Providing contact information for individuals who can attest to one’s skills, experience, and work ethic is a common practice in the job application process. These contacts, typically former supervisors, colleagues, or professors, offer potential employers valuable insights beyond what’s presented in a resume or cover letter. A properly formatted example might include the contact’s name, title, organization, phone number, and email address.
Including such contacts can significantly strengthen an application. They offer third-party validation of a candidate’s qualifications and provide an opportunity for employers to gain a deeper understanding of a candidate’s strengths and suitability for a role. This practice has evolved over time, becoming increasingly standardized as part of the hiring process. While not always explicitly required, it’s often expected and can give applicants a competitive edge.
