Traditional Resume Template [5+ Classic Resume Examples]

Traditional Resume Template [5+ Classic Resume Examples] The Internet is abundant in all sorts of newfangled resume ideas.But the truth isA traditional resume is always your safest bet.Why?Read on to find out, and explore a gallery of classic resume templates.This guide will show you:How to define a traditional resume in this day and age.The advantages of using a classic resume template.Examples of traditional resume templates.Resume writing and formatting tips.Want to save time and have your resume ready in 5 minutes? Try our resume builder. Its fast and easy to use. Plus, youll get ready-made content to add with one click. See 20+ resume templates and create your resume here.Sample resume made with our builderSee more templates and create your resume here.One of our users, Nikos, had this to say:[I used] a nice template I found on Zety. My resume is now one page long, not three. With the same stuff.Create your resume nowBefore we jump inLets come up with a traditional resume definition:A traditional (or classic) resume is a business docu ment outlining your work experience, key achievements, skills, as well as educational background. Apart from this, it includes your contact details and additional information on your qualifications, such as certifications, awards, or membership in professional organizations.You can create such a resume with word-processing software or using a traditional resume template in a resume builder.A traditional resume would be printed out and delivered to the employer via traditional postal services.HoweverThis is no longer the case.In this day and age, a traditional resume is delivered via email.Also, a traditional resume layout is rather simple and devoid of flashy graphical elements. It's readability and scannability that count.In contrastA non-traditional resume can take on many different forms.From an infographic resume, to creative resume, to website resume to the yet-undiscovered type of resume.NowThe traditional resume templates in our resume builder let you create a document that c an follow any of the three classic resume formats:Chronological resumeFunctional resumeCombination resumeOnce your resume is finished, you can download your traditional resume as a PDF or MS Word file that can be printed out or sent as an email attachment.SoWhy go for a traditional resume?First off, a classic-looking resume is something every recruiter will be able to read quickly.With only 7.4 seconds of the recruiters initial attention, you really want your document to be easy to scan.SecondA simple, traditional resume will surely pass any ATS (Applicant Tracking System) scan.With more and more companies using ATSs, this is something you should always have in the back of your mind.Note: All traditional resume templates available in our builder are ATS-compliant.And nowHere comes the gallery of classic resume examples:1CubicCreate my resume nowThis traditional resume template incorporates certain non-traditional resume elements, for example, a graphical skill grading scale.Cubic wo rks great as a classic resume that follows the reverse-chronological order.Its two-column layout offers a lot of space for the professional experience section, and education section. Your resume skills section can be conveniently placed in the sidebar.Cubic works great for marketing managers, data scientists, and executives.Not sure what sections your traditional resume template would benefit from most? Read our guide: What to Put on a Resume (20+ Good Things You Should Include to Win)2NewcastCreate my resume nowThis traditional resume format comes across as well-organized and has a light feel to it.Its divided into classic resume sections whose headings can be quickly scanned.The only non-traditional resume elements are the resume icons and an optional skill grading scale in the form of a bar chart.If you like this resume style, you might want to take a look at our selection of minimalist resume templates.Newcast is often chosen as a blank resume template for a business resume.3Dia mondCreate my resume nowThis traditional resume layout adds a simple diamond-themed timeline to make the document super-easy to navigate.All the sections characteristic of a classic resume format are clearly visible. The recruiters eye is guided down from experience to education to skills and software to certifications on your resume.Diamond is a great choice for customer service professionals and sales associates.Pro Tip: Our resume builder you can quickly rearrange your resume sections with a simple drag and drop.4EnfoldCreate my resume nowEnfold is yet another traditional resume layout with a modern twist in the form of a sidebar.The sidebar offers you extra real estate to fit in additional resume sections without giving the entire document a cluttered look.The main resume space on the left is a perfect location for traditional resume sections, such as professional objective or resume summary, work experience, or education.Enfold is favored by marketers and social media managers. 5VibesCreate my resume nowThis traditional resume template combines subtle graphical elements with a classic resume layout.It offers a lot of room for a resume summary as well as the other traditional resume sections.It's stylishly simple and easy to navigate.Pro Tip: You can easily change the color palette of your resume in our resume builder.Vibes is the template of choice among account managers, consultants, and product managers.6MuseCreate my resume nowMuse is a traditional resume template with a lot of space for your professional experience.Thanks to its two-column layout it can hold quite a lot of information without getting too crammed.The additional graphical elements make it easier to quickly scan all the classic resume sections.Muse is often used for data scientists resumes, sales managers resumes, and project managers resumes.7ConceptCreate my resume nowThis traditional resume combines classic elegance with a modern feel.It's very easy to scan thanks to an infographic-lik e timeline on the left and a dedicated sidebar for all important dates.It's a perfect classic resume layout for a chronological resume.Concept works great for career changer resumes and candidates making resumes with little professional experience.Pro Tip: Our resume builder lets you quickly switch between different templates to see which one works best for you.8CrispCreate my resume nowIt's a very spacious traditional resume template that lets you include quite a lot of information.Thanks to its two-column layout and the resume profile section stretching from margin to margin, you have a lot of room to display your work history and achievements.The customizable icons make navigating through the document buttery smooth.Crisp is very popular with candidates making resumes for managerial positions, such as an operations manager resume, account manager resume, or an assistant manager resume.9InfluxCreate my resume nowThis classic resume template is suitable for all sorts of positions t hanks to its timeless simplicity.The horizontal lines make it easy to quickly locate and scan each section.Thanks to a lot of white space it doesn't feel overwhelming.Influx is often chosen by machine operators, warehouse workers, as well as marketers, and personal bankers.When making a resume in our builder, drag drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check. Start building your resume here.Create my resume nowWhen youre done, Zetys resume builder will score your resume and tell you exactly how to make it better.10ModernCreate my resume nowAs the name suggestsThis template offers a modern take on an otherwise traditional resume.The graphical elements not only give it a slick look but also improve the resume's readability.Great classic resume template for paramedics, restaurant staff, and production assistants.Pro Tip: If you like to explore some non-traditional resume templates, take a look at our selection of unique resume templates.11IconicCreate my resume nowA traditional resume in its contemporary incarnation: single column, distraction-free, and to-the-point.Each section is clearly visible thanks to the use of icons, large section headings, and subtle horizontal lines that structure the resume.Favored by actors, artists, and photographers.12SimpleCreate my resume nowThis simple, traditional resume format uses a two-column layout to maximize the capacity of a single page.You can easily fit in your experience, education, skills, and therell be plenty of room left for additional sections.AndYou can grade your skills using neat visuals.Good traditional resume for hospitality workers, teachers, and web designers.Pro Tip: If you wish to go beyond a classic resume template, explore our selection of visual resume templates.13InitialsCreate my resume nowWhat makes this traditional resume template stand out from the crowd is the graphical element with your initials right next to your name.The experience section gives you plenty of room to display your work history, key accomplishments, certifications, etc.Good pick for office clerk resumes, administrative assistants resumes, or recruiter resumes.Pro Tip: It doesnt matter if you choose a traditional or non-traditional resume template. Always make sure your resume is tailored to the job description.14CascadeCreate my resume nowWhat makes Cascade so appealing is the two-column layout that can hold a lot of information, contrasting colors, and high readability.This classic resume template works great as a traditional chronological resume, but you can also adapt it for other traditional resume layouts (i.e. functional or combination resume).PlusThe unobtrusive visuals let you grade your skills using a bar chart.Often selected by UX designers, cyber security analysts, as well as scholarship recipients.Pro Tip: Not sure your resume is up to snuff? Read our article on resume dos and donts.15ValeraCreate my resume nowThis traditional elegance resume template uses an unusual combination of resume fonts to add a touch of modernity.Its very well organized and perfectly scannable, with a lot of breathing room in the form of white space.Good traditional resume for personal trainers and musicians.Pro Tip: Remember, choosing a good template is but a first step to making the perfect resume.16PrimoCreate my resume nowThis classic resume template incorporates a non-traditional timeline-like visual that enhances its scannability.PlusIts two-column layout will surely hold as much information as you need but wont look cluttered in the least.A good choice for a CV template for teenagers and students.Pro Tip: Use the best resume fonts to ensure maximum readability.17MinimoCreate my resume nowThis traditional resume template is free from any unnecessary distractions to focus exclusively on the content.Its reader-friendly, easy to follow, and, if you wish, you can add a bar chart to grade your skill level.Minimo is often chosen by writers and consultants.Pro Ti p: Want to make your resume truly special? Take a look at these resume tips and tricks.18NanicaCreate my resume nowThis traditional resume template is possibly one of the best if you consider printing out your resume, and a great choice for a classic executive resume.PlusIts very easy to scan, with plenty of white space and clearly visible sections.Bonus: Formatting Tips for a Traditional ResumeTraditional or non-traditional, resumes are business documents whose formatting is as important content.Start with setting the right resume margins. One inch on each side is the standard.Make sure your font is large enough for comfortable reading. 11-12 pt should do the job.Place a resume header at the top of the document. This is where your contact details go.A traditional resume should include:Contact informationResume summary or objectiveWork experience sectionEducationSkillsYou can add extra sections if need be:CertificationsLanguages skills on a resumeComputer skills on a resumeHobbies a nd interests on a resumeothersDont write long paragraphs to describe your experience. Use bullet points.Start each bullet point with a strong resume verb. Write short sentences.Format your resume entries consistently, e.g. if you use italics for a job title, make sure you do the same thing in each entry.Single line spacing works great in the majority of cases, if you need more space between the lines, 1.15 line spacing is also acceptable.Even though there's no official limit as to the resume length, try not to exceed 2 pages.Unless the job offer requires it, dont add a photo to your resume.Want to learn more about classic resume formats? Head straight to our guide:Resume Format: Samples and Templates for all Types of Resumes (10+)Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here.Here's what it may look like:See more cover letter templates and start writing.Key TakeawaysHeres all you need to know about traditional resumes:Traditional resumes used to be printed out and delivered by mail.Nowadays, a traditional resume mostly refers to the documents layout and structure to differentiate it from less orthodox new kinds of resume, such as infographic resumes or resume websites for example.A traditional resume is usually a PDF or MS Word file attached to an email message.The main advantage of a traditional resume lies in its scannability, both for the recruiter and the ATS software.To make the most of your traditional resume you must format it properly and avoid a cluttered look.Do you have any other questions about traditional resumes? Would you like to share your experience making a classic resume? Give us a shout out in the comments below. Always happy to help!

Finding the Best Resume Writing Services

Finding the Best Resume Writing ServicesWhen you are looking for the best resume writing services Chicago 2020 then you will want to make sure that the company you choose is professional and experienced. There are many scam artists out there that want to get your hard earned money. By doing your research and going with a reputable company, you can help to avoid a scam and find yourself the very best company in the industry.One of the most important things that you need to know when it comes to creating a resume is how to use keywords correctly. It is necessary that you have the proper keywords in order to be found by a potential employer. Make sure that the resume you are going to create is one that includes keyword phrases that are placed correctly. You will want to be able to provide a list of the words that you will use on your resume to make it attractive and appealing to a potential employer.The style of writing a resume can be extremely overwhelming. However, you will be surpri sed at how easy it is to keep within the basic guidelines and still come up with a great resume. With the proper guidance and the proper support, you will be able to come up with a great resume that provides your employer with all of the information they need to make a decision about you.When you are looking for the best resume writing services Chicago 2020, you will want to make sure that the company you choose is professional and experienced. There are many scam artists out there that want to get your hard earned money. By doing your research and going with a reputable company, you can help to avoid a scam and find yourself the very best company in the industry.When you are looking for the best resume writing services Chicago 2020, you will want to make sure that the company you choose is professional and experienced. There are many scam artists out there that want to get your hard earned money. By doing your research and going with a reputable company, you can help to avoid a sca m and find yourself the very best company in the industry.One of the most important things that you need to know when it comes to creating a resume is how to use keywords correctly. It is necessary that you have the proper keywords in order to be found by a potential employer. Make sure that the resume you are going to create is one that includes keyword phrases that are placed correctly.The style of writing a resume can be extremely overwhelming. However, you will be surprised at how easy it is to keep within the basic guidelines and still come up with a great resume. With the proper guidance and the proper support, you will be able to come up with a great resume that provides your employer with all of the information they need to make a decision about you.When you are looking for the best resume writing services Chicago 2020, you will want to make sure that the company you choose is professional and experienced. There are many scam artists out there that want to get your hard earn ed money. By doing your research and going with a reputable company, you can help to avoid a scam and find yourself the very best company in the industry.

Internal Networks A Best Practice to Accelerate Your Career

Internal Networks â€" A Best Practice to Accelerate Your Career Recent research has found that building internal networks and staying in touch with former colleagues pays career dividends.Thus, if you want to make more money, you will benefit from getting to know your colleagues. But, how do you do that?The Research â€" Internal Networks PayFirst off, its important to know that 2009 peer-reviewed research found you benefit from connecting with colleagues while you are employed.In fact, the researchers learned that internal networking improves your:Current salary.Salary growth over time.Career satisfaction.They studied networking approaches, including:Using company events to make new contacts.Talking with colleagues from other departments about their work.Asking colleagues for advice.Accepting invitations to company-related functions and festivities.Asking colleagues to give regards to others.Exchanging professional hints and tips with others.As you can see, regardless of your companys culture, you can use their list for ideas to build your networ k.Try These Internal Networking  ActivitiesDrawing on the research, try some of these activities:Attend company events.Chat with your colleagues.Ask co-workers for advice.Play ping pong with your aspirational next boss.Pass along a “hello” to a colleague at a different location.Be willing to give and receive mutually beneficial information.Connect with colleagues  on LinkedIn.Stay in Touch with Former ColleaguesAdditionally, newer research published in 2017 reported that former colleagues are the best source of new jobs.60% of 380 job seekers in a Bay Area job hunting group found jobs through former colleagues (click for more on how to stay in touch with former colleagues).BTW, the research is also interesting because it means that employee turnover is good for your career. Every time a former colleague joins a new company, you gain a potential ambassador in that organization!What’s the ROI on Creating an Internal Network?In summary, networking delivers these meaningful return s:First, you will like your job better.Second, you will make more money.Third, you will find your next job more easily.What’s not to love?Image: .Shock Updated July 2019 2016 2019, Donna Svei. All rights reserved.Donna SveiDonna Svei, an executive resume writer and former C-level executive, retained search consultant, and CPA, writes all of AvidCareerists posts. She has written for and been quoted by leading business, general, and career media outlets, including Forbes, Mashable, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, Business Insider, Lifehacker, Ask.com, Social Media Today, IT World, SmartBrief, Payscale, Business News Daily, and the Muse. Let her background and experience inform your job search strategy and decision making.Learn more about Donnas executive resume writing service or email Donna for more information. Job Search â€" Networking (8 Posts)

Why Nobody Gets a Job Anymore

Why Nobody Gets a Job Anymore There was a time when anyone perceived to be lazy or unproductive, especially teens or college grads sitting around the house during the summer with nothing to do, would hear this phrase: “Why don’t you get a job!” All you had to do was goout andfind a company or store looking for employees, bring a resume, dress nice and show up willing to work. But times have changed for everyone. Read why no one simply goes out and gets a job anymore.Prevailing Negative Belief SystemsUnfortunately, several prevailing negative belief systems exist within today’s workforce:Unemployed workers expecting too much too soon (ie. thinking certain jobs are beneath him or her) Companies refusing to hire people they consider overqualified Unemployed workers believing only jobs they are passionate about are worth the effort Companies seeing highly skilled workers with no defined career path as negative The belief that directly asking for work is considered “unprofessional”. Lack of company/employe e loyalty in a gig economy.After all, why bother trusting someone to stick around when statistics and market behaviors dictate an employee will leave after two years? Employees are safer being job hoppers and companies are better off never trusting, only taking quick profits and moving on. This is good business, right? Wrong.What companies and employees alike have forgotten is that “jobs” are ultimately about “making money”. And when things get better for everyone...they get better for everyone. In the past, it was always understood that the more money the company made, the more it would benefit the employee, eventually. In this process, the employee would learn some sort of skill that could be transferable for new work in the future. US Bureau of Labor Statistics over the last five years repeatedly show that today’s worker will have 10 or more jobs before age 40. Previous generations would have 3 to 5 jobs in their entire career.Even the Small Jobs Face Tougher Competitio nWhy go out and introduce yourself to people at employment agencies, companies or stores, when you can stay home and fill out 1,000 online job applications? The answer is simple: Those who take such an approach are wasting their time.Statistics show that less than 2% of online job applications are considered and less than 1% will be called in for an interview. So, if you see a job and it happens to pay above minimum wage, but the work requires little to no skill or education, you can expect to be competing with hundreds of applications.In the past, these were the “right of passage” jobs people worked to get money and some experience. It helped them build up a work regimen. Ironically, technology has led to an increase in demand for in-person applying and interviewing.The Ways People “Get Jobs” ChangedThe unemployment rate in the United States is only measured amongst people actively looking for work. But as many people know, especially the millions of freelancers in the USA, there are ways to make money online without ever seeming like one is “trying to get a job”.For example, writers who make most of their money with gigs contributing articles to websites. These connections were made through websites like Upwork, Fiverr or any other service providing of work-from-home jobs.A survey done by Contently in 2015 showed that freelancers can make somewhere between $5000 to $10,000 a month. In some cases, these freelancers are working less than 35 hours a week. Granted they may not be making a substantial salary, but they are not looking for work.Those “Get a Job” Type Jobs Are Going to Older WorkersToday’s workforce is expected to work longer and harder past the typical retirement age of 65. Americans now work past 65 years of age at the highest rates seen in the last 50 years. Ultimately, this is crowding younger, less-skilled workers out of the workforce of those smaller jobs like cashiers. With the rising cost of healthcare and education, many o lder workers see it as a wise move in order to pay bills, pay for a child’s education and even simply to stay in shape.What Does This All Mean?The above simply indicates that the way things were when looking for work has changed largely due to technology, the economy and the cultural shift away from work environments of the 20th century. At the end of the day, the work is still out there. You cannot go “get” it. Now, you must work to discover it and let go of what you once knew to be the way to get a job.

Tips on How to Write Your Short Description in Resume

Tips on How to Write Your Short Description in ResumeWriting your short description in resume is a good technique. It is quite easy to write your resume but if you are not doing it correctly you will suffer from poor job opportunities. The following are some of the tips on how to make sure you write your information correctly.First, remember that your resume is for different things. It is not just a list of your skills, achievements and abilities. There is a section for your detailed information. You should make sure that you use this section wisely.To write a brief description in resume is very important. You must ensure that you do not use too much of it. Short description in resume is not enough. Use short description to ensure that you add other details in it.You must realize that employers are looking for companies with lots of employment for many job openings. So, you must use the same length description when you use your resume in different job openings. You can simply add det ails in the description that relates to your work history.If you use too much of description in resume then your resume will be overloaded. People are not reading these descriptions. This is the reason why you should include a lot of information in your resume.So, to make sure that you have included all the necessary information in your brief description in resume you must write it carefully. Try to make your description as accurate as possible. You should make sure that you get a proper overview of your achievements and skills in your brief description in resume.Another important aspect is to ensure that you know the correct format of your resume. Youmust know that the format of resume is determined by the type of job you are applying for. You need to know this so that you do not end up losing your opportunity. You can also learn the format of resume to make it easier for you to read.Lastly, you should ensure that you do not use wrong abbreviations in your short description in resu me. You must ensure that you use correct format of abbreviation. In addition, if you are using the right abbreviations, your resume will be easy to read and it will make you appear intelligent and knowledgeable about your job.

3 alternative things to do during Pride - Debut

3 alternative things to do during Pride - Debut This post was written by an external contributor. Chloe Smith shares her top things to do in celebration for Pride.     It’s summer, and that means one very important event is taking place. Thats right, Pride. Whilst many big cities are hosting parades across the country, not everyone will have the chance to attend one. So, here are three alternative things you could do, so that you can celebrate in style, with passion, and with pride. Host/attend a Pride-themed event Not only would this be an obvious way to celebrate Pride, but it’d be a great way to meet other LGBT people. If you’re involved in the organisation or promotion of the event even better, because it’ll help you develop and enhance some employability skills too. The kind of event can vary, it could be educational in nature, (such as screening a film like 2014’s ‘Pride’ which focuses on British LGBT history) or it could be a screening of a documentary (‘Paris is Burning’ highlights an often ignored part of the LGBT subject). Or perhaps you could show an entertaining LGBT film such as the coming-of-age title ‘The Way He Looks’. Alternatively, you could put on a Pride Party, and serve up rainbow drinks  like these for guests to enjoy. Who knows, you could also donate a portion of the ticket/entry prices to a local or national LGBT charity too. This would mean you’d be helping others whilst celebrating. If this sounds like the kind of thing you’d like to be involved in, then spread the word out in your hometown. And if organising something is a bit of a hassle, just go along as an attendee. You’ll still be showing your pride! Look at joining an LGBT society Even though university term is out, it doesn’t mean you can’t see what LGBT clubs and societies are available! Check out your union website and make some plans for September. Maybe even join the Facebook groups for these societies and get to know some current members. If your university doesn’t have an LGBT society, you could get a group of friends or peers together and set one up easily. All you need is time and dedication, and summer is the perfect opportunity to make plans! Plus, all those teamwork, communication and organisational skills will look great on your CV to boot. Educate others about LGBT history Pride is the perfect time to spread the knowledge about LGBT history. For example, did you know that famous literary figures like Oscar Wilde, Virginia Woolf, Frida Kahlo and even possibly William Shakespeare were LGBT people? You may also be unaware of Section 28, which was introduced in the UK in 1988. This stated that councils and schools weren’t allowed to ‘promote’ homosexuality or show it in a positive light. Plus, this policy was repealed just 15 short years ago. So educating others about the more negative history might shed a light on how homophobic laws aren’t just a thing of the distant past in this country. Alongside that there’s also lots of positive history that isn’t widely taught, either like the first Pride parade in London in 1972, which was an act of activism, determination and pride by LGBT people in an age that very much still saw homosexuality as an illness. There’s lots of history that is so sadly sidelined that could be highlighted by you and your friends this month. How? You could organise a one-off zine, a podcast or even make educational flyers. Not only will it help others, but it’d look great for your CV. You’d be flexing your organisational and creative skills to get your project going. And if you’re looking for something to do right now in the spirit of Pride, why not check out the 8 honest-to-god careers lessons we learnt from RuPaul’s Drag Race? Download Debut  and  connect with us on  Facebook,  Twitter  and  LinkedIn  for more careers insights.

The First Job of 12 Iconic Leaders - CareerEnlightenment.com

It’s not just about business sense, though. Okay, so Barack Obama is certainly comfortable with his $12m fortune, but he became the respected world leader that he is through his formidable sense of empathy and compassion. And where did he develop this? Scooping ice cream at Baskin-Robbins for $8.60 an hour.If you’re serious about standing out from the crowd, there is no life experience that you won’t value and analyze for the lessons it holds for your future. For more great examples on iconic leaders who’ve done the same, check out this new infographic â€" and then get straight back to work. It first appeared on Make It Cheaper on August 3, 2016.  

Better Check Your References Before the Employer Does

Better Check Your References Before the Employer Does There has long been a debate regarding references and whether or not to include them in a resume. Many applicants are uncomfortable providing the information up front, preferring instead to simply state that references are available upon request.This is an outdated method and I always encourage clients NOT to write that on their resume, rather bring them with you to the interview. Whichever route you choose, it is critical you be aware of what information you are providing to potential employers as well as their ability to check that information. In other words, check your references because you never know who does. References typically fall into two categories: personal and professional. Professional references are preferable as they give a potential employer the ability to confirm our work history. Personal references work well for those with little work history. The important thing to remember is that both types of references can be checked. When offering references, be sure to carefully follow these three guidelines. Provide complete contact information: When providing a reference, be sure to provide complete contact information. This includes full names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses (when possible). Also include employment dates, job titles and supervisor names. Failure to provide complete information gives the appearance of attempting to avoid the references being creference information for people who do not know they are being included in a reference list. It not only puts them on the spot but failure to call and receive approval can mean providing bad contact information or worse…a bad reference. Know what they are going to say: When asking permission to include a former supervisor or co-worker on your reference list, take the opportunity to ask what they will say. While this may seem awkward, ensuring a positive review or reference is the best way to control this portion of the application process. Lastly, some states or companies place restrictions on what information a former employer can provide. In many cases, they are allowed to only confirm employment dates and salary history. It is always a better idea to use a reference that can provide applicable information about your work history and ethics. Be sure to confirm that your references can provide additional information to potential employers. Some say that not everyone checks references, but I think today with such easy access via internet and reference checking companies, most do. The point is, you don’t know. Because of this, it is critical that all reference information be accurate and positive. References can be an excellent way to personalize your work history. Carefully select the people you would like to use as references and confirm with them what they will say so you are aware of the information that potential employers receive. By properly preparing them, being honest in your answers and the information you present, you have a much better chance of presenting the best possible ‘face’ to potential employers.