Study the suggestions below before compiling your reference list.

1) Get permission from every person you plan to include in your reference list before you begin.

2) Be sure to write your name and telephone number at the very top of your reference list. If your reference list somehow becomes separated from your resume and application, it can be identified as yours.

3) Choose former bosses, co-workers, professional associates, or people of status in the community who can attest to your professional integrity and effectiveness.

4) Your list can include family, friends, or neighbors who are willing to attest to your character, but use no more than two non-business acquaintances on a reference list of five or more references.

5) List each name on your reference list with an address, phone number, and job title (or descriptive title).

6) Your reference list should be neat, error free, and centered neatly upon the page.

7) Your reference list should be typed in the same font of your resume.

8) The paper of you reference list should match the paper of your resume.

Bring several copies of your reference list with you to all interviews. Be sure to offer it to the employer at the end of the interview, if he/she hasn't already requested it. Don't, however, pull out your reference list from your briefcase and hand it to the hiring authority without first being asked to do so. Simply alert them to the fact that you have brought a reference list with you and would be happy to let them have one if they would like to see it.