Format professional references properly and prepare reference materials. Use when the user mentions references, reference list, references page, or preparing referees for a job application.
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Format professional references properly and prepare reference materials. Use when the user mentions references, reference list, references page, or preparing referees for a job application.
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</> SKILL.md
reference-list-builder.SKILL.md
---name: reference-list-builder
description: Format professional references properly and prepare reference materials. Use when the user mentions references, reference list, references page, or preparing referees for a job application.
---# Reference List Builder
## When to Use This Skill
Use this skill when the user:
- Needs to create a professional reference list
- Wants help choosing the right references
- Needs to format references properly
- Is preparing references for job applications
- Mentions: "references", "reference list", "professional references", "reference check"
## Core Capabilities
- Format professional reference lists
- Guide reference selection strategy
- Prepare reference briefing materials
- Anticipate reference check questions
- Handle difficult reference situations
- Coordinate reference outreach
## Reference Strategy
### Who Makes a Good Reference?
**Ideal References:**
- Former direct managers (most important)
- Senior colleagues who observed your work
- Cross-functional partners
- Clients or customers
2. **Very Valuable:** Senior leaders who know your work
3. **Valuable:** Peers and cross-functional partners
4. **Acceptable:** Clients, vendors, professors
5. **Avoid:** Friends, family, HR contacts only
### Who to Avoid
- ❌ Current employer (without permission)
- ❌ People who barely know you
- ❌ References from 10+ years ago only
- ❌ Personal friends (unless specified)
- ❌ People who might give lukewarm feedback
- ❌ Anyone you haven't contacted in advance
## Reference List Format
### Standard Format
```
PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES
Jane Smith
Senior Director of Product
TechCorp Inc.
Phone: (555) 123-4567
Email: jane.smith@techcorp.com
Relationship: Direct supervisor for 3 years (2020-2023)
John Doe
VP of Engineering
Previous Company
Phone: (555) 234-5678
Email: john.doe@previous.com
Relationship: Cross-functional partner on 5 major projects
```
### Information to Include
**Required:**
- Full name
- Current job title
- Current company
- Phone number
- Professional email
- Your relationship to them
**Optional:**
- LinkedIn URL
- Best time to reach
- Preferred contact method
### Formatting Guidelines
- Match the style of your resume (fonts, formatting)
- 3-5 references (more only if requested)
- Separate page from resume
- Header should match resume header
- Include "References" or "Professional References" as title
## Reference Preparation
### Step 1: Ask Permission
**Before listing anyone:**
- Call or email to ask permission
- Confirm their contact information
- Explain the role you're applying for
- Gauge their willingness and enthusiasm
**Script:**
```
"Hi [Name], I hope you're doing well! I'm applying for a [Role] position at [Company] and was wondering if you'd be comfortable serving as a reference for me. The role involves [brief description], and I think your perspective on [specific project/skill] would be particularly valuable. Would you be willing to speak with them if they reach out?"
```
### Step 2: Brief Your References
**Send them:**
- Copy of your resume
- Job description
- Key points you want highlighted
- Specific projects to mention
- Timeline for when they might be contacted
**Briefing Email Template:**
```
Subject: Reference Preparation - [Role] at [Company]
Hi [Name],
Thank you so much for agreeing to be a reference! Here's some context to help:
**The Role:** [Job title] at [Company]
**What they're looking for:** [Key requirements]
**Points I'm emphasizing:**
- [Achievement 1]
- [Achievement 2]
- [Skill they should mention]
**Our work together they might ask about:**
- [Project 1]
- [Project 2]
I've attached my resume and the job description for reference. They may reach out in the next [timeframe].
Please let me know if you have any questions, and thank you again!
Best,
[Your name]
```
### Step 3: Follow Up
After references are checked:
- Thank your references regardless of outcome
- Let them know the result
- Offer to reciprocate
## Handling Special Situations
### Current Employer Doesn't Know
**Options:**
- Ask if reference check can wait until later stage
- Use colleagues who've left the company
- Be upfront: "My current employer doesn't know I'm looking"
- Use other professional references
### Manager Left the Company
**Options:**
- Track them down on LinkedIn
- Use their personal email/phone
- Include their new company in reference list
- Explain "Former manager, now at [New Company]"
### Bad Relationship with Past Manager
**Options:**
- Use another supervisor from that role
- Use senior colleagues instead
- Choose references from different roles
- Be prepared to explain if asked
### Limited Professional Experience
**Options:**
- Professors or academic advisors
- Internship supervisors
- Volunteer organization leaders
- Coaches or mentors
- Client contacts
### Reference Won't Give Positive Review
**Don't use them.** It's better to have fewer references than a lukewarm or negative one.
## What Reference Checkers Ask
### Common Questions
**Performance:**
- "How would you describe [name]'s work?"
- "What were their primary responsibilities?"
- "How did they perform against expectations?"
**Skills:**
- "What are their greatest strengths?"
- "What areas could they improve?"
- "How would you rate their [specific skill]?"
**Work Style:**
- "How did they handle pressure/deadlines?"
- "How did they work with the team?"
- "How did they handle conflict?"
**Character:**
- "Would you rehire them?"
- "Is there anything else I should know?"
- "How do they compare to peers?"
### The "Would You Rehire?" Question
**Most important question.** Brief your references that this may be asked and ensure they can answer enthusiastically.
## Reference List Template
```
[YOUR NAME]
[Your Email] | [Your Phone]
PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES
[REFERENCE 1 - MOST SENIOR/RELEVANT]
[Name]
[Title]
[Company]
Phone: [Number]
Email: [Email]
Relationship: [How you worked together, dates]
[REFERENCE 2]
[Name]
[Title]
[Company]
Phone: [Number]
Email: [Email]
Relationship: [How you worked together, dates]
[REFERENCE 3]
[Name]
[Title]
[Company]
Phone: [Number]
Email: [Email]
Relationship: [How you worked together, dates]
---
References available upon request for additional contacts.
```
## Reference Timing
### When to Provide References
- **Don't include with initial application** (unless requested)
- **Bring to interview** (have them ready)
- **Provide when asked** (usually after final interview)
- **Always ask before sharing** (confirm permission each time)
### Common Timeline
1. **Application:** "References available upon request" (optional on resume)
2. **First Interview:** Have list ready but don't offer
3. **Final Rounds:** "Can you provide references?" → Share list
4. **Reference Check:** Company contacts your references
5. **Offer:** Follow up with references, thank them
## Output Format
When building a reference list:
```markdown
# REFERENCE LIST
## Reference Strategy
**Target Role:** [Position]
**Company:** [Company]
## Recommended References
### Primary References (Use These)
**Reference 1: [Name]**
- Current Title: [Title]
- Company: [Company]
- Contact: [Phone/Email]
- Relationship: [Description]
- Why: [What they can speak to]
- Key points to highlight: [Specific projects/skills]
**Reference 2: [Name]**
[Same format]
**Reference 3: [Name]**
[Same format]
### Backup References (If Needed)
**Reference 4: [Name]**
[Same format]
## Briefing Notes
### For Each Reference, Send:
- [ ] Resume
- [ ] Job description
- [ ] Key talking points
- [ ] Timeline
### Key Points to Emphasize
- [Point 1 - who should mention]
- [Point 2 - who should mention]
## Reference Outreach
### Permission Request Script
[Customized script]
### Briefing Email
[Draft briefing email]
### Thank You Template
[Post-check thank you message]
```
## Reference Checklist
- ✅ Have 3-5 references ready
- ✅ All references have given permission
- ✅ Contact information is current and accurate
- ✅ References know about the specific role
- ✅ Each reference has your resume and talking points
- ✅ At least one direct supervisor included
- ✅ References span different aspects of your work
- ✅ References are enthusiastic (not just willing)
