Occasionally when you send your resume you will want to attach a list of References. Do this ONLY when you have just ONE SHOT at making a good impression and only a REMOTE chance of getting an interview.

Ordinarily, you would NOT include your list of References with your resume, but instead bring it along to the INTERVIEW and produce it only IF, and when, you are asked for it. (Sending unsolicited references could make the opposite impression that you want to make, portraying you as so insecure that you have to throw everything at them in hope of being found acceptable!)

When you DO find it appropriate to make a list of References, DO IT RIGHT!

1) Make sure that you have ASKED each person on your reference list whether they are willing to put in a good word for you, and you know roughly what they plan to say.
2) Make sure that you immediately SEND them a copy of your current resume, showing which job you are applying for, and include a copy of the job announcement if possible.
3) If you REALLY want this job, and NEED some great references, attach a "Guideline for a Verbal Employment Reference." The Guideline COACHES your reference person so they can respond with just the right answers when a potential employer calls for an employment reference. You'll get MUCH BETTER references using this Guideline than by trusting your good luck and your reference persons' judgment. AND your reference people will BLESS you for making their task a lot easier and more effective.

What to include when listing your references
Name (and title if appropriate)
Company
Street Address
City, State and Zip
Work phone
Home Phone (optional)
Relationship to you (if not obvious)
Qualifications of yours this reference can discuss

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REFERENCES

Major John P. Cleveland
44 Clarendon Way
Enterprise, AL 36330
Work: 205-555-8777 (7:30-5:00)
Home: 205-555-9999 (after 6 pm)
Familiar with my supervisory experience

SFC James L. Rogers
1500 Dreyfus Ave.
Ozark, AL 36366
Work: 205-555-5555 (7:30-5:00)
Home: 205-555-6868 (after 6 pm)
Familiar with my mechanical expertise

Mrs. Jane Hiller
1212 Hillcrest St.
Memphis, TN 55111
Home: 555-555-4444
Family friend for 20 years;
Can talk about my education and character

Rev. Felix Milhouse
First Methodist Church
12 Evergreen Way
Enterprise, AL 33633
Church: 205-555-3333 (8:00-4:00)
Home: 205-555-2222
Can discuss my community involvement,
organization, and leadership ability

Mr. Ralph Bumstead, Professor
Troy State University
Highway 231 North
Dothan, AL 36303
Work: 205-555-5555 (8:00-3:00 M-Th)
Familiar with my computer / technology ability