Last updated March 29, 2023

What is a Reference List?

A Reference List is a page compiling the contact information of people who can attest to your skills, character, and accomplishments. Along with your Resume and Cover Letter, a Reference List is an essential document when interviewing and applying for jobs.

Many employers ask for a Reference List before offering an employee a position and entering an Employment Contract.

In addition, landlords will often ask for one before entering into a Lease Agreement with a tenant. 

There are two types of references: professional and personal. 

• A professional or job reference can attest to your work ethic and abilities. 
• A personal or character reference can speak positively of your character and personality traits. 

How to make a Reference List

A Reference List, both professional and personal, consists of the following details:

• Your contact information, including your name, phone number, and email address 
• Your professional reference’s contact information, including their name, job title, workplace, phone number, and email address
• Your personal reference’s contact information, including their name, relationship with them and the length of that relationship, phone number, and email address 

LawDepot’s Reference List template helps you format your document. You add the above details, and we do the rest.

Who should I include on my Reference List?

For professional references, it is a good idea to focus on individuals with whom you had a positive employment experience. This could be a:

• Manager
• Supervisor
• Fellow employee in a higher position (especially if they are someone that you directly reported to) 

Personal references are more flexible. They can be:

• People you had a positive working relationship with
• Teachers or professors
• Coaches
• Someone you volunteered for or with
• Professional or personal mentors
• Leaders from your place of worship

Our template allows you to add up to six professional and two personal references. 

More tips for Reference Lists

1. Always ask the person before adding them to your Reference List. They might be caught off guard if they receive an unannounced phone call or be unable or unwilling to provide a reference. 
2. Tell your reference what you are applying for.  If it is for a job, provide the company name and details related to the company or position you are applying for. If you are applying for an apartment or other type of residence, give your reference the landlord’s or property management company’s name. 
3. Give your reference some key points to comment on if they are contacted. Talk to them about why you’re a good fit for what you’ve applied to so they can confirm what you discussed with potential employers or landlords during your interview. 
4. Thank your references and keep them updated. Overall, they’ll be interested in the process, and it’s the polite thing to do. 
5. Ask your reference to provide you with a Letter of Recommendation. This will give them more time and space to discuss you and your accomplishments. 
6. Bring your Reference List to your interview, but wait until the interviewer either asks for it during the interview or reaches out to you afterwards. 

Related documents

• Employment Contract: Outline the terms and conditions of a working relationship between an employer and employee.
• Resume Builder: Create a Resume with our easy-to-use template.
• Cover Letter: List your achievements, experience, and education in this document to complement your Resume.
• Letter of Recommendation : Create a positive written account of another person's character.
• Resignation Letter : Submit a letter detailing your resignation to your current employer.