It is important that you:

 - Obtain permission from each prospective reference

 - Ask each prospective reference if s/he “can provide a good [or 'strong'] reference” 

 - Obtain full address (home and/or work) each reference prefers to use

-  Provide each reference with updated copy of resume and position description 

-  Use identical paper as used for resume and cover letter

 - List on page, best matches for particular job sought/ résumé used

 - Use same heading as that used on résumé

 - Include underlined/bolded word “References” centered beneath heading

 - Include name, title, address, phone number, email of each reference

 - Include sentence showing connection between you/reference [Optional]

• If a prospective reference hesitates, perhaps you should reconsider including that individual on your list.  Find another individual you are certain can provide a strong reference. 

• Choose the references you list according to the position you are pursuing.  Each individual holds different information about you that can benefit your search in numerous ways.  It is up to you to make the best match of individual to position for your reference sheet.

• Provide each individual who agrees to act as a reference with a copy of your updated resume.  If you have applied to a company and believe they will soon begin to call your references, personally contact your references to inform them of an impending call and to make certain that they have not lost your resume.  If they have no copy, provide them with one as soon as possible.  Each time you change your resume for any reason, you must provide an updated copy to your references if you are still in the job search market and there is the possibility they will be called.