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References

Career and Professional Development Services

References

The Smart Choice

What are References?

When applying for a job or internship, most employers will ask you for a list of references that they can contact to find out more about you, your work experience, your qualifications, and skills. Therefore, it’s very important to choose your references carefully when making a list to include with your resume. Previous employers, supervisors, or coworkers, as well as professors, instructors, or university staff who know you well, are all good choices to include on your references list.

Making a List of References

Before you start making a list, be sure to ask your references if they will be willing to serve as references. Do not fall into the trap of using someone important who is well known in the community, unless that person knows you very well. Your references must be able to answer questions about you honestly. If a reference does not know you or your work, the employer will likely discount that reference, and it could be more harmful than helpful.

When making a list of references, make sure to:

  • Prepare a page header that matches your resume header and your cover letter header.
    • It is not necessary to put “References available upon request” on your resume. This is understood and does not need to be included on your resume.
  • List three to four references. While it isn’t mandatory to label the type of reference, it can be helpful for employers. There are three types of references:
    • Supervisory Reference – This is someone you have worked for, either in a professional, volunteer, or internship capacity. This is the most important type of reference to have on your resume.
    • Academic – College students and recent graduates may wish to use a college professor who knows them and knows their work ethic.
    • Personal or Character Reference – Someone who has known you for a long time and can vouch for your moral character. Avoid using relatives.
  • For each reference, list three methods of contact, including a physical address, email address, and telephone number.
    • This is important because employers have established procedures for checking references. For example, if an employer has a large number of qualified applicants and wants to check references by regular mail, but you did not provide a mailing address, your application may be disregarded.
  • The reference page should be in a separate file named YOUR NAME_References. Employers request references at various stages of the application process. 

Still need help writing your reference page? Make an appointment with the Career and Student Development Center today!

Click for an example Reference Page

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CONTACT ASHLEY

Ashley Bass

I am a McNeese graduate with a bachelor's degree in Family and Consumer Science and a concentration in Child and Family Studies. As a student, I competed on the rodeo team and served on the SGA board. I earned my master’s degree in 2022 from the University of South Dakota in Educational Administration and Leadership with a concentration in Adult and Higher Ed. I have over 13 years of experience in adult education and 20 years of educational experience.

My favorite part of being a Freshman Advisor is helping students navigate their new life routine as a college freshman by offering support with in-person office visits or by email to help students meet their goals. I always remind students of my favorite BB King quote – “Education is one thing no one can ever take away from you.”  I believe that supporting students is vital to a student's success.

In my spare time, I raise registered American Brahman cattle, and I enjoy all the "country girl" things like hunting, fishing, growing a garden and cooking.

ADVISOR FOR:
  • College of Liberal Arts (excluding music)
  • Burton College of Education (ELEM and EDPR majors)