Choose people who can speak directly about relevant work, ask whether they are comfortable serving as references, and explain the opportunity. Keep their information on a separate document and provide it through the employer’s requested channel. A prepared reference should have context, without being asked to repeat a script or make claims they cannot support.
Select people for what they know
List people who observed your work and the qualities each could discuss. A former supervisor may know your reliability; a project partner may know your problem-solving; a volunteer coordinator may know how you handled responsibilities. Choose for firsthand knowledge rather than a person’s impressive title or closeness to you.
CareerOneStop describes references as people who can answer questions about skills, work history, and work style. Match that purpose to the role. If the employer specifies a particular type of reference, check whether your list meets the request. When it does not, ask the recruiting contact what alternatives they accept.
Ask permission and provide a short briefing
Contact each person before giving out their details. Explain the kind of work you are pursuing and ask whether they can provide a positive, accurate reference. Give them room to decline. Confirm their preferred name, title, email, phone number, and contact method rather than copying information from an old file.
Send your current resume and the job description if they agree. Add two or three factual reminders of shared work, such as a project deadline or responsibility they supervised. CareerOneStop notes that many references find these documents useful. Let the person speak from their own experience instead of coaching them to make a particular claim.
Manage the details respectfully
Create a separate reference sheet with your name and each person’s agreed contact information, relationship to you, and organization. Keep it current and share it when requested. Avoid posting other people’s phone numbers in a public resume. Use the employer’s official application process when submitting personal information.
Let references know when an employer may contact them and update them when the process concludes. If you are currently employed, discuss reference timing with the recruiter before providing a current supervisor’s details. Keep other search preparations moving: a reference check is one hiring step and does not itself confirm that an offer will follow.
Your next-step checklist
- Choose firsthand work observers.
- Ask permission before sharing details.
- Provide the resume and role.
- Confirm contact information and timing.
Questions people ask
Can a teacher be a reference?
A teacher who knows your work may be useful, especially early in your career. Check whether the employer accepts academic references for this role.
Should I list references on my resume?
Prepare a separate document and follow the employer’s instructions. Use resume space to show qualifications unless the application specifically requests references there.
Sources & useful resources
Sources checked for this October 17, 2026 edition. This guide combines linked public resources with practical editorial recommendations. Job listings, programs and event details can change.
Published by JobFairGiant.com, which promotes its own hiring events and MichiganHired.com job-posting services. Read our editorial standards and corrections policy.
