How to Format a Reference Sheet

Reference sheets should be clear and easy to read.

Reference sheets list past employers, professors or other reputable authority figures who can vouch for a job candidate or student's character, abilities or work ethic. Sometimes jobs or academic applications require a reference sheet, while in other cases, candidates offer to submit references upon request. Basically, a reference sheet consists of a list of names, their contact information and a brief description of their relationships to the candidate. Typically, reference sheets include three references.

Instructions

1. Type your name at the top center of the page in large or bold letters. Include your address, phone number and email underneath.

2. Create the subtitle "References" on the left side of the page in large or bold letters.

3. List references on the left side of the page with their job titles, addresses and phone numbers underneath. For example:

   Bob Brown

   Manager

   Delicious Donuts

   Desserttown, NY 09833

   [phone]

4. State your relationship to each reference underneath their contact information, like this:

   Bob Brown was my manager when I worked as a baker at Delicious Donuts.

5. Separate each reference with a space for neatness.

Tips & Warnings

• Always let your references know you are providing their contact information on an application so they don't receive a surprise phone call.

• Wait until an employer asks to see references to submit them.

References

• Purdue Online Writing Lab; Reference Sheets; April 25, 2010
• University of Toronto Scarborough: Tip Sheet on References
• Lewis University: Reference Sheet