/reference-list-builder

name: reference-list-builder
description: Format professional references properly and prepare reference materials

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
• Direct reports (for leadership roles)
• Professors or advisors (for recent graduates)

**Reference Hierarchy:** 1. **Most Valuable:** Recent direct supervisor 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