Let's that you've already written and killer resume that really shows your best light, complete with a compelling cover page, all you accomplishments, background education, awards, achievements and other vital parts of a resume. You got the interview, but didn't bother to put much effort on your reference list for your resume, and when the hiring managers call then, they either don't want to comment or say something negative. The company would probable look for someone else.

Your resume reference can mean the difference between getting hired or getting the boot. It is important than you invest as much effort in selecting your resume references as you did in writing your resume. You cannot overlook this stage in your application.

The best way to acquire the best reference list for your resume is to first list down the people you know, professionally and personally, write it down on a piece of paper along with their contact details. Call them up and talk to them about your intentions. Be wary of hesitations or apprehensions when you mention to them that you want to place them as reference, it is good to take these people of your list. Ask them how they prefer to be contacted, whether it's through their mobile, office or home number, also for their email whether it's their business or personal email. Some people don't want to get non-work related email especially on their business emails, so make sure and ask.

After sifted through the list and have decided your resume references, sort them and separate your professional references and personal references. It is common for companies to ask for three personal references and three professional references. Write down their contact details, positions, capacity of how they know you, i.e. employer, co-worker etc, and format them into a one or two page reference list.

Here is how to write your resume references, place the position and capacity of how your reference knows you first then their name and contact details, this is best so that hiring managers will know first-hand who they are calling and how this person is related to you. It's advisable that you select professional references that are currently employed in the same field as the industry you are trying to apply for. This shows that you have good contacts in that field and you could be an asset to the company if they hire you.

Let me also point out that it is never good to include your reference list on your resume, this list is a separate document you must prepare, so that when an employer asks for one you would be able to send one immediately. Keep this list updated; call them up yourself to see if their number is still their current contact number. An unreachable number on your resume reference list will hurt your chances of getting hired; most hiring managers will treat this as a sign of negligence on your part.

To recap on the important point in writing resume references:

Always ask first; make sure your references will say positive things about you, and try to observe how they react when you ask them their permission to become references.

References must be updated and current; contact them yourself and see if their contact information is still valid and current

Don't include your references on your resume; the extra space saved will be useful to list down your other skills and achievements.

With a sharp and encouraging resume and an iron clad reference list, you will now be armed and ready to take on any applications that come your way. All you have to worry about now finding a tie that fits your suit for that interview.