reference-list-builder

What the source does

• FilesystemNone observedNo reads or writes in the source
• NetworkNone observedNo outbound calls in the source
• ShellNone observedNo commands run in the source
• DependenciesPinnedNothing floats
• SecretsNone foundNo keys in source

Five audit layers

Gates applied: no behavioural pass.

.agent/skills/executive-resume-writer

.agent/skills/interview-prep-generator

.agent/skills/job-description-analyzer

.agent/skills/linkedin-profile-optimizer

.agent/skills/offer-comparison-analyzer

Audit 0.4.1 · source sha a01a853af83c · 29 Oct 2026Report an issue or request a re-scan

• Publisherparamchoudhary GitHub userOwner of the repository this skill is read from
• Source folderparamchoudhary/resumeskills/skills/reference-list-builderThe exact folder we audited
• LicenceMITAs the repository states it
• Commit pinned for this verdicta01a853af83cA new audit runs when the source changes
• Repository statusNot archivedLast push 131 days ago
• Sandboxed runNot runSkills are read, not executed; layer L4 is skipped

Its description: Format professional references properly and prepare reference materials

---
name: reference-list-builder
description: Format professional references properly and prepare reference materials
---

# Reference List Builder

## When to Use This Skill

Use this skill when the user:
- Needs to create a professional reference list
- Wants help choosing the right references
- Needs to format references properly
- Is preparing references for job applications
- Mentions: "references", "reference list", "professional references", "reference check"

## Core Capabilities

- Format professional reference lists
- Guide reference selection strategy
- Prepare reference briefing materials
- Anticipate reference check questions
- Handle difficult reference situations
- Coordinate reference outreach

## Reference Strategy

### Who Makes a Good Reference?

**Ideal References:**
- Former direct managers (most important)
- Senior colleagues who observed your work
- Cross-functional partners
- Clients or customers
- Direct reports (for leadership roles)
- Professors or advisors (for recent graduates)

**Reference Hierarchy:**
1. **Most Valuable:** Recent direct supervisor
2. **Very Valuable:** Senior leaders who know your work
3. **Valuable:** Peers and cross-functional partners
4. **Acceptable:** Clients, vendors, professors
5. **Avoid:** Friends, family, HR contacts only

### Who to Avoid

- ❌ Current employer (without permission)
- ❌ People who barely know you
- ❌ References from 10+ years ago only
- ❌ Personal friends (unless specified)
- ❌ People who might give lukewarm feedback
- ❌ Anyone you haven't contacted in advance

## Reference List Format

### Standard Format

```
PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES

Jane Smith
Senior Director of Product
TechCorp Inc.
Phone: (555) 123-4567
Email: [email protected]
Relationship: Direct supervisor for 3 years (2020-2023)

John Doe
VP of Engineering
Previous Company
Phone: (555) 234-5678
Email: [email protected]
Relationship: Cross-functional partner on 5 major projects
```

### Information to Include

**Required:**
- Full name
- Current job title
- Current company
- Phone number
- Professional email
- Your relationship to them

**Optional:**
- LinkedIn URL
- Best time to reach
- Preferred contact method

### Formatting Guidelines

- Match the style of your resume (fonts, formatting)
- 3-5 references (more only if requested)
- Separate page from resume
- Header should match resume header
- Include "References" or "Professional References" as title

## Reference Preparation

### Step 1: Ask Permission

**Before listing anyone:**
- Call or email to ask permission
- Confirm their contact information
- Explain the role you're applying for
- Gauge their willingness and enthusiasm

**Script:**
```
"Hi [Name], I hope you're doing well! I'm applying for a [Role] position at [Company] and was wondering if you'd be comfortable serving as a reference for me. The role involves [brief description], and I think your perspective on [specific project/skill] would be particularly valuable. Would you be willing to speak with them if they reach out?"
```

### Step 2: Brief Your References

**Send them:**
- Copy of your resume
- Job description
- Key points you want highlighted
- Specific projects to mention
- Timeline for when they might be contacted

**Briefing Email Template:**
```
Subject: Reference Preparation - [Role] at [Company]

Hi [Name],

Thank you so much for agreeing to be a reference! Here's some context to help:

**The Role:** [Job title] at [Company]
**What they're looking for:** [Key requirements]

**Points I'm emphasizing:**
- [Achievement 1]
- [Achievement 2]
- [Skill they should mention]

**Our work together they might ask about:**
- [Project 1]
- [Project 2]

I've attached my resume and the job description for reference. They may reach out in the next [timeframe].

Please let me know if you have any questions, and thank you again!

Best,
[Your name]
```

### Step 3: Follow Up

After references are checked:
- Thank your references regardless of outcome
- Let them know the result
- Offer to reciprocate

## Handling Special Situations

### Current Employer Doesn't Know

**Options:**
- Ask if reference check can wait until later stage
- Use colleagues who've left the company
- Be upfront: "My current employer doesn't know I'm looking"
- Use other professional references

### Manager Left the Company

**Options:**
- Track them down on LinkedIn
- Use their personal email/phone
- Include their new company in reference list
- Explain "Former manager, now at [New Company]"

### Bad Relationship with Past Manager

**Options:**
- Use another supervisor from that role
- Use senior colleagues instead
- Choose references from different roles
- Be prepared to explain if asked

### Limited Professional Experience

**Options:**
- Professors or academic advisors
- Internship supervisors
- Volunteer organization leaders
- Coaches or mentors
- Client contacts

### Reference Won't Give Positive Review

**Don't use them.** It's better to have fewer references than a lukewarm or negative one.

## What Reference Checkers Ask

### Common Questions

**Performance:**
- "How would you describe [name]'s work?"
- "What were their primary responsibilities?"
- "How did they perform against expectations?"

**Skills:**
- "What are their greatest strengths?"
- "What areas could they improve?"
- "How would you rate their [specific skill]?"

**Work Style:**
- "How did they handle pressure/deadlines?"
- "How did they work with the team?"
- "How did they handle conflict?"

**Character:**
- "Would you rehire them?"
- "Is there anything else I should know?"
- "How do they compare to peers?"

### The "Would You Rehire?" Question

**Most important question.** Brief your references that this may be asked and ensure they can answer enthusiastically.

## Reference List Template

```
[YOUR NAME]
[Your Email] | [Your Phone]

PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES

[REFERENCE 1 - MOST SENIOR/RELEVANT]
[Name]
[Title]
[Company]
Phone: [Number]
Email: [Email]
Relationship: [How you worked together, dates

Excerpt, first 6,000 characters of SKILL.md, verbatim from the audited commit. It is text from someone else’s repository, quoted so you can judge it before your agent reads it.

git clone https://github.com/paramchoudhary/resumeskills
git -C resumeskills checkout a01a853af83c

Works in

1. 2026-10-29
   !CAUTION B 89 / 100

   first audit · source a01a853af83c

Questions about reference-list-builder

• github.com/paramchoudhary/resumeskills/tree/main/skills/referenc — the audited source at commit a01a853af83c and every finding aboveObserved · 29 Oct 2026

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