References
Before accepting the first interview, you should get your references in order. This is not something you should be thinking about after they have been requested.

Contrary to common practice, you do not want to provide references until after you have had an opportunity to interview. In other words, do not include a reference list with your résum?submission and do not bring references with you to the interview, unless the interviewer has specifically required that you do so.

Keep in mind that this may not be a job you want to pursue after all and you do not want to waste your references' time and good intentions unnecessarily. You also want an opportunity to contact your references before the potential employer calls, so that you can fill your references in on the important issues and details discussed in the interview and explain the position, as you understand it, to them.

A reference who is prepared for a call from a potential employer will be one who is not caught by surprise, is able to provide the type of information you feel will be of greatest value to the particular employer and specific position, and will be appreciative of the "heads up."

Your references want to do well in helping you, make this as easy for them as possible. Your reference list should match your résum?and cover letter in letterhead, style and quality of presentation. It should include: the full name of each reference, their title, the company where they are employed (if applicable) or their general profession, and a telephone phone number where they may be reached, including an appropriate time for calling (i.e. "Evenings"). (Make sure your references have identified which phone numbers are okay to release.)

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