Many people underestimate the power of a reference. This section will discuss how to select, contact and prepare your references in order to improve your chances of getting a job offer.
A list of references represents a group of people who you select to serve as your professional representatives in the event that a potential employer wishes to learn more about your background, experience, and skills as they relate to a particular position for which you have applied.
In the past, it was very common to see the phrase “References Available Upon Request” at the end of every resume. Today, that practice is unnecessary. When an employer wants a list of your references, he/she will ask you to submit it with your application or after a first or second interview. In most instances, references are contacted towards the end of the selection process when the employer is considering the final 2-3 candidates. Be prepared for this phase of the process and develop your reference sheet before the interview.