Job References

[depressedgirl 3]

How do job references work in the USA? In the uk we just give details of two or three people, usually previous employers, and the new employer contacts them and arranges it directly themselves. I've heard people mention bringing reference letters to interviews, does this mean our references should write them ahead of time? Do they not get contacted about them?

[Dutchster 1,107]

I have a reference letter for job interviews. It's a big thing here in the US. Mostly always an employer wants to see at least three references (doesn't necessarily have to be previous employers. Family, friends, pastor, neighbor) he/she could call. I just use family members and friends I have and international numbers/e-mails from former supervisors. 

[geowrian 22,337]

I always just put "Available upon request" when asked for references. If my potential employer requests them, I send them a few professional (old managers) and personal references (family/friends) to call and vouch for my work history and character. I've never used a reference letter personally. It varies from employer to employer, but the references should know that they are listed as references because they may be called.

Edited May 23, 2017 by geowrian

[millefleur 5,046]

You can make a default resume with "References: Available upon request." listed at the bottom, but it's a good idea to also have a second back-up resume with three references listed at the bottom as some jobs will require you to send references along with the application.

 

It really varies depending on the job, employer and the profession in general. Sometimes the references end up being a huge deciding factor in whether or not you get a job, other times they might not even bother contacting references at all.

[depressedgirl 3]

So you just give the contact details of your reference not a previously written out one?

[millefleur 5,046]

9 minutes ago, depressedgirl said:

So you just give the contact details of your reference not a previously written out one?

That's pretty standard. You list their name, phone or email (or both) and then you can say what their job title and/or what their relationship to you is. Usually if the employers are truly interested, they will contact them and find out.