. If you have been in school and haven't held a job in four years, write down the names of teachers, advisers and internship supervisors are familiar with your academic work.
- 2). Narrow the references list to three people before submitting it, unless the prospective employer specified a different number. Don't discard the other names. It is acceptable to have different references for different types of employment. If you are looking for jobs in a variety of fields, one person might have knowledge about you that is relevant in one industry but not another.
- 3). Ask each person on your reference list for permission before releasing any contact information to prospective employers. Find out how the person prefers to be reached. Some might want to receive inquiries on a cell phone while others might ask for the calls to go to an office line. Be specific about any professional accomplishments you would like your reference to address when contacted.
- 4). Open a word-processing document on your computer. Type a header with your name and contact information. Center the word "References" a few lines below it. Set the margin to the left. Type the name of the first reference and her title. Below it, add address, telephone numbers and email address, each on its own line. Add a blank line and continue with the next person's information. Following each reference block, type a sentence or two describing in what capacity the individual knows you and for how long. Print and distribute the list as needed.
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