MSU Extension 4-H Careers & Entrepreneurship

A well-prepared reference page is a crucial element of any successful job search. Your references—trusted individuals who can vouch for your abilities, character and skills—can make a strong impression on prospective employers. Michigan State University Extension provides essential tips to ensure your reference page is professional, polished and effective.

Plan ahead

Secure your references before you need them. Some employers require a reference page or letters of recommendation as part of the application process, while others request references only when they are seriously considering a candidate. Be proactive—before leaving a job, ask for a letter of recommendation to include in your employment portfolio. Having references ready ensures you are prepared when an opportunity arises.

Pick the right people

Choose references who can speak positively about your professional skills, work ethic and character. Ideal references include supervisors, coworkers, colleagues, customers and educators. If you are seeking your first job or re-entering the workforce, consider character references. These could include individuals familiar with your contributions to volunteer work, school activities, clubs or community organizations. Be sure to avoid selecting family members as references.

Ask for permission

Always seek permission before listing someone as a reference. Inform them about the positions you are pursuing so they can tailor their comments to highlight your most relevant skills. Sharing your resume with your references helps them better understand your background and goals. Additionally, keeping your references informed during your job search may lead to unexpected opportunities, as they might know about unadvertised positions in the “hidden job market.”

Prepare and proofread

Your reference page should be a separate document formatted to match your resume in font, style and paper type. Begin with your full name and contact details (address, phone number and email). For each reference, include:

• Full name
• Current job title
• Company or organization name
• Complete address
• Phone number
• Email address
• Their relationship to you, i.e. former internship supervisor, current supervisor, educator for three years, soccer coach for two years, etc.

Aim for three to five references and list your strongest ones at the top. Double-check for accuracy and ensure their contact information is up-to-date. Proofreading is essential. Errors on your reference page can leave a poor impression.

MSU Extension 4-H Youth Development has many resources to help prepare you for your job search. For more information about resources on career exploration, workforce preparation, youth financial education or youth entrepreneurship, email us at 4-HCareerPrep@anr.msu.edu.