Created by CakeProfessional references on a resume are a list of people who will provide information about you and your work to potential employers. Employers prefer a list of professional references because they can receive a second view of the value you'll bring to their team from a 3rd party.Each professional reference can affirm recruiters when it comes to your character, abilities, and work performance. Recruiters want to utilize your references to double-check what you've put on your resume. References on your resume are utilized to verify facts of your job experience and to confirm many of the excellent traits they noticed throughout the interview.Professional references vs. Character references First and foremost, it is important to distinguish these two types of references on a resume.Professional reference This can come from people you have worked with. When putting professional references on your resume, make sure those people or contacts can provide a positive outlook on your work performance. A potential employer can contact them to ask about your performance, your tasks within a company, or your qualities in previous jobs. A list of professional references can be from former employers, colleagues, or advisors.Character reference This type of reference in a resume includes people who are familiar with the candidate's character and abilities. A character reference in a resume tends to not come from the employer. These references on a resume can be from friends, business acquaintances, or professors. Table of Contents: Should You Put References on a Resume?Where Do You Put References on a Resume?How to Write References on a ResumeHow to Format Reference on a ResumeResume Reference Examples Should You Put References on a Resume?According to resume experts, references should not be included on a resume unless specifically requested by the recruiter. HR departments have many important tasks than going through each candidate's list of resume references, and they typically request professional references only when a candidate is being considered for a job offer. However, this isn't a strict 'no. Certain job descriptions require their candidates to provide references or testimonials. Notable among them are consulting firms that require candidates to provide testimonials of their performance from their previous firm(s). So, job seekers are allowed to include their references in their resumes in cases like this. References on a resume should only be included when requested. Otherwise, you should consider them to be excluded or kept in a separate document. To make it more clear, adding references to a resume is accepted in the following situations: The recruiter specifically asks for a reference list If the recruiter demands a reference list or page for a resume, make sure you include it in your application. You are applying for jobs in the legal field If you're applying for a job in the legal field, you can include your reference list in your resume. This helps the recruiter gain insight into the cases you've worked on and the skills you've developed.Law firms are usually very competitive, so having a list of professional references that shows a high profile of contacts, firms, and skills you've acquired can certainly help you secure the job more quickly. You are still a student You can include references on your resume from people such as professors or advisors. It is advisable nowadays that students seek internship opportunities while in school to further boost their employment chances. You can also include the professional networks you established during this time in the reference list on your resume. This is beneficial as you won't solely rely on your university or college for references. You just graduated Just like students, fresh graduates can also include their references on a resume. Many students and fresh graduates often lack substantial work experience and may not have professional contacts who can provide recommendations. As a result, most recruiters are open to allowing this group to include a mix of contacts in their reference list. These could include a favorite professor, a past leader they worked with during school, or a member of a group they led You still have plenty of space left in your resume Keep in mind that every word on your resume should hold value and quality. Every bit of free space matters, so you should include a professional reference section or list if necessary. Where Do You Put References on a Resume?There are some common ways of listing references on your resume. Here are some things to take in mind when writing references for a resume: Writing “References available upon request” This common way of mentioning references on your resume is something you should avoid. Employers already know this and besides, this takes up space in your resume. Don't waste a resume line by saying something that's obvious. A separate references section at the end of the resume You can list your references under a separate section on your resume, just like other resume parts (e.g. work experience, skills). When listing references on a resume, make sure to place this section at the end, since other sections are more important. Remember, references on your resume are typically only considered if employers wish to inquire further, such as before proceeding to a job interview stage. Here is an example of a resume references section: PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES Steve Halloway - Business Consultant at SX Solutions8912 East Lane Miami, FL, 33177[email protected]305-300-7891Carl Johnson - Senior Strategist at VX Technologies2812 Bellman Avenue Miami, FL, 33129[email protected]305-300-7891Larry Stewart - Human Resources Director at GlobalVision3820 West Road Atlanta, GA, 30305[email protected]404-300-8492 A separate sheet of reference list You can dedicate a page for your professional references only if necessary. Here is an example of a resume reference page:Created using CakeHow to Write References on a ResumeHere are some steps to keep in mind when listing references on a resume: 1. Decide on the number of references to include in the resume reference list If you make a section for professional references, you may provide 2 or 3 references, depending on how much space you have on your resume. You can provide up to 5 references if you are using a reference sheet. Refer to the resume reference list examples in this article for guidance. 2. Think about networks who can be good references for you Suitable references for your resume are colleagues, employers, mentors, or professors with whom you had positive relationships. Additionally, think of contacts with whom you established a strong bond and who have praised you for your past accomplishments at work. In contrast, avoid using references with whom you had conflicts or feel are not close enough. 3. Reach out to the people who you want as references Ask your contacts if they are willing to be listed as references on your resume and request their contact details, including email, phone number, and address. 4. Determine how you want to list the reference on your resume Lastly, it is up to you if you want to make a section on your resume or provide a separate sheet exclusively for your professional references. How to Format Reference on a ResumeWhen listing references in your resume, it is vital to have the following elements: NameThe most basic detail that cannot be missed out on when putting references on a resume. This is how employers know who your contacts are and thus can address them properly (if they want to contact them). Position and companyFor this element, the company name alone is sufficient. Any other details can be shown in the brief description part. AddressList details such as street address and ZIP code to be clear on what branch or office you were employed in. Phone numberIt's your choice whether to include the office number or your contact's cellphone. Ensure that your chosen references are comfortable with this. EmailInclude the work email of your professional references to maintain a professional touch. Brief description of the referralGive details of who the referee is and what was your relationship with them in your references on your resume.Here is an editable resume references format you can freely use: REFERENCES [Name of referrer] | [Title/Position of referrer] [Company where referrer works][Referrer’s contact address][Referrer’s phone number][Referrer’s email] [a sentence describing your relationship with the referrer]. Resume Reference ExamplesIn this section, here are some more examples of references on a resume. Please take a look at each sample for a better understanding. Reference in resume for freshers Here is a resume reference list example for freshers: REFERENCES Sally Harrison | Professor of Organizational ManagementUniversity of Texas110 Inner Campus Drive Austin, TX (800) [email protected] was my professor in three courses and my faculty advisor for my business administration degree.Timothy Jackson | Director of HRKelko Company4234 West Street Austin, TX(323) [email protected] was my supervisor during my internship at Kelko Company as an HR assistant.Darren Kelly | Academic AdvisorUniversity of Texas110 Inner Campus Drive Austin, TX (800) [email protected] has been my advisor throughout my 4 years as a business student at the University of Texas.Michael Torretto | Senior AssistantKelko Company4234 West Street Austin, TX(800) [email protected] was a colleague whom I worked closely with during my 6-month internship at Kelko. Reference in resume for students Make sure each reference in your resume contains relevant details. Here is an example for students: REFERENCES Richard Gawkins | Professor of Big Data Analysis University of FloridaGainesville, FL 32611(600) [email protected] was my professor during my junior year at the University of Florida.Fernando Argueta | Dean of Student’s OfficeUniversity of FloridaGainesville, FL 32611(600) [email protected] has evaluated my academic performance and extracurricular activities during my time on campus.Nelson Anderson | Academic AdvisorUniversity of FloridaGainesville, FL 32611(600) [email protected] has been my academic advisor at the university from 2010 to 2014. Reference in resume from co-workers The last example provided displays professional references from co-workers. REFERENCES Yasmina Sara | Marketing DirectorCornwall Lex3074 Despard Street Atlanta, GA(800) [email protected] is the director I work with during my time on Cornwall Lex and is familiar with all the tasks and responsibilities I was involved in.Terry Nimat | Director of Business and DevelopmentCornwall Lex3074 Despard Street Atlanta, GA(800) [email protected] is a colleague whom I communicated with while doing cross-department campaigns at Cornwall Lex.Gunder Lambert | Social Marketing SpecialistCornwall Lex3074 Despard Street Atlanta, GA(800) [email protected] is a friend and former colleague who is familiar with my work experience and performance at Cornwall Lex.Bevis Geoff | Performance Marketing SpecialistSkye Corporations2194 Mount Olive Road Atlanta, GA(800) [email protected] is a colleague from Skye who worked with me on various marketing projects from 2011 to 2014.Marianne Hedvig | Marketing AssistantSkye Corporations2194 Mount Olive Road Atlanta, GA(800) [email protected] is a colleague whom I supervised and worked with at Skye during my last year working there.Key TakeawaysHere are some important points to keep in mind when adding references to your resume: Employers value references on a resume, but usually, it is not mandatory to provide them when applying for jobs.Professional references may be required in specific circumstances, such as when applying for a job in the legal field, when a recruiter requests them, or when you are still a student.You can decide between using a reference page for your resume or making an extra section just like the other parts of a resume (e.g. skills, work experience).People who are suitable for your references are those who can vouch for you and give a positive second opinion about your character and capabilities. People who are not suitable are those with whom you may have had conflicts or disagreements. Lastly, reach out to people you want to include in your professional references and see if they are comfortable with it.Each reference shall have the following elements: name, position, address, phone number, email, and a brief description.With Cake's resume website, you can easily create your resume online, download your resume format in PDF file for free, and utilize ATS-compliant free resume templates. Let us help you land your dream job – create your resume online and download it for free now!Create Resume--- Originally written by Jose Joaquin Rosales---

Created by CakeIn this article, we'll cover: What Is a Reference?How to Ask for a Reference by EmailHow to Ask Someone to be a Reference Email ExampleReference Request Email TemplateWhen you are looking for a job, having a few good references will help strengthen your application. A simple reference request can make your job search more successful. Previous coworkers or teachers can remark on your work ethic, skills, and attitude, which helps your next employer assess your fitness for the new role. It’s a sensible decision to ask someone to be a reference when searching for a job. When you make an inventory of potential references, it’s very important to formally request for a reference before adding these people to the reference list on your resume. You don’t want to startle them by having a potential employer calling them out of nowhere. In general, sending a reference request email in advance is more professional and it gives them a chance to consider what they might say when asked about you. Asking someone to be a reference can be nerve-racking, but if your reference request letter is professional and positive, it will be hard to turn down. What Is a Reference?A reference is anyone who can speak to your character, abilities, and employment experience. A reference request is an important part of your job application process, since your references can provide more color than a resume alone. When asking someone to be a reference, consider someone you worked with closely who you believe would amplify your good qualities when asked. Before deciding how to ask someone to be your reference, carefully consider who you will choose. There are different people you can request for a reference in your job search. A reference request from your previous job network is often the most obvious choice. A work reference could be a manager or supervisor that you reported to directly in your previous job, or even a co-worker. Asking someone to be a reference from work is practical since they can elaborate on your technical skills and work habits. You could also request a reference from your academic network. Academic references could be teachers or teachers’ assistants that are familiar with your work and personality, who can discuss your skills with a hiring manager. An academic reference request might be more suitable when applying for jobs that are directly related to your education. You could also ask someone to be a reference from your personal network. You could make a character reference request from a landlord, client, athletic coach, or even a counsellor or religious leader. These are less formal and uncommon and are typically used if you don’t have other reference request options. This type of reference may not be familiar with your work habits but can speak more to your character. How to Ask for a Reference by EmailChoose the right people.Write a clear subject line.Phrase the question carefully.Include details about the job you’re applying for in your reference request email.Show your appreciation for their help.Attach your resume to the reference request email.Don’t pressure people into doing it. When asking someone to be a reference, it’s important to craft a professional reference request email. If you have never done so before, it’s hard to know where to start. Here are a few tips on how to ask someone to be your reference via email. 🖋 Choose the right people. Think carefully when you are asking someone to be a reference. Your choice of reference could depend on their personality, or it could vary with the jobs you are applying to. Think about what you need from your references before sending a reference request email. For example, if you are looking for a position as a computer engineer, you probably wouldn’t send a reference request to your high school teacher, since you need someone who can attest to your technical skills. Having the right person as your reference can help make your CV stand out! 🖋 Write a clear subject line. When asking for a reference by email, pay attention to your subject line. Your references get inundated with daily emails and some are more urgent than others. There is a chance your reference request letter could get lost in all the noise. Make sure you write a clear and simple subject line to catch their attention and make your reference request needs clear. 🖋 Phrase the question carefully. When you consider how to ask someone to be a reference, it’s important to be professional and make your reference request politely. Don’t sound too demanding or try to rush them. You might end up setting the wrong tone in your request for a reference and alienating your contact. It’s vital that they have good things to say about you. 🖋 Include details about the job you’re applying for in your reference request email. When asking someone to be a reference, it could be helpful to include details about the position you want. Your reference request email should be informative, not vague. This will help your reference prepare something to say about you when the hiring manager makes contact. Details like the name of the position and of the company, or the skills you have, are important to include in your reference request. They can make your reference’s job easier. 🖋 Show your appreciation for their help. A little gratitude goes a long way when you ask someone to be a reference. Let them know you appreciate their help and that their letter is valuable and useful. If you lead with gratitude, your reference request sounds inviting instead of demanding, and your contact could be more generous with their feedback. 🖋 Attach your resume to the reference request email. When you ask someone to be a reference, it’s helpful to include your resume in the reference request email. It gives your reference an opportunity to review your skills and experience, so they can give your new hiring manager a more complete appraisal. 🖋 Don’t pressure people into doing it. When you send a reference request email, don’t make your contact feel obligated to provide a reference for you. Everyone is dealing with their own busy schedules, and your reference request could cause undue stress or hardship. Don’t apply pressure to anyone and instead remain hopeful that they can make time to help you out. Ultimately, when you ask someone to be a reference, they are doing you a favor.How to Ask Someone to be a Reference Email ExampleIt’s important to get the reference request email right, to secure your connection and make sure your reference is more positive. If you’re unsure how to ask someone for a reference, you can use this sample reference request email to guide you. Subject line: Reference Request for Richard Johnson Dear Jane, I hope this email reaches you well. It’s great to connect with you again. I am emailing to ask if you would be content to write a reference letter for me. I would be very grateful if you’re able to vouch for my skills and the work ethic I demonstrated while working on your team at Great Childcare Company. Currently, I am looking for a new position as an early childhood educator. My experience at Great Childcare Company helped me develop the skills and confidence I need to excel in this new role. I’m excited to move forward with my goals and your reference would add value to my application. My resume is attached. If you have any questions, or if I can clarify my experience at all, please don’t hesitate to ask. Thank you for considering my request, and I hope you have a great week. Best,Richard Reference Request Email TemplateWriting a reference request email can be challenging if you’re not familiar with the tone and structure. Use this reference request email template to simplify your writing process.Subject Line: Reference Request for [Name] Dear [Name of Reference], I hope you are doing well and still thriving at [Company Name]. I am emailing to ask if you are open to writing a reference letter for me. If you could vouch for my skills and character while working for [Company Name], I would be very grateful. I am seeking a new position as a [Position Name]. I’m excited to take this next step in my career and I feel my experience at [Company Name] makes me a good candidate for this new role. Your reference would be valuable in my job search. My resume is attached, and please let me know if there is any other information I can provide. Thank you very much for considering me. Always happy to hear from you. Warm Regards,[Name] 🔑 Key TakeawaysNot everyone knows how to ask someone to be a job reference, but it’s important to have a list of references ready when you are searching for a new job. These reference requests can add value to your application because they can provide your hiring manager with a better picture of your skills, experience, and character. Whether you chose a previous supervisor, teacher, or counsellor, your reference request should be someone who will speak positively about your qualifications and attitude. A strong reference starts with a good reference request email, so make sure your reference request is polite and professional. Give detail about the new position and avoid pressuring your reference into helping you. Chose your references carefully since the people in your network can help you in your job search and accelerate your career.With Cake, you can easily create your resume with ourfree resume builder. You can use ourfree resume templateslibrary, create aATS-friendly resumeand download it in PDF file. Start your Cake journey today and land your dream job at no time!Create resume--- Originally written by Tiffany Quinn---

Created by CakeIn this article, you’ll learn: Should You Put References on a Resume?Where Do You Put References on a Resume?How to Write References on a ResumeHow to Format Reference on a ResumeResume Reference ExamplesProfessional references on a resume are a list of people who will provide information about you and your work to potential employers. Employers prefer a list of professional references because they can receive a second view of the value you'll bring to their team from a 3rd party.Each professional reference can affirm recruiters when it comes to your character, abilities, and work performance. Recruiters want to utilize your references to double-check what you've put on your resume. References on your resume are utilized to verify facts of your job experience and to confirm many of the excellent traits they noticed throughout the interview.Professional references vs. Character references First and foremost, it is important to distinguish these two types of references on a resume. A professional reference can come from people you have worked with. When putting professional references on your resume, make sure those people or contacts can provide a positive outlook on your work performance. A potential employer can contact them to ask about your performance, your tasks within a company, or your qualities in previous jobs. A list of professional references can be from former employers, colleagues, or advisors.A character reference in a resume includes people who are familiar with the candidate's character and abilities. A character reference in a resume tends to not come from the employer. These references on a resume can be from friends, business acquaintances, or professors. Should You Put References on a Resume?According to resume experts, references on a resume shouldn't be included unless the recruiter specifically asks for one. HR departments are ladened with a lot more important tasks than going through each candidate's list of resume references. That's why most times, professional references aren't requested until there's a possibility of you getting hired. This, however, is not a resolute "no." Certain job descriptions require their candidates to provide references or testimonials. Notable among them are consulting firms that require candidates to provide testimonials of their performance from their previous firm(s). So, job seekers are allowed to include their references in their resumes in cases like this. References on a resume should only be included when requested. Otherwise, you should consider them to be excluded or kept in a separate document. Adding references to a resume is accepted in the following situations: ✅ The recruiter specifically asks for a reference list. If the recruiter demands a reference list or page for a resume, make sure you include it in your application. ✅ You are applying for jobs in the legal field. If you're applying for a job in the legal field, you can include your reference list in your resume. This is so the recruiter might have an idea of the cases you've worked on and the skills you have developed. Law firms are usually very competitive, so having a list of professional references that shows a high profile of contacts, firms, and skills you've acquired would be sure to land you the job faster. ✅ You are still a student. You can include references on your resume from people such as professors or advisors. It is advisable nowadays that students seek internship opportunities while in school to further boost their employment chances. You can also add the networks you made during this time into the reference list on your resume. This will be great as you won’t only count on your university or college. ✅ You just graduated. Just like students, fresh graduates can also include their references on a resume. The majority of students and fresh graduates still lack work experience and might not have contacts that could recommend them. Due to this, most recruiters allow this group to have a mix of contacts in their reference list. They could be their favorite professor, a past leader they'd worked under in school or a member of a group they headed. ✅ You still have plenty of space left in your resume. Do take note that every word in your resume should be of value and quality. Every amount of free space counts, so you may write a professional reference section or add a list if it’s necessary. Where Do You Put References on a Resume?There are some common ways of listing references on your resume. Here are some things to take in mind when writing references for a resume: ✒️ Writing “References available upon request” This common way of mentioning references on your resume is something you should avoid. Employers already know this and besides, this takes up space in your resume. Don't waste a resume line by saying something that's obvious. ✒️ A separate references section at the end of the resume You can list your references under a separate section on your resume, just like other resume parts (e.g. work experience, skills). When listing references on a resume, make sure to place this section at the end, since other sections are more important. Remember that the references on your resume may only be considered if employers want to inquire more about you, assuming you get the job interview. Here is an example of a resume references section: PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES Steve Halloway - Business Consultant at SX Solutions8912 East Lane Miami, FL, 33177[email protected]305-300-7891Carl Johnson - Senior Strategist at VX Technologies2812 Bellman Avenue Miami, FL, 33129[email protected]305-300-7891Larry Stewart - Human Resources Director at GlobalVision3820 West Road Atlanta, GA, 30305[email protected]404-300-8492 ✒️ A separate sheet of reference list You can dedicate a page for your professional references only if necessary. Here is an example of a resume reference page:Created using CakeHow to Write References on a ResumeHere are some steps to mind when listing references on a resume: 1. Decide on the number of references to include in the resume reference list. If you make a section for professional references, you may provide 2 or 3 references, depending on how much space you have on your resume. You can provide up to 5 references if you are using a reference sheet. Refer to each reference list example for your resume shown in this article for a better idea. 2. Think about networks who can be good references for you. People suitable for your references on your resume are those colleagues, employers, mentors, or professors whom you had a positive relationship with. Additionally, think of contacts with whom you established a strong bond and who have praised you for your past accomplishments at work.On the other hand, people who are not fit to be part of your references on your resume are those who you feel are not close enough. Also, people you have had conflicts with are not suitable for putting as references on your resume. 3. Reach out to the people who you want as references. Ask your contacts if they don’t mind being listed as references on your resume. Make sure to ask for their contact details such as email, phone number, and address. 4. Determine how you want to list the reference on your resume. Lastly, it is up to you if you want to make a section on your resume or provide a separate sheet exclusively for your professional references. How to Format Reference on a ResumeWhen listing references in your resume, it is vital to have the following elements:Name The most basic detail that cannot be missed out on when putting references on a resume. This is how employers will know who your contacts are and thus can address them properly (if they want to contact them).Position and company For this element, the name of the company just suffices to save space. Any other details can be shown in the brief description part.Address List details such as street address and ZIP code to be clear on what branch or office you were employed in.Phone number It is up to you if you want to provide the office number or your contact’s cellphone. If it’s the latter, make sure your acquaintance is okay with this.Email Include the work email of your professional references to maintain a professional touch.Brief description of the referral Give details of who the referee is and what was your relationship with them in your references on your resume.Here is an editable resume references format you can freely use: REFERENCES [Name of referrer] | [Title/Position of referrer] [Company where referrer works][Referrer’s contact address][Referrer’s phone number][Referrer’s email] [1 sentence describing your relationship with the referrer]. Resume Reference ExamplesIn this section, here are some more examples of references on a resume. Please take a look at each sample of references on a resume to have a better understanding. Reference in resume for freshers Here is a resume reference list example for freshers: REFERENCES Sally Harrison | Professor of Organizational ManagementUniversity of Texas110 Inner Campus Drive Austin, TX (800) [email protected] was my professor in three courses and my faculty advisor for my business administration degree.Timothy Jackson | Director of HRKelko Company4234 West Street Austin, TX(323) [email protected] was my supervisor during my internship at Kelko Company as an HR assistant.Darren Kelly | Academic AdvisorUniversity of Texas110 Inner Campus Drive Austin, TX (800) [email protected] has been my advisor throughout my 4 years as a business student at the University of Texas.Michael Torretto | Senior AssistantKelko Company4234 West Street Austin, TX(800) [email protected] was a colleague whom I worked closely with during my 6-month internship at Kelko. Reference in resume for students Make sure each reference in your resume contains relevant details. Here is an example for students: REFERENCES Richard Gawkins | Professor of Big Data Analysis University of FloridaGainesville, FL 32611(600) [email protected] was my professor during my junior year at the University of Florida.Fernando Argueta | Dean of Student’s OfficeUniversity of FloridaGainesville, FL 32611(600) [email protected] has looked at my performance academically and also in extracurricular activities during my time on campus.Nelson Anderson | Academic AdvisorUniversity of FloridaGainesville, FL 32611(600) [email protected] has been my academic advisor at the university from 2010 to 2014. Reference in resume from coworkers The last example provided displays professional references from coworkers. REFERENCES Yasmina Sara | Marketing DirectorCornwall Lex3074 Despard Street Atlanta, GA(800) [email protected] is the director I work with during my time on Cornwall Lex and is familiar with all the tasks and responsibilities I was involved in.Terry Nimat | Director of Business and DevelopmentCornwall Lex3074 Despard Street Atlanta, GA(800) [email protected] is a colleague whom I communicated with while doing cross-department campaigns at Cornwall Lex.Gunder Lambert | Social Marketing SpecialistCornwall Lex3074 Despard Street Atlanta, GA(800) [email protected] is a friend and former colleague who is familiar with my work experience and performance at Cornwall Lex.Bevis Geoff | Performance Marketing SpecialistSkye Corporations2194 Mount Olive Road Atlanta, GA(800) [email protected] is a colleague from Skye who worked with me on various marketing projects from 2011 to 2014.Marianne Hedvig | Marketing AssistantSkye Corporations2194 Mount Olive Road Atlanta, GA(800) [email protected] is a colleague who I supervised and worked with at Skye during my last year working there.🔑 Key TakeawaysHere are some important points to keep in mind when adding references to your resume: Employers value references on a resume, but usually, it is not mandatory to provide them when applying for jobs.Professional references may be needed under specific circumstances, such as applying for a job in the legal field, the recruiter asks for them, or you are still a student.You can decide between using a reference page for your resume or making an extra section just like the other parts of a resume (e.g. skills, work experience).People who are suitable for your references are those who can vouch for you and give a positive third opinion about your character and capabilities. People who are NOT suitable are those with whom you may have had conflicts or disagreements. Lastly, reach out to people you want to include in your professional references and see if they are ok with it.Each reference shall have the following elements: name, position, address, phone number, email, and a brief description of your reference.With Cake, you can easily create a resume online, free download your resume’s PDF formats, and utilize ATS-compliant templates to create a resume. Land your dream job, create your resume online (free download) now!Create resume--- Originally written by Jose Joaquin Rosales---

Created by CakeResumeIn this article, we'll cover: What Is a Character Reference?Why Does the Interviewer Need a Character Reference?How to Write a Character Reference?Character Reference ExamplesTips for Writing a Successful Character ReferenceWhen it comes to reference letters, employers usually look for letters written by candidates’ senior colleagues, direct supervisors, or former managers. They provide information related to a candidate’s professional performance in a workplace, yet such professional references tend to overlook their fitness to the team and to the culture of the company. Therefore, the employer sometimes asks for a character reference letter. A character reference or a personal reference letter is written for a friend, a co-volunteer, or any other members of your own personal association by someone who doesn’t know the candidate professionally but personally, or even dearly. 📍The Difference between a professional reference and a character reference While professional references address one’s skills, work ethic, and professionalism in the context of work, a character reference takes into consideration of one's personal qualities such as integrity and character, and it is often written in the context that is outside of a work environment. You can ask for a character reference letter from your pastor, neighbors, or simply a friend. What Is a Character Reference?A character reference is a letter written by a referee who knows you and can attest to your personal quality, which explains why it is also called a personal reference or personal reference letter. One can also see it as a letter of recommendation for a friend. A character reference letter is written by someone that has not worked with you on a professional basis but knows you on a personal level and can speak for your personal qualities, such as a friend or your academic advisor. The hiring manager will use the character reference letter to evaluate a candidate’s compatibility with the existing team through different parameters besides skills and experience, such as candidate’s temperament, personal traits, and behavior. Why Does the Interviewer Need a Character Reference?If you are asked to write a character reference letter for a friend or the leader of your volunteering service, the very character letter gives valuable insights into the candidate’s character to the recruiter. The hiring manager or whoever requests the document uses the candidate’s character reference to understand the candidate better as the referee should endorse the positive traits that the candidate has, through examples from the personal relationship between the two. In contrast to the professional reference in your resume that focuses on the candidate’s skills and experience, recruiters use the character reference in the resume to know whether the candidate possesses the personal traits that resonate with the role of the job and the company’s culture. Since it is the goal for every recruiter to not only hire the most capable but also the most compatible employee for the position, a character reference serves as an additional document for the recruiters to have a better picture of how the candidate would fit in by providing the following aspects: Role Assessment What a professional reference often fails to indicate is the candidate’s fitness to the existing workforce and the company’s culture. The personal traits that a character reference enlists may serve as indicators to help the recruiter to understand the compatibility between the position and the candidate’s character. Additional Perspectives A professional reference speaks directly to your day-to-day work habits, whereas a character reference is a good way to add more insights to the candidate’s professional documents or to help the recruiter confirm their impression about you if not get better ideas about you. Credibility A character reference can also work as a third-party credential for the information written in the resume. If the recruiter can find consistency between referees’ inputs and the candidate’s professional representation, such character reference could potentially boost the credibility of the claims written in the resume. How to Write a Character Reference?It does not matter if you are the referee or the candidate in a character reference letter, the skill to compose a proper character reference is crucial to every professional personnel. It takes certain techniques and procedures to produce a successful character reference letter. Before we show you the examples of a well-composed character reference, there are some principles to follow when writing a character reference. Therefore, we concluded the five following keynotes that your character letter should include in order to create a powerful character reference: 📝 Explain your relationship with the candidate In the first paragraph of your character reference the referee should introduce themselves to the reader by stating the type of the relationship that you have with the candidate. It can be the friendship or mentorship between the two of you. 📝 Make how long you have known the candidate known The next step is to let the reader understand the history of the relationship by briefly addressing how long you have known each other. For example, you can start your character letter by saying that you and the candidate have been in the same charity service for seven years. 📝 Include examples that show the candidate’s positive traits A character reference should focus on three to five personal qualities and support these statements with positive examples from your own personal experience with the candidate, such as the candidate's work ethics that you have witnessed. 📝 Finish with a recommendation statement Conclude your character reference by stating why the candidate is a good fit for the position. Your personal reaffirmation will render as a strong testimony for the candidate's application. For instance, you can recommend that the candidate’s attention to details will make themselves a perfect auditor. 📝 Include your contact information ­ Upon the completion of a character reference, include at least two to three specifications of your contact information, such as your phone number and Emails. If the recruiter needs further confirmation or details, it is your responsibility as a referee to collaborate. Character Reference ExamplesHere are two examples of character reference letters that adapt the above-mentioned principles,and they can be used as references when you are writing your own character reference. The first one will be a character reference letter for a co-volunteer while the second one is a character letter for a fellow student: ​​✉️ Character Reference Letter Sample 1 Dear Hiring Manager, I have known Jason Wu for more than 6 years. We met each other at the animal shelter where we volunteered. He later helped me set up my work studio when I started my first business venture in 2016 by offering his assistance during the construction process and the preparation of the opening ceremony. Jason is one of the most intelligent, meticulous, and hard-working people that I have ever collaborated with. At the same time, he is also kind, altruistic and extremely sympathetic towards others. He is the kind of person that will put others’ needs before him. He used to sleep in the shelter for animals that were new to the place so that he could keep them company until the animals were familiar with their environment. Jason’s attention to detail is so mesmerizing that he would often be asked to help the workers at the shelter review the various documentation of the animals and find inconsistencies in the text that no one would even notice, and that attention had never seemed to be distracted regardless of how chaotic the given situation was. As a result, his presence always brings a sense of confidence to the team. Therefore, I recommend Jason for the position of the human resource manager. Ibelieve any organization that would have him onboard can only benefit from his contribution and character. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Sincerely,Lisa Wagner 262-200-6459[email protected] ✉️ Character Reference Letter Sample2 Dear Admission Director, Cara and I have known each other for more than three years. After we met in the chess competition host by the school, she offered to teach me how to improve my chess skills, and she later agreed to tutor me for calculus and other subjects that I had difficulty understanding. Throughout our academic careers, I have always admired her for her positive attitude, leadership nature, and galvanizing passion. She has a personality that is so contagious that her presence in any study groups or project activities will almost create an ambience that compels you to engage and devote yourself. For example, during one of our project activities, she was assigned as the leader of our group. After easily delivering the assignment with her incredible skills in task organization and time management, she then started to assist the host to help other teams to finish the project, and she was able to help the least performing team to finish the project in time with respectable results. When she informed me about her decision in applying to your program, I knew she was going to be an excellent candidate for the position as a research assistant. As honored as I am to recommend her for this position, I can confidently attest her exceptional capability and personality. If you have any questions, I will be happy to answer. Kind Regards,Thomas Smith, 210-200-4525[email protected] Tips for Writing a Successful Character ReferenceWhen composing a character reference letter, there are some principles that you should keep in mind in order to write a character letter that will maximize the effect of your recommendation. In conclusion to what we have introduced so far, here are some takeaways for anyone who wants to write a perfect character reference: 1. Describe the Candidate Positively When you are writing a character reference letter, it is a letter of recommendation for a friend. Therefore, the writer better make sure that it reflects the candidate’s personal traits and character in a positive manner. 2.Private Details Should Be Avoided Although your character letter should include the personal qualities of the candidate, the referee should filter the examples and stories that they use in the character reference. Matters that are too intimate or personal should be avoided, as they might not necessarily be appropriate. 3.Be Concise Since recruiters and the hiring managers usually have to evaluate dozens of resumes and character letters in a day, your character reference should not exceed more than one page to ensure that the recruiter will finish reading it in a reasonable timespan. 4. Specific Examples Are Crucial A character reference or a personal reference letter provides important insights to the candidate’s character through examples from your personal experience with the candidate. Therefore, the referee should provide examples that can sufficiently back up the claim in the character reference letter. 5.Be Careful with Who You Write a Character Reference for Avoid writing a character reference foryour immediate family, since your opinions of them can easily be considered biased. It will in turn damage the credibility of the character letter. Don't let resume mistakes hold you back. Scan your resume with our AI checker and get personalized recommendations to land more interviews.Scan Resume Now--- Originally written by Jun Mao ---

Writing Letter of Support GuidlinesIn a competitive job market, the first thing you need to do is to do everything you can to make your application stand out. Extensive experience, in-demand skills, and a well-written cover letter are essential, but being endorsed by others with a letter of support is a powerful way to boost your applications. This endorsement works both ways, and a well-written letter of support can help you make moves or get expected outcomes in your proposed project. We provide you with guidelines and key points on how to write a persuasive letter of support, example as well as provide some templates to make the process easier. TABLE OF CONTENTSWhat is a Letter of Support?5 Elements to Include in a Letter of SupportSupport Letter TemplatesLetter of Support ExamplesTips for Writing Letters of SupportWriting a Support Letter FAQsKey Takeaways What is a Letter of Support? Letters of support are letters written by someone else who aims to persuade an employer or institution to hire or admit you into a job or program. Simply put, it will strengthen an application of yours. Letters of support are often requested as a way of validating someone’s character, capabilities, or personality in a concise way that a resume often can’t. It can allow candidates to stand out among others by receiving support and praise from someone who has first-hand experiences with them. Scenarios a letter of support might be required include: College or University Applications A letter of support is often needed and can benefit a university application as university admission boards aim to admit well-rounded and brilliant minds students into their program. A college or university letter of support often includes a testimony of a student’s academic capabilities, and personal traits such as being motivated, a leader, or as validation of certain experiences, responsibilities, or projects they had done. Job Applications or Professional References In the competitive job market, a letter of support is sometimes required by employers to validate a candidate's experiences or skills. A resume is written by the candidate, so employers use letters of support as a way of acquiring professional references in the screening stage. A letter of support is most often requested in specific roles like those in high-level positions. Scholarship or Grant Applications A supporting letter is often required by scholarship and grant applications, as a way of verifying someone's achievements. A letter of support for scholarships and grants is often written by academic references, such as a professor or lecturer in a relevant specialty. These letters also add credibility to a candidate’s grant application, especially when submitted by an institution or organization. Nominations for Awards or Recognition Award nominations require letters of support as a crucial component in persuading judges or voters. These testimonials are instrumental in highlighting a person's achievements and praising their character in ways the nominees may not express themselves. Such letters greatly benefit nominees by setting them apart from their peers in competitive processes, underscoring their potential impact on organizations. These letters play a pivotal role in positioning a candidate favorably for an award. Legal Matters In certain circumstances, such as when providing persuasive letters for a character reference in court, a third-party testimonial can greatly benefit the defendant's case. When individuals are called upon to defend themselves in court, they may enlist someone familiar with them to produce a persuasive letter as evidence. This presents a distinct opportunity to offer a personalized perspective on the defendant to the jury in the form of letters, potentially influencing their perception positively. However, it should be noted that these references hold the right to refuse if they choose to do so. If needed, additional details can be addressed in the letters to further explain the defendant's character and circumstances.5 Elements to Include in a Letter of Support Some elements are needed in every letter to ensure that they effectively persuade the committee to consider your application. To ensure you are assisting in their application, remember to include the following in each section: 1. Introduction In the first few sentences, use the introduction to give a brief description and identify your connection with the applicant. Mention the organization or institution you both worked together at, as well as how long you have known them. Addressing the specific job, promotion, or scholarship by name, and that you are supporting the candidate in their application for it. 2. Statement of Support The candidate has likely sent you an outline of the job, award, or scholarship they are applying to. Make sure you read it thoroughly then make a statement that directly supports the commitment, objective, or mission of the organization. Use some keywords from the application and state that you believe that the candidate is capable of achieving the commitment or mission mentioned in the application. 3. Personal Anecdotes Share one detailed personal anecdote that showcases the candidate's true passion and how it greatly benefited a particular project or endeavor. In this anecdote, emphasize the candidate's credibility and point out how their drive, motivation, and capabilities contributed to the success of the undertaking. By elaborating on these aspects, provide insight into why the applicant would be a valuable addition to their team or organization. 4. Provide Examples When drafting the letter of support, it is crucial to mention any concrete or objective skills, achievements, or awards that the applicant possesses, as these credentials enhance the credibility and importance of their candidacy. This is particularly pertinent for new initiatives, such as a university, scholarship, or grant application, where demonstrating tangible results can significantly impact one's position. 5. Closing Statement and Contact Craft a compelling conclusion underscoring the applicant's proficiency and integrity, aligning seamlessly with the criteria for funding, resource allocation, and addressing future needs. Express your firm belief that the applicant embodies the essence of the award, job, or scholarship, and unequivocally merits it. Extend an invitation for further inquiries by providing your contact details, including your email, and specify your job title and company to establish your professional connection with the endorsed individual for the organization to see.📚Further reading: How to End a Cover Letter Cover Letter Closing Examples Support Letter Templates Follow this outline below as guidelines to easily make letters of support that will provide value to the candidates' application: Letter of Support Examples To assist you with writing your letter of support, we’ve made some example letters for common scenarios that you should take into consideration, vary from the grant proposal, and partnership to fund projects, which might require letters of support for inspiration: Student College Application Letter of Support To the Jonestown University Admissions Committee, I am Mrs. Jane Teech, a mathematics teacher at Lanestoon Senior High School. I have had the pleasure of teaching Sabrina Edwards over the last two years, and strongly support her pursuit of an engineering degree at Jonestown University. Sabrina is a passionate, conscientious learner, who has developed her skills and confidence in mathematics over the past two years. She is inquisitive and motivated, asking insightful questions in every class. She also empowers and lifts her classmates, often taking time out of her day to assist others in understanding concepts from class. Sabrina is responsible for creating the mathematics study club, where older students volunteer to assist younger ones with their mathematics classwork and homework. I believe her qualities and passion are highly reflective of the Jonestown University Motto – “Empower, Achieve, and Inspire”. Aside from the passion Sabrina has, Sabrina is also a high achiever. She has consistently achieved the top scores in the mathematics cohort over the past two years and goes above and beyond to learn complex concepts and their applications in engineering. She has demonstrated a strong desire and commitment to become an engineer, as she has attended and done many mathematics and robotics competitions and projects, winning or placing in everyone. I strongly believe Sabrina is capable of achieving great things with an engineering career. She demonstrates the Jonestown motto not only in her character but in her achievements as well. I strongly encourage you to seriously consider Sabrina Edwards, as she will no doubt be one of the valuable resources for admission to the Jonestown Engineering Program. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss further. I am available at [email protected]. Thank you for your time, Jane Teech Lanestoon Senior High School Reference for Job Application Example Dear Hiring Manager, My name is Alice Manager, and I am writing on behalf of Tim Jobson for his application for the Senior Business Analyst role at SwiftTech. I have overseen Tim’s progress over the past 3 years, and I believe he is more than ready to step into a senior role. Tim is an incredibly results-oriented team player. Tim is intrinsically motivated to achieve set goals and finds great pleasure in motivating others to do the same. Tim can handle working under pressure, which is of great importance in an industry as fast-paced as finance, as he can think creatively and flexibly regardless of deadlines or changes. This became very beneficial to us during our restructuring phase, where he consistently uplifted team morale and allowed us to reach targets during a difficult time. Aside from Tim’s admirable character, Tim is also a strong analytical mind. Tim is capable of using Analytics software, and can quickly teach others as well. Tim is also a great presenter, leading many of our meetings, and has been praised by stakeholders for his public speaking skills. The reasons listed above are why I believe Tim is ready to take the next step in his career. Tim is looking for a new challenge, and I believe a senior role is what he needs. If you would like to discuss further, please contact me on [email protected]. Thank you, Alice Manager Team lead at Moneylitics Support Letter to Endorse a Coworker for a Promotion To Sarah Salaree, I am writing to support my coworker Aidan Travis for the promotion into the Team Leader role. I have had the pleasure of working with Aidan for the past year, and believe he would be a great fit for the role. Aidan has brought much success to the operations team at SwiftTech, as he is a fast learner who contributed valuable efforts to the team’s work. He is a great team player, who can easily take leadership in large tasks such as the pitch for a finance platform last quarter. Aidan’s initiative does not go unnoticed, with many of our coworkers turning to him for guidance. Aside from Aidan’s initiative and leadership qualities, he is also a valuable member of the team. Aidan has expertise in technology and product development, which would be an incredibly useful addition to the leadership team. Aidan is a great teacher, and would be capable of onboarding new staff in a structured and manageable way. It is for these reasons I believe that Aidan is a great fit for the Team Leader role. If you would like to discuss with me further, please email me at [email protected] Thank you, Damian Endawse Operations Member, SwiftTech Support Letter for a Scholarship or Grant Proposal To the Jonestown University Psychology Department, I am writing to endorse Lily Piaget for the Jonestown Research Grant in Psychology. Lily and I have worked together as research assistants for the past 2 years, and I believe her skills and expertise should be awarded with the Independent Researcher Grant from Jonestown. Lily is a fantastic researcher, who pours passion into every piece of work. Lily has contributed to over 10 publications under Professor Tyrone Seligman, coordinating the collaboration between Jonestown and other Universities. Lily’s insight and analytical mind are valuable to the team, as she does wide reading out of pure interest. This, I believe, is one of the key reasons why our department has produced so many publications in the past 2 years. Aside from Lily’s character, Lily has contributed greatly to the Psychology Institute at Jonestown. She is responsible for creating the student participant pool system, accelerating the speed of acquiring research participants by 120%. She also created all onboarding, debriefing and informed consent documents required for human research at Jonestown. It is for these reasons I believe Lily is a deserving candidate of the Independent Researcher Grant. Lily already possesses the skills of a great researcher, and her output will contribute greatly to the Jonestown Psychology Department. By providing funding through this grant, Lily will continue to achieve great research and contribute to the field of Psychology. If you would like to discuss further, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you, Delilah Skinner Research Assistant, Jonestown University Psychology Department Tips for Writing Letters of Support As you can see from the examples above, there are many ways to write letters of support. We’ve collected some extra tips, so don't need to do the research yourself, for ways you can make your letter of support stand out for the applicant: Highlight Strengths and Achievements Including the achievements and strengths of the applicant is the main focus of the letter. Always link these achievements to the goals or skills outlined in the application or scholarship. If there are objective or numerical data to back up these achievements, mention them as well. Positive, Sincere Tone Always write letters of support with a positive tone. Mention achievements and potential impact, and outline the applicant’s character genuinely and sincerely. To achieve this, use your personal experiences with the applicant to emphasize your points, and use emotional words to highlight the positive influence or how the applicant can be of good resources. A sincere tone sounds warm and genuine to discussing the applicant. For example: “Lily can motivate those around her and provides support, teaching, and guidance to her peers. It is for this reason I believe she deserves to be promoted to a Team Leader role, where she can influence others with leadership in the organization.” An average tone sounds distant and unfamiliar with the individual you are writing about and can come across as generic. For instance: “Lily is great at motivating others as she is always positive around the office. If she was promoted in the organization to be a Team Leader, she could do this to the whole team.” Employ Endorsement Language Use action words that emphasize your support of the candidate. Use words that project the candidate's credibility. Some endorsement words and phrases include: I strongly support…I implore you to consider…..is capable…possesses skills of..I believe....would be a great asset..would be of great resources Be Specific Use concrete anecdotes and examples to support your claims. If there is a concrete numerical or objective result or achievement, mention it as well. Mention a job, project, or scenario where the candidate shone, instead of making random and generic claims. Being specific involves providing useful detail about the candidate or situation, for instance: “Aidan used advanced analytics techniques, such as process simulation, to allow us to come up with a unique business plan for our biggest client. As a result, our client exceeded their target by 59%.” Being generic leaves out details, and does not show how the candidate provided value, for example: “Aidan is incredibly proficient for the position, and was able to analyze the complex data collected during Q2 outstandingly.” Writing a Support Letter FAQs Here are some common and up-to-date FAQs about writing support letters, and their answers! Should the person who writes the support letter be the one who submits it? Generally speaking, yes. For many academic applications, such as for university acceptance or scholarship awarding, there is usually a designated system for uploading support letters. For internal promotions or job applications, it should be sent by the person who writes it directly to the appropriate person’s email address. Should the letter of support be generic, or should it be customized for each occasion? Letters of support should be customized to the specific occasion. Every letter should include all of the essential elements, but the anecdotes and details of the applicant's character should be customized to reflect the application. What is the typical length of a supporting letter? Two pages are considered too long. Hence, it should be approximately 250 words or within one page. Should I allow the person being supported to read the letter beforehand? You can if you like. The candidate might want to check the letter before it is submitted to ensure that it reflects the objectives of the job, scholarship or promotion. Can I co-write the supporting letter with someone else, or should it be a single-author document? To avoid confusing the reader, it is best to write the supporting letter by yourself. A supporting letter should detail one specific anecdote and outline one point of personal connection with the candidate, instead of many different experiences.Key Takeaways Some final details before wrapping up: overall, a supporting letter serves as a means to endorse someone in their pursuit of a new job, scholarship, or promotion. Address all the required elements as mentioned in the guidelines above, and using a personal connection to back up your supporting statements, you can ensure the candidate will stand out in any programs he or she is applying for. Being sincere in your tone and avoiding generic language will persuade the reader even more, and if there is any objective or numerical data to back up your claims, don't forget to include them! Follow our templates outlined in the article or browse CakeResume for more!Ready to give your resume the edge it needs? Try our AI-powered resume checker to identify gaps and optimize your content in seconds.Check My Resume --- Originally Written by Bronte McNamara ---

Resume writing guideline and tips in 2023 Crafting a professional resume is crucial to make a good first impression on potential employers. However, job seekers may need guidance to create an impressive resume that captures recruiters' interest. Fear not, as Cake — thebest resume builder, is here to guide you through the process of writing a professional resume in 2023. In this blog, we'll cover everything you need to know to write and create an astounding resume that can help you land your next career move. 📌 TABLE OF CONTENT What Is a Resume? Resume Writing Do's and Don'ts 9 Must-Have Resume Sections The Best Resume Builder What Is a Resume?A resume is a brief summary of skills, experience, and education. Its purpose is to impress potential employers and lead to an interview. While it won't guarantee employment, a well-crafted resume can convince potential employers of suitability for the job. In order to do so, you'll need to have 9 essential key sections on your resume. Keep reading to find out what they are!It's important to note that a resume and a CV serve different purposes. While a resume is typically used for job applications, a CV is usually used for academic pursuits such as post-graduate or PhD programs.You can create a resume using many different tools, like the traditional Microsoft Word,design tool like Canva, or resume builder like Cake. Later one, we’ll instruct you to choose the best online resume builder that is not only free but also help you with all you need! 📖 Further reading: What is a resume? [Definition, elements, writing tips, and examples] Resume Writing Do's and Don'tsWhen writing a resume, there are two common issues that bother us all. Whether you’re a seasoned employee with years of work experience or a fresher who just graduated with no work experience. They are: “What to include in a resume?” and“What NOT to include in a resume?” A professional resume should be able to serve its ultimate purpose, which is to help you land interviews. After reviewing your resume, recruiters and hiring managers should at least be able to learn the three following information:Is the candidate qualified for this job position in terms of skills, knowledge, and experience?What can the candidate contribute to the company based on previous work experience and achievements?How to contact the candidate if they’re qualified? In order to do so, there are five fundamental sections you must include in your resume in order for it to be deemed as “good.” They are:Contact InformationWork ExperienceEducationSkills (technical soft)Achievements and Awards While you can skip sections such as interests and hobbies, some jobs might require it. So you can read this article to know about theoccasions when it's suitable to mention hobbies and interests. What to Include in a Resume:Contact InformationProfile Summary / Career ObjectiveEducationWork ExperienceSkills and QualificationsAwards and AchievementsWhat to Exclude from a Resume:Marital statusPhoto (headshot)Religious preferenceIrrelevant ExperienceHobbies and InterestsComplete mailing address 📙 Further reading:5 Essential Steps to Build A Convincing Resume | Resume Building Guideline 9 Must-Have Resume Sections 1.Resume headline/title A resume headline which is located in the header section of a resume, summarizes your working experience, strengths, and qualifications. It is often used to show recruiters that you’re a perfect fit for the vacancy. To quickly catch the recruiters’ eye, remember to carefully tailor your resume headline/title according to the job applied Here’re some tips for you to refer to while writing a resume headline/title:Utilize keywords: You can refer to the job post and read the description carefully. What are the required qualifications or skills? If you have any of the skills or experience the employer’s looking for, include them in the headline.Keep it concise: A resume title should be short but concise. An ideal headline should be within 10 words.Customize: It is necessary to customize the headline for each resume when you are applying for different job positions since every company has diverse job requirements (even when they’re hiring for the same profession!).Capitalize: In order to catch a hiring manager’s attention quickly, it’s suggested to capitalize the headline. 💡 TIPSWhile adding certain details, such as a profile picture or personal background, may enhance your resume, they can also become a deal-breaker in some cases. As a rule of thumb, only include information that is directly relevant to the job requirements. Adding photos or personal details are typically unnecessary unless specifically requested by the employer. If you still have no idea how to write a professional resume title, here are 2 easy formulas for you: Resume headline writing formulas: 📍 [An adjective describing your personal trait] + [Job title] + with + [Experience] 📍 [An adjective describing your personal trait] + [Job title] + Skilled in/Specializing in + [Skill/Qualification] Resume headline examples:Creative Digital Marketer Specializing in SEODetail-Oriented Baby Sitter with First Aid TrainingMultilingual Translator Skilled in Website TranslationChartered Accountant with Analytical and Interpersonal SkillsGoal-Oriented Sales Representative with 5 Years of Experience in FMCG 📚Further reading:Resume Headline｜Examples, Templates, Writing Guide 2. Resume summary/Resume career objectives A professional resume objective can be seen as an extension of your resume headline, more like a resume summary statement. Initially, a career objective on a resume was used to express a job seeker's professional aspirations. Nowadays, the purpose of a resume objective has evolved to become a concise summary of a candidate's qualifications and achievements, highlighting what they can bring to the table. On the other hand, a resume summary is a brief paragraph consisting of 2 to 3 sentences that encapsulate the candidate's relevant qualifications, career objectives, and desired job title. It should emphasize the candidate's skills, experiences, current job search status, and career vision to grab the attention of potential employers. 💡 TIPS It is suggested that freshers and career changers include a career objective or summary in their resume. Like resume titles, resume summaries, and objectives are not strictly required for a resume. However, a good summary/objective can spice up your resume and catch the attention of recruiters. A good resume summary and objectives should be concise, eye-catching, and, most importantly, should be closely related to the job position and the culture of the company you’re applying for.  Concise, eye-catching, and most importantly, it should be closely related to the job position and the culture of the company you’re applying for. How to write a summary/objective for a resume?Keywords: Read through the job post carefully and collect keywords of required skills, experience, and personal traits that match yours. Use them wisely in the personal statement to catch a recruiter’s (or an applicant tracking system’s!) attention.Growth (optional):State your career goals and how the job/company can help you achieve them.Value: Instead of only gabbling about what you can gain from the company, an employer cares more about how you can add value to the company.Accomplishment: Remember to include your accomplishment at work to beef up your objective statement. It can be certification, license, and award that’s relevant to the position. If you would like to highlight any outstanding work performances in the past, don’t forget to utilize numbers!Place at the top: Depending on the format, a career objective should be placed under the resume title or contact information. Here are 2 simple formulas for freshers and career changers to write a good resume objective/summary:  Resume objective writing formula for freshers: 📍 [Your major] graduate with [required skills for the position] skills.Currently seeking a position as a [job title] at [company name], to [career goal].Gained [required experience or ability] experience at [academic/extra-curricular activities], receiving/achieving [achievements or awards]. Career objective example for freshers: Computer Science graduate with proven front-end coding skills. Currently seeking a position as a Frontend Developer at Amazon to leverage coding UX skills to help improve user experience and conversion rate. Gained application development experience at Tata Consultancy Services in internship programs, receiving Best Intern Award for excellent performance.Marketing graduate with outstanding analytical skills. Currently seeking a position as a Marketing Strategist at Facebook to apply my passion knowledge for content writing and marketing strategic planning. Gained social media and offline marketing experience at the student association as Marketing Lead, receiving Student Organization Leadership Awards for outstanding performance. Resume summary writing formula for career changers: 📍 [Previous job title] with [required skills for the position] skills.Currently seeking a position as a [Job title] at [company name], to [career goal].Built [required experience or ability] experience at [work experience], receiving/achieving [achievements or awards]. Resume summary examples for career changers: Patient and detailed-oriented customer service agent with proven communication organization skills. Currently seeking a position as a Product Manager at SoFi, to enhance customer loyalty and user experience. Built problem-solving UX research experience at Delhivery as a Customer Care Specialist, achieving a 30% increase in user retention rate in 3 months.Elementary education teacher with lesson planning classroom management skills. Currently seeking a position as a Classroom Teacher at Merion Elementary School to apply my 10 years of teaching experience to create better educational content. 💡TIPS A professional summary/objective for a resume should be around 30 to 50 words. A summary/objective with more than 100 words is considered too lengthy. 3. Personal details When crafting your resume, it is important to avoid including any irrelevant personal information. Instead, focus on including key details that will help you stand out as a qualified candidate. These details should include:Full nameEmail addressMobile numberCountry and city you’re currently in(Optional) Active links to your portfolio(Optional) Active links to your LinkedIn profile However, there are certain personal details that should never be included in your resume. These details are:AgeMarital statusSexual orientationReligious preferenceSocial Security numberComplete mailing addressIrrelevant social media links 📕 Further reading:Personal Details in Resume｜Samples, Formats, Writing Guide 4. Skills (personal skills/technical skills) When it comes to listing skills on your resume, it's essential to tailor them to the job you're applying for. You should categorize your skills into bullet-point lists based on different skill sets and highlight the ones most relevant to the job requirements.There are generally two types of skills to include in a resume: technical skills (hard skills) and personal skills (soft skills). When selecting which skills to include, refer to the job description and highlight the skills that are particularly critical for the position. For instance: hard skills are especially important in a technical job. However, for jobs with no specific hard skills required, like teachers or baristas, you might consider adding computer skills or language skills to your resume.If you have gaps in your employment history, consider using a skill-based resume format (functional resume), which focuses on your skills and qualifications instead of your work history. Remember that it’s not about the number of skills you list but rather the quality and relevance to the position/industry. Ensure that the skills you include can answer the following questions:How are they relevant to the job requirements?How can they make you qualified for the work?How can they add value to the company? 💡TIPS Another point to keep in mind is that listing skills are a way to showcase your strengths, so there's no need to include weaknesses unless it's explicitly requested. When organizing your skill section, group them into categories based on the qualifications required for the job. Here are some examples of skill categories for software engineers and designers:Created via CakeCreated via Cake 💡 TIPS It's not suggested to use bars, charts, or ratings to display skill proficiency. These methods lack credibility and are not compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Instead, list skills in bullet points and include objective proof such as licenses, certifications, awards, or accomplishments. 5. Educational qualification An education section can be a vital factor in your resume, especially if you just graduated from college. How to list education on a resume? Educational qualifications should be listed in reverse chronological order, starting with your highest level of education. Usually, it is not recommended to include high school education on resumes. However, if it is your highest degree, it should definitely be included. What do I put for education on a resume? School nameSchool locationDegree levelMajor minorGraduation year (Optional) GPA(Optional)Relevant coursework(Optional)Academic honor (award, scholarship, publication) The content and placement of the education section can be adjusted accordingly to a job seeker’s seniority. Freshers with no or little work experience should make the most of the education section to highlight their achievements and knowledge learned. Some of you might wonder whether it is ok to leave education off your resume. If you’re a career changer with more than 5 years of work experience, simply state the school name, major, and graduation year of your highest level of education. Also, for experienced employees, placing the education section after the work experience section is suggested. How to list education in progress on a resume? If you’re currently in college, you can still list the in-progress degree on your resume with relevant coursework you’ve done. Simply note the expected graduation date beside the starting year.Should I include education on my resume if I didn't graduate? If you did not complete the degree (and you're not going to), it is not suggested to include it on your resume, unless you don't have any other education or training.To list an incomplete degree, you can include the name of the school and program and also relevant coursework you finished. Do note that you should not mislead employers in believing that you've graduated. 📖 Further reading:Education on Resume｜Examples, Templates, Writing Guide Created via Cake6. Work experience Work experience is the most important section of a resume. It can fully demonstrate your competency, qualification, and experience in a proper manner. In this section, full-time/part-time/contract/freelance work and internships can all be included as long as they are relevant to the position. How do I write my work experience on a resume?List the past work in a format of reverse chronological order, with 3 - 5 bullet points for each experience to indicate the skills learned and goals accomplished.Use past tense while describing work and goals you’ve achieved, no matter if they’re in your past or current jobs. It is allowable to use present tense for current jobs, but do notice to keep the tense consistent under each item.Make use of action verbs to construct strong statements. Also, adopt active voice instead of passive voice to write sentences, which can create a positive image. Here are 5 tips to keep in mind when writing the work experience sectionCustomize:Tailor-make the resume work experience section for different positions and companies. Read the job description carefully and do research on the corporate culture and industry trends to select the experiences and accomplishments that will help you stand out from other candidates.Consistency:Make sure your work experience appears to align with your career goals or path. “Should I include irrelevant work experience on a resume?” Since there’s a length limit for resumes, it’s only wise to exclude experiences that stray from the current career path. Trial and repeated job duties should also be removed.Keywords: To catch recruiters and Applicant Tracking System’s attention swiftly, insert keywords (e.g., specific skills, qualifications, and requirements) from the job post directly in the sentences.Quantify:Numbers can be eye-catching among a pile of words. Quantifying your achievements and experiences enables employers to understand your value more quickly and precisely.Explanation:Since recruiters can’t be experts in all fields, try further to explain some abbreviations, proper names, and statuses when necessary. Besides, if the resume is meant for a foreign company, do utilize further explanation to highlight your experience. How many years of work history/experience should be on a resume? It depends on the candidates’ seniority levels. Generally speaking, there should be 3 - 5 relevant work experiences (jobs) included on a resume, which can be traced back to 10 - 15 years ago for some senior-level job seekers. 💡TIPS If you are a fresher just out of college, you can include your academic, extra-curricular, volunteer, and internship experiences in college. However, it’s not suggested to add high school experiences on resumes if you’re a college graduate. How to include work projects in resume? Cake is the best online resume builder. Users are able to include maps, links, videos, images, and slides in their resumes to showcase skills and profession. Adding projects and portfolios can make your resume more appealing and professional, especially for designers, software engineers, and marketing professionals. Created via Cake Created via Cake 📖 Further Reading:Work Experience on a Resume｜Samples, Formats, Writing Guide7. Declaration in resume Resume declaration is a statement where job applicants assure their potential employers that everything included on the resume is accurate and without any misleading information. It usually comes with the writer’s signature and the date. Declaration for resumes is common during the job application process in India, and it can also be found in companies or organizations with formal application processes (e.g., Traditional enterprises, government agencies, and academic institutions). 💡TIPS Keep your resume declaration statement short and genuine. It's not necessary to have a lengthy statement. Being honest and authentic is key to securing an interview. How to write a declaration in resume? Here’s the resume declaration sample and format.Resume declaration sample and format I, [You Full Name], solemnly declare that all the details above in my resume is true and accurate. I take full responsibility for the correctness of the information mentioned.[You Formal Signature] [Date] 📖Further reading:Declaration in Resume｜Formats, Examples, Writing Guide 8.References on resume Reference on a resume is not strictly requested in general cases. Adding references in resumes used to be common in the past, but the trend is now fading out. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that references are not important during the job search process anymore. When should I put references on a resume?If the recruiters specifically request applicants to add references to resumes, or it is clearly indicated on the job posting, you should for sure put references on your resume or attach a reference page/sheet in the mail. How to put references on a resume? It is appropriate to list 1 - 3 references on a resume with the following information:The referee’s full nameThe relationship between you and the refereeThe referee’s current job titleThe company at which the referee’s current workingThe referee’s contact information (e.g., Email, phone number)(optional) A short description of the projects you worked together on 💡 TIPS Remember to start the reference list with the one you had the best working relationship with and to previously confirm the referees’ willingness. If you’ve decided to write references in your resume, your next question might be, “Where to add references in resumes?”. Here are some suggestions:Add a reference section at the end of the resumeAdd a reference page/sheet with the resumeAttach another reference page/sheet with the cover letter mail Since the ideal number of references is around 3 (it’s not suggested to list more than 5 referees considering the quality), simply adding a reference section in a resume would be adequate. 📕 Further reading:References on Resume｜Formats, Samples, Templates 9.Hobbies This is one of the most common questions asked by job seekers, “Should I put hobbies on a resume?” Generally speaking, it is not suggested to include hobbies in resumes since usually, they can’t directly prove you’re qualified for the job. However, the following 2 conditions can be the exceptions: Your hobbies and interests are highly related to your profession or the position you’re applying for.For example, writing, blogging, and podcasting can be attractive hobbies on resumes for Brand and Marketing specialists; volunteering and community service can be good hobbies on resumes for people applying for jobs at NGOs; and sometimes, even playing video games can be the best hobby if you’re trying to get into the gaming industry!Your resume is less than a page, and you have nothing else to put on it.If you’re writing your very first resume, and you don’t have any skill, work experience, or major achievement to write in it, the section on hobbies for a resume can be your savior. Due to the lack of experience, the only things you can leverage are your personal traits, characters, and personalities, which can also be associated with your soft skills. Make the most of the hobbies and interests section in your resume to show your future employers that you’re a responsible person, a self-starter, a fast learner, a team player, and even a leader! 📒 Further reading:Hobbies and Interests in Resume｜Examples, Formats, Writing Guide What are good hobbies to put on a resume?Here is a list of hobbies and interests to write in resumes:Hobbies InterestsPosition/Company/IndustryPet CarePet industryChild CareTeacher position / Child Care Services IndustryPhotographyPhotographer positionCooking, BakingRestaurants and Food Services industryArt, Sketching, PaintingDesigner positionHistory, Culture, TravelingTour guide position / Tourism IndustryReading, Writing, BloggingWriter position / Publishing industryNetworking, Public speakingSales position / Business development positionLanguages learning, TravelingTourism IndustryWriting, Blogging, PodcastingMarketing positionComputer games, Video gamesGaming industrySports, Exercising and healthcarePersonal trainer position / Fitness industryVideo production, Filming, MoviesVideo editor position / Film and Television IndustryVolunteer work, Community involvementSocial enterprise / NGOsListening to music, Making music, Playing an instrumentMusic industryThe Best Resume BuilderCake is the best free resume builder tool that can help you build an attractive and professional resume in just 10 minutes. With Cake, you can easily create a custom resume that reflects your skills, experience, and achievements. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out in your career, Cake provides a range of customizable templates and formatting options to ensure that your resume stands out from the crowd. By using the best free online resume builder, you can be confident that you're presenting your best self to potential employers and increasing your chances of landing your dream job effortlessly.Start your Cake journey today!

At some point in your studying path and career, you've probably needed a recommendation letter, which may go by different names such as a letter of recommendation, recommendation letter, letter of reference, or job reference. Whatever the term may be, this formal document is commonly associated with employment and university applications. A recommendation letter is typically written by a candidate’s past or present professional contact. A recommendation letter serves as a detailed endorsement that allows companies and schools to understand a candidate better from the perspective of someone who knows or knew them. If you come across this article, it’s probably safe to assume you’ve been asked to write one. Whether it’s a recommendation letter for students or a recommendation letter for professionals, both types typically follow the same format as a regular letter. However, there is a slight difference between the type to use. In this article, we will share exactly what constitutes a recommendation letter, a letter sample, and how to write a professional one.TABLEOFCONTENTS What Is a Recommendation Letter Recommendation Letter Samples Recommendation Letter Components How to Format Them Recommendation Letter Template How to Write a Professional Recommendation Letter Conclusion In this article, we will share exactly what constitutes a recommendation letter, a letter sample, and how to write a professional one.What Is a Recommendation Letter? Though you’ve likely come across it before, let’s look at its definition again: a recommendation letter is a formal document in which you vouch for someone’s character or work ethic. This is usually done by briefly recounting examples, such as past performances, where an individual has exhibited certain characteristics or skills that organizations and institutions would be interested in. Recommendation letters are often requested by companies and schools to verify the accuracy of candidate applications, as they are typically written by past or present employers or professors. There are many possible situations where the need for recommendation letters may arise, such as in applications for: A new job.An internship.A new school, university, or program within higher education.A scholarship. In addition to the list above, recommendation letters are great for potential candidates to have at their disposal, particularly when wanting to strengthen their resumes. Whether it’s required for the job or not, a simple recommendation letter should always be in their arsenal. Wait a second. Isn’t a recommendation letter just a referral or reference letter? Can you use them interchangeably? To put it bluntly - no. When a referral letter acts as just an endorsement of someone’s character, a recommendation letter provides specific examples that discuss the candidate’s skills and abilities. Let’s check out some samples for more of an idea about what a recommendation letter looks like.Recommendation Letter Samples The two most common uses for recommendation letters are for new employment applications and university applications (including relevant internships, scholarships, and graduate school opportunities). This being the case, we’ve created two recommendation letter samples: Recommendation letter for job applicationsRecommendation letter for studentRecommendation letter for employee from managerRecommendation letter for students Components of a Recommendation Letter How to Format Them Let’s be real: writing a recommendation letter is much like writing a normal letter, except for the content. If you ignore that crucial caveat, a recommendation letter format is pretty much the same as your cover letter. Let's have a look at the components of a recommendation letter: Letterhead Perhaps the main similarity of any formal letter you’ve ever written is the letterhead for letters of recommendation. Taking up the top left-hand corner of the document, the letterhead is made up of the: DateRecipient nameRecipient title or positionRecipient addressGreeting When writing a greeting for a letter of recommendation, it’s advisable to steer clear of the classic and seriously overused opening address of ‘To whom it may concern.’ If the applicant doesn’t know who the recipient is, the greeting for a professional letter of recommendation should be: “Dear Head of Admissions for Swarthmore College” or “Dear Hiring Manager.” You can check the samples above for some more letterhead examples. Your introduction The introduction is the first of three sections that are included in the recommendation letter. For this opening section, it is imperative to: Express your sincerity in recommending the applicant.Introduce the candidate and the position they’re applying for.Introduce yourself: who you are, how you know the candidate and the length of your relationship. All of the above is key to setting the context and relevance of the recommendation letter. This part should ideally fit within two or three sentences. An optional sentence to fit into the introduction would be to highlight key strengths that pertain to why you feel the candidate is special. Recommendation Now it’s the main part of the recommendation letter, where you should strive to answer the question, ‘Why should the candidate get this role?’. No pressure. To properly answer this question, it’s advisable for you to mention at least two specific skills and qualities, as well as two characteristics that you feel would enhance the candidate’s application. This may involve outlining the candidate’s academic or professional proficiencies as well as the personality traits that would suit their proposed role or position. Examples After writing about the recommendation section, it’s time to reinforce your points with some examples in your recommendation letter. Remember that for any claim of skill, characteristic, personality, quality, etc., you should always provide an example - a justification, if you will. Closing The third section of any recommendation letter, also known as the conclusion or closing, is where you should offer some final thoughts about the candidate’s application, followed by reaffirming your support and briefly mentioning why the candidate is worthy of your recommendation. The closing part of a recommendation letter should also include your encouragement to accept the candidate and to contact you for further information should the need arise. The recommendation letter is then properly closed with a sign-off, usually with a ‘Best,’ ‘Best regards,’ or a ‘Sincerely.’ Your contact information Don’t forget to add your contact information before signing off a recommendation letter. Though it’s not compulsory, offering your contact information is a great way to show sincerity. You can add two contact methods in case the recipient wishes to discuss further. Recommendation letter contact information can be added in a paragraph all by itself, weaved into the closing, or placed below your signature. Signature Though some may consider this addition a little too fancy, providing your signature is actually expected in a professional letter of recommendation. The signature should go right after your closing sign-off, and above your full name, position, name of company/school, and any other contact information you might want to add.Recommendation Letter Template Now that we’ve seen two examples of recommendation letters, and have learned how to write a strong one, the next step is to craft your own.If this feels like a big step, go on and use our generic letter of recommendation template. Whether you’re writing a recommendation for a past employee or student, this recommendation template is sure to make the process easier.Recommendation Letter Template[Date: Month-Day-Year] [Recipient name][Recipient title][company/university name][Company/university address] Dear [Mr/Mrs/Ms.] [recipient name], It is my pleasure to recommend [candidate name] for [role/position] at [name of organization/institution]. For the past [duration of relationship, I have had the honor of [working with/teaching] [candidate name] as their [your position] at [name of company/university]. Throughout our time together, [candidate name] has performed exceptionally well at [company/school] and I am fully confident that they will be an invaluable asset to your [company/school]. Among [candidate name]’s many [professional/academic] accomplishments, their [list at least one quality or skill] have contributed greatly to our [department/company/school]. When [mention a relevant situation that arose], they [mention how they helped resolve it and the impact that had - could be mentally as well as economically]. Outside of the [classroom/office], [candidate name]’s [characteristics that have impacted the company/school culture] have greatly benefited our department. Their [example of this characteristic and the impact it had]. Throughout their [degree/time with company], [candidate name] has been a pleasure to [teach/work with]. Their [state one skill, characteristic, or quality that relates to what you’ve already mentioned] have been an incredible addition to our [team/department/school], and I strongly recommend you to accept them for this [program/role]. Should you wish to discuss [candidate name]’s application further, feel free to contact me by phone [your phone number] or by email [your email]. Sincerely, [your signature] [your name][your position][Company/university’s name] How to Write a Professional Letter of Recommendation Regardless of who your recommendation letter is for, let’s have a look at how to write a good letter of recommendation: Understand the purpose of the recommendation letter. Before even starting the process, you need to make sure you understand the purpose of the recommendation letter. Is it a work recommendation letter? Or perhaps a recommendation letter for a student applying for an internship or higher education? These are the sorts of things that will impact not only how you approach the recommendation letter, but also the tone and contents of the letter. Different purposes will also call for different skills and qualities to be highlighted. If it’s a generic letter of recommendation for a candidate to have in their arsenal and not for any specific position or application, this will also change what you may want to mention and discuss. In short, it is crucial that you understand the purpose of the recommendation letter before you start writing a recommendation. If you already know what it is, great. If not, ask for more specific requirements or instructions. Ask for any specific requirements/instructions. Writing a professional letter of recommendation for a former employee or student can be challenging, especially if you’re struggling to find adequate recommendations and examples to include. When the going is getting tough, it doesn't hurt to ask the candidate for more information, specifically what they might like you to mention. Most of the time, a candidate will have chosen you as their reference for a reason and are likely to have an idea in mind of what you should mention in your recommendation letter. If it’s proving difficult to figure out what that idea might be, ask the candidate to provide you with: Their resumeThe job description or academic programAdditional information about any skills, achievements, or qualifications With the above, you should be able to appropriately tailor the recommendation letter to their application. Just remember to avoid repeating anything unless it appears significantly important in creating the ideal applicant. Provide specific examples of your recommendation. When writing a recommendation, you should aim to provide at least two specific examples that reflect the candidate’s qualities and can attest to positive characteristics. Remember to make these relevant to the job position or academic application. For an idea of how to weave in examples, why not take a look at the letter of recommendation examples for jobs and students further up this article? Don’t be contradictory. This may seem self-explanatory, but it’s good to remember that a professional letter of recommendation has a clear line throughout and doesn’t make contradictory statements. An easy way to ensure this is to avoid extending the truth. Lying in a recommendation letter, or for any part of an application, is frowned upon anyway and won’t bode well for you or the candidate in the long run. Keep it simple concise. While the length of a recommendation letter isn’t really that important, the general consensus is that it shouldn’t exceed a one-sided page with a size 12 font. If you’re inching ever closer to two pages, that’s okay, just make sure that everything you’ve written is genuinely relevant to their application. If it’s not, cut it. Don’t be afraid to decline a recommendation request. It can be daunting to open your email and see “Request for a recommendation letter from professor” staring back at you, especially if it’s from a student you don’t feel you can provide sufficient commendations for, for whatever reason. If something similar happens to you, remember that there’s no harm in declining a recommendation request. Recommendation letters work best when their writers can provide positive feedback on someone’s work. If you’re unsure whether you can actually do that, it’s probably best to decline.Conclusion Writing a recommendation letter can sometimes feel like both an honor and a burden, but with the right format - cue our letter of recommendation template - this process can feel like a breeze. That said, in crafting a truly professional letter of recommendation, you’ll still have to adjust the tone for different purposes, as well as provide relevant examples for the recommended qualities and characteristics that link to those purposes - see our sample recommendation letter for employee, recommendation letter sample for job, and tips for a better idea on how to do this. Found this article helpful? Follow us for more details.Get recruiter-ready in minutes. Our AI resume checker reviews your resume for common pitfalls and suggests targeted improvements.Get Recruiter-Ready--- Originally written by EVA O'MARA ---

Created by CakeResumeIn this article, you’ll read about: What Are CV References?Should I Put References On My CV?How to Write References on a CVCV References ExamplesTips for Listing References on a CVDuring a job hiring process, some recruiters require references to be included when handing in your CV. CV references serve as a way for recruiters to confirm with a third party if the information provided on the CV is real. That explains the job hiring requirements, but what about an academic CV? If you are creating a CV to apply for a Master’s Degree or Ph.D., you need references from your lecturers or professors who can speak for you and prove that your information is authentic. Your CV references will be a very reliable source for your graduate school to confirm your credentials. What Are CV References?When creating a CV, all the information listed is provided by you but people who review your CV might want to ensure the authenticity or gain extra information. Though one might argue that a CV declaration will do the work of proofing the CV’s authenticity, the CV declaration is also made by the writer him/herself. This is where a referee who passes down judgments comes in and lets you put their contact information in your CV as CV references. During a job search, recruiters often reach out to the references listed on the CV to confirm whether they are hiring the right person with the skills, working performance, and personality of the company. You can be a fresher or someone with working experience but if you can get networks to testify for you or recommend you, you and your CV information will be more credible. Then, if you are applying for academic positions, whether it is a job at a school or a graduate degree, CV references can serve similarly to a recommendation letter. This is because academic positions require a lot of good personalities and working attitudes, which only professors or lecturers who have worked with you can testify for.Should I Put References on My CV?There is always a debate over whether or not one should include references in a CV. Let us break this down into two sections: academic CV and job application CV. If you’re wondering, “Do you put references on an academic CV?”, the answer is always yes. This is because you are applying for a position that requires many qualifications, licenses, and research experiences from a faculty or university to show that you are the best pick for an academic post. On the other hand, if you are writing a CV for a job application, it is not always recommended to include CV references as your CV is screened during the first stage of the recruitment when hiring managers have not yet required these references. It is also because CV references contain other people’s contact information, which is something you don’t want to give out unless really necessary. However, you should include references in your CV when it is specifically asked by the recruiters. Each company and hiring managers have different policies and procedures when it comes to hiring employees, so you want to make sure that you are abiding to the requirements of the job you are applying for. How to Write References on a CVNow that you have known the importance of CV references, you will be guided through the steps of writing one. 1. Determine the number of CV references you wish to list. If you were to include CV references, do not include only one reference. The best number of references to list is 2 to 3. This is so that the hiring managers could gain different opinions and insights for an objective assessment of your skills or past performance. 2. Reach out to suitable referees and ask for their permission. Then, you should find the perfect and suitable referee who knows you well to be listed as your CV reference. This means having someone with a very impressive profile will do no good if he does not know anything about you. Also, don’t forget to ask for permission before listing them as your referee. 3. Ask for the referees’ contact details. Don’t forget to ask for permission from your referees before you list them. Once permission is granted, ask them for the below information to list your the references section of your CV:NameCompany/InstitutionPosition/RolePhone numberAddressEmail 4. Show appreciation to the referees. Always be polite and remember to thank for the help that you got from your referees. They are doing you a big favor in your job hunting journey and you want to remain professional with your networks. 5. Write 1-2 lines description of the referees. When including CV references, you could describe the relationship that you have with the referee and also their job title and main responsibility. This helps the recruiter to better know your referees and if they are credible people who can testify about you. 6. List the references using the right format. There is a format to write the correct CV references. You may follow the template given below to write yours.Here's aCV references format template:[Referee’s first and last name][Job title][Company name][Referee’s work address][Referee’s work phone number], [extension code, if applicable][Referee’s professional email address] For reference, here is a CV reference example: Peter LohProfessor at Chung Yuan University127 Zhongbei Rd., Zhongli Dist., Taoyuan City, Taiwan 320012-3456789[email protected] CV References ExamplesGood CV References Examples Mr. Bartle PeierProfessor of Columbia UniversityNew York, NY 10027, USA 013-4567892 [email protected]. Lohrein SuHead of Faculty at University of VirginiaCharlottesville, VA, United StatesTel: 016-7896253Email: [email protected]. Liao Lih-hiManager of The BYOB Co.963 S Glendora Ave, West Covina, CA 91790, USATel: 016-7894563Email: [email protected] Bad CV References Examples Mr. Sam DicksonFatherTel: 016-1233345Email: [email protected]⚠️ Relatives cannot be referenced because the relationship causes the words to be not genuine.Mr. Pete HeindallCoffee BeanTel: 013-4567892Email: [email protected] ⚠️ The working position of the referee is not written clearly. Ms. EliHead ChefTel: [email protected]⚠️ The name of the referee is not in the full name, which will cause the hiring manager to be able to clearly identify the referee if he/she decides to contact the referee.Tips for Listing References on a CV💡 Do not choose family or friends to be referees. When looking for referees, you should always find professionals who have a higher position and more experience than you. Family and friends are not suitable because their words can be biased and they likely wouldn’t have any objective insight about your professional performance or achievements. Here are some suitable referees that you can find when trying to include CV references.References for Students:Lecturers / professorsTeachersInternship supervisor (if any)Head of facultyCoachReferences for Professionals:ManagerPrevious employerSupervisorBusiness partners 💡 Do not include too many references. The number of CV references should be no more than 3 because recruiters do not have time to contact every referee. It also takes up space in your CV, which would be better used for other important CV information. 💡 Use consistent formatting for all listings. A CV should look tidy and neat, which means your CV references should all be written in the same format. Do not change the format order of the references as it may confuse the readers. 💡 Do not include references if not required. Some recruiters prefer not to have CV references because they do not have time to check on it. Recruiters do not require testimonials from referees at the screening process of the requirement, so it’s better to use the space for other, more important content such as your experiences, skills or achievements. 💡 Do not include references if you were fired or dismissed from the previous job. You don’t want to include previous employers who did not have a good impression of you as your CV references because there likely won’t be good words coming from them. Your references are meant to be people who you know can give you good testimonies to your future employer.🔑 Key Takeaway: Job references can be a very important part of one’s CV. However, it is suggested to only include CV references when required by recruiters, so that no unnecessary information is provided. Remember to ask for permission before listing someone as your reference.Take the guesswork out of resume writing. Our AI resume checker analyzes your resume against industry standards and provides instant feedback.Get Feedback--- Originally written by Ryan Goh---

Created by CakeIn this article, you will learn about: What Is an Art Portfolio?How to Make an Art Portfolio - What to IncludeTips on How to Make a Digital Art PortfolioTips for Creating an Art Student PortfolioMore Art Portfolio ExamplesAs an artist, promoting your artwork either online or in-person is a part of running your own art business and living as a creative entrepreneur. Your art portfolio is the first place where people refer to before buying a piece from you. That’s why you should take time building an art portfolio. Potential collectors, gallerists, and buyers are all browsing online to search for talented artists and view your artwork and your credentials. In this article, we will offer tips on how to make an art portfolio and cover the essential concepts to bear in mind. Moreover, we will provide art portfolio examples for you as some inspiration! What Is an Art Portfolio?An art portfolio, or an artist’s portfolio, is an edited, carefully curated collection of an artist’s most outstanding works. It is used to showcase and display the spectrum of their artistic skills, style, or method of work. An artist’s portfolio is an ideal vehicle to present the works in the artist’s preferred placement and arrangement. There are two main types of art portfolios: 🎨 Physical art portfolio Physical art portfolios are often required for university or college applications. Typically, it includes printed examples or photos of your works. 🎨 Digital art portfolio Nowadays, many artists make their name through the internet. Personal online art portfolios and social media pages have made it possible for artists to share their works and to reach audiences worldwide. However, while social media allows you to reach millions of people, a professional art portfolio website is more powerful for you to hold a virtual gallery, online store, and decide how you want your works to be presented. How to Make an Art Portfolio - What to IncludeAside from showcasing your best works as an artist, some other elements can also be added to your art portfolio so that it can serve its purpose to the fullest. Read on to find out the elements to include when you are making an art portfolio. 1. About me/Biography The audience is often curious about the artist. In your biography, introduce who you are and where you’re at. Put together your educational background, inspirations, and themes you care about. In addition, talk about the interests that make you more interesting. Add details such as the musical instrument you’re good at to start a conversation! Here’s an example: Hey! I'm Luci, a digital artist and creative director from Atlanta, Georgia, currently living in San Francisco. I create art content inspired by conflict and chaos around the world as well as my childhood memory in Mumbai, India. I received two Bachelors from The University of California, Los Angeles – the first in Journalism, the second in Design. 2. Resume/CV You probably think that an artist needs no resume. Yes, but no. An artist’s resume is like the cherry on the cake. It adds a beneficial effect to prove you can collaborate with clients or companies. Attaching your resume either online or in your physical art portfolio allows your audience to understand you more. You can add some creativity so your resume doesn’t look too dull. 3. High-quality images of the artworks When selecting your work of art, aim for quality over quantity. Pick the best of your works and leave out the ones that you are not satisfied with within your building art portfolio. It’s better to present ten uniformly good works instead of 20 works only for the sake of variety. 4. Details of the artworks When your audiences are interested in your works, they naturally are curious about the details, whether it’s about the process, the concept, or more images. It’s ideal to give some description details about your work. Nevertheless, many art schools have precise requirements regarding art portfolios application, such as certain formats for titles, dates, and materials. Moreover, some people might consider it unnecessary for artists to explain their works. Tips on How to Make a Digital Art Portfolio💡 Choose a suitable online art portfolio website. Before you start building a digital art portfolio, choose a platform that suits you best. There are numerous art portfolio sites for you to make an art portfolio, and consider these aspects to picking one: Your purpose of setting up an art portfolio (to network with other artists, to market and sell your artworks, to apply for a job, etc.)How you want your art portfolio to be seenThe degree of customization you want for your art portfolio websiteWhether you need good computer skills to manage the portfolio Cake's portfolio maker allows you to add multimedia materials to your digital art portfolio. As an artist, you build your art portfolio for free and upload your works in no time to be seen by other professionals.Create Portfolio 💡 Produce high-quality images to include in your digital art portfolio. When building a digital art portfolio, make sure your images are of high quality. Typically, professional artists use cameras to take pictures of their work or scan their works carefully to produce images of high quality. After all, you don’t want to miss potential buyers only because your blurry image scared them off. 💡 Categorize your artworks into different types. Curating your artwork is an essential skill. Deciding the degree of importance, the organization and sequence of your works, and categorizing them into simple types is crucial. It may be helpful to categorize your works and help your audience find exactly what they are searching for, such as illustrations, digital art, and graphic design. Take a look at the example below. 💡 Make sure links are working properly. When interested readers look at your professional artist portfolio, they expect each page to work properly. As a result, make sure you provide functional URLs and allow access to external sites or videos. 💡 Update your art portfolio with your newest works frequently. Building a digital art portfolio is constant work. Updating your works continuously to be prepared when galleries and buyers ask for your latest works. Putting the effort into managing your art portfolio is never a waste of time. 💡 Use a consistent layout and art portfolio design. For artists, branding and marketing is an important skill. Establishing a consistent style and layout helps you build a personal artist brand. Be sure to take the time to plan out the style, color, or interaction of your website to impress your buyers and audiences. 💡 Promote your online art portfolio. Last but not least, promote your online digital art portfolio website. You can promote your online art by: Creating meaningful content or start bloggingAttend digital art competitions to get featured onlineNetwork online or share other artists’ worksSubmit your artworks to art posting websites or social mediaSet up online stores to sell your digital artworkTips for Creating an Art Student Portfolio✨ Thoroughly read the application requirement. Every art school has specific requirements or expectations. It’s your duty to understand each school’s application and submit works accordingly. Top art schools often accept very limited art students. In such cases, making a quality art portfolio that meets the criteria is crucial. Research carefully to understand practical requirements such as label formats, due dates, limitations of works to include, and the medium of your art student portfolio. ✨ Refer to other art student portfolios for inspiration. The best strategy is to refer to the art students who are accepted to the same school or program. Analyze their organization, layout, descriptions, and most importantly, their selection of works. Notice what works they might have left out, and why they include those artworks you see. You will understand what the admission managers expect to see in your art student portfolio. Even if each work differs from one another, it’s worthwhile to observe the strategy these students adopted. ✨ Use portfolio cases/folders to arrange a physical art portfolio. There’s no need to mention the importance of preserving your artwork. If you are making a physical art student portfolio, choose a flat type art portfolio case that protects your artwork and can open up or close easily. Arrange your works either by type or by chronological order to help you find them easily. Avoid rolling your works as it can cause trouble if you want to take photos of them. Buy a simple, high-quality spine-mounted portfolio case or clear file art portfolio holder that’s endurable. ✨ Use a suitable art portfolio website for making a digital art portfolio. If the art school demands an online art portfolio website, choose the website based on what you want to include. For example, if you consider including videos on your own art portfolio website, embed videos directly rather than providing links to YouTube or Vimeo. ✨ Compile high-quality images of your works. To create artworks is one thing, to take photographs and document your work is another. Suppose that you need to print out some works or upload images to your art student portfolio, you want to make sure these images are of high quality. That is to say, you have to create a setting, scan, edit the lighting, contrast, or color (if necessary) of your works and check the printed results. ✨ Categorize the images. When you categorize your works in an art student portfolio, try to avoid clichés. Your subject may range from the most trivial matters to worldly themes. Your categories can also display a diverse range of visual skills and experiences to demonstrate your growth, diversity and skill set, and a breadth of interest in learning new things. ✨ Include titles and a brief introduction of each artwork. Use small, clear writing to organize and label your artwork. Follow the school application’s guidelines on where and how to label the works. The titles should not detract from your artwork. Avoid stylish staggering fonts when you add introductions and descriptions of your art piece. ✨ Always finish your art portfolio earlier than planned. It might seem obvious, but many art students have a hard time completing an art student portfolio. It is often because they are too perfectionist than to be practical. When editing your art portfolio for university, organize the structure first, and have the first version finished the sooner the better. The first version of your art portfolio doesn’t have to be perfect. Having your first version allows you to sleep on it, think of the supplement materials to add, or share with others to give feedback on it. The best thing is, it alleviates your anxiety. You can always make it better afterward. More Art Portfolio Examples Here are the best places to find art portfolio inspiration, focusing on how to showcase your creative voice:🎨 BehanceWhile it is used by designers, Behance is a fantastic place to find Fine Art and Photography portfolios that feel like a cinematic experience. It is the best place to see how to document the making of a piece. You can find examples of artists showing the raw materials, the studio mess, and the final high-definition result. This process-driven storytelling is what often hooks a curator or a fan.See art portfolio examples at Behance🎨 CakeIf you are applying for art grants, residencies, or teaching positions, you need more than just images; you need a professional paper trail. Cake is a great place to see how artists organize their art portfolio, listing exhibitions, awards, and publications, right next to their work. It’s a helpful reference for learning how to look career-ready while still maintaining your artistic personality. See art portfolio examples at Cake🎨 CaraCara is the new rising favorite social platform for artists who want to move away from the noise of traditional social media. Much like Instagram, it allows you to post your work and share it with a global community, but with a much deeper focus on artistic integrity and human-made work. It is the perfect place to find art inspiration while building your social digital portfolio, allowing you to connect and share your creative journey with thousands of other artists who truly understand the craft. See art portfolio examples at CaraBuild Your Artist Portfolio NowCake is your all-in-one career solution. Use our online resume builder for an ATS-friendly resume, complete with hundreds of free, professional resume templates and examples. Optimize your application instantly with Cake AI Resume Checker and generate a compelling cover letter with Cake Cover letter AI. Beyond documents, Cake helps you grow: build an online portfolio, find opportunities on our job portal, and establish your personal brand. Ready to simplify your job search and make success a piece of cake? Start using Cake now! Having an online portfolio website is highly crucial in paving your career path as an artist. With Cake’s online portfolio maker, you can create your very own online portfolio that showcases your true skills and creativity. Create your free online portfolio now!Create Portfolio--- Originally written byWu Chao Min ---

When candidates submit their applications with all their astounding credentials, they might be requested to provide a list of references upon their application. Employers will often use these references to fact-check the claims in the resume with a reference check in order to make sure that they hire the candidate that indeed upholds the enlisted skills and expertise.Table of ContentsWhat Is a Reference on Resume?What Is a Reference Check?What Are the Benefits of Reference Checks?Things to Consider Before Conducting a Reference CheckQuestions to Ask When Checking ReferenceTips for How to Do Reference Check What Is a Reference on Resume? The reference on the candidate’s resume is the list of contacts from which the recruiter can contact to verify the claims in your resume. Candidates can include contacts that they have worked with professionally. That is, their previous supervisor, colleagues, or employees. Recruiters normally conduct reference checks on candidates that they are considering hiring to better approximate the hiring decision. Since reference checks can be very costly and time consuming, employers usually conduct them at the very last stage of the hiring process. What Is a Reference Check? References check is a part of the hiring process where recruiters will contact the enlisted references on your resume to gather educational and employment information to help them evaluate the employability of a candidate, while the contacted references can be the candidate’s previous employers, supervisors, or your school. What Are the Benefits of Reference Checks? Reference checks help the employers to better evaluate each potential candidate. Generally speaking, reference checks’ sole purpose is to know the candidate in a third-person narrative, and by doing so recruiters can form a hiring decision that is more objective and unbiased. The following aspects are what a reference check can provide: Validity Check: Recruiters use reference checks to confirm the accuracy of the claims and credentials in the given resume to avoid one-sided information solely from the applicant, which can potentially be fabricated.Role Assessment: A reference check is more than just fact-checking. It is a further investigation on the applicant's fitness to the company. The feedback that the recruiter will gather from the reference offers some insights on the potential performance of the candidates as these feedbacks reflect extensively on the candidate’s work ethics and character.Company Safety: Any false claims or unreported bad behaviors from the candidates, are potential risks to the operating team and the work environment. A proper reference check can help the employer avert these potential risks and to further protect the company. Things to Consider before Conducting a Reference Check Conducting a reference check is a taxing operation. Not only does the process include many techniques regarding human resource, but it also includes a long list of preparation. Therefore, to ensure a successful and fruitful result of a reference check, here are some considerations that recruiters and employers ought to evaluate beforehand. The Candidate’s Interview Feedback Consult your interview team before conducting a reference check can drastically increase the quality of the process as it provides a more well-rounded perspective on the candidate. Furthermore, their feedback can also give you insights on what information you should prioritize and who you should obtain the information from. The Reference’s Background Your reference check should focus on references that can address the questions you hav.. Preview the given reference and evaluate their relationship with the candidate and whether that relationship is beneficial for the information intended, and the legal requirement that you should pay attention to in reaching out to this individual. Reference Checking Methods Provide necessary information for the references before the interview, while avoiding simple email questions as they tend to be insufficient in gleaning meaningful information for your purpose of evaluation. Online interviews or telephone interviews are much more efficient and effective. Administration Cost In addition to the precious time that it requires to reserve for conducting a reference check, employers might need to appoint a HR professional to oversee or prepare the reference checks. Yet, the actual cost of telephone calls on online interviews are rather trivial in comparison to the benefit of such reference checks. Questions to Ask when Checking Reference The time of both you and the reference are extremely valuable, and thus the questions asked during the reference check are critical to the quality and efficiency of the interview. It takes certain preparation and practice to conduct a productive reference check. Ask Open-ended and Specific Questions As the role of thumb, avoid asking broad questions, such as “What do you think about [candidate]?” Unspecific questions like this are ambiguous, and thus the quality of the answer is often inferior and vague. Questions such as “Can you please tell us more about the candidate’s responsibilities and leadership style as the head of this particular project?”, are instead more informative and constructive.Examples of Reference Check QuestionsThe following examples are good questions to ask during a reference check:What value did the candidate contribute to your team?Were there any areas that you wish that the candidate could have improved in?As I am describing the candidate’s portfolio to you, do you agree with the description and if so, can you give me some backstories with respect to that?In what capacity have you worked with the candidate?How did the candidate interact within your team, and with the management?Were there any incidents of conflict between the candidate and any other personnel in your operation?What would be the candidate’s greatest strength and weakness in your opinion?How long had you worked with the candidate?Can you tell me more about the candidate’s work ethic?Would you say that the candidate is a good fit for this position? And can you provide us some insights with respect to your answer?Would you consider re-hiring the candidate?How did the candidate manage new employees?What was the candidate’s accomplishment during their employment that you can recall?Could you provide an example of the way that the candidate operates under stressful situations?How was it like to communicate and work with the candidate? And what does that relationship look like between the candidate and other team members? Tips for How to Do Reference Checks Conducting a reference check is no easy task. In addition to the laborious process of preparation, the interviewer’s execution will determine the overall quality and efficiency of the reference check. The following takeaways are good practice for the interviewer to include in their reference checking procedure to smoothen the operation. 💡 Provide Job Description One of the main objectives of a reference check is to evaluate the fitness of the candidate according to the information provided by the reference. To obtain more insightful responses, the employer ought to provide sufficient information to the reference, by providing a job description that allows reference to give feedback that is better approximated. 💡 Ask Specific Questions Time management is one of the major difficulties in conducting a reference check. Therefore, the questions asked during the interview are crucial in avoiding unnecessary waste of time caused by vague and broad questions and thus ambiguous answers. Curate a set of questions that will result in meaningful insights for the evaluation of the candidate’s competence. 💡 Do not Show Skepticism and/ or Negativity The response of the reference might not resonate with your impression of the candidate.Yet, employers or recruiters should remain professional by avoiding showing any negative responses or doubt as such expression might discourage the reference to continue the interview or provide genuine answers. 💡 Be Respectful to the Reference’s Time The reference is doing a great favor to the employer by taking a moment of their precious time to help you make a better decision. The employer should respect such generosity by making sure all procedures and documents are previewed to avoid any technical hiccups and being punctual to avoid wasting the reference’s time. 💡 Listening without Interruption As a general technique in interviewing, it is the interviewer’s job to ensure a professional flow of the interview process. Interruption is a major red flag in conducting an interview as they will generate unpleasant feedback in the interviewee, and subsequently affect the quality of their answers and impression of your company. Conclusion From the preparation of the reference checks to the actual execution of it, employers must pay close attention to many details within the whole process of the reference check to deliver a successful interview. To sum up the many aspects in this article, the following points are some of the key points that we believe that the readers should take note of. Preparation Is Crucia: Not only should the employers collect opinions from different parties to ensure a constructive reference check, but it requires a meticulous calculation of time and resources to justify the administration cost of it. Furthermore, a good preparation can also help reduce any friction during the interview.Ask Specific, Open-ended Questions: As mentioned before, the quality of your questions dictates the quality of the result obtained from such a reference check. Relevance and specification are essential in getting answers that are insightful. Moreover, open-ended questions give the reference more freedom to provide genuine and complete answers that will result in perspicacious information.Professionalism in Conducting Reference Checks: As the conductor of the reference check, there is a certain set of behavior that the employer should follow to not only attain better results of the interview but leave a professional impression to the interviewee. Punctuality and manner are influential factors to the results of the reference check, and the impression that you will leave. Cake is the best free resume builder that allows users to create professional online resumes and portfolios, which can also serve as personal web pages. With its simple and intuitive interface, users can effortlessly build their professional online resumes and portfolios and showcase their skills and accomplishments to potential recruiters and employers. — Originally written by Jim Mao —