# Reference List Builder

Format professional references properly and prepare reference materials

- Repository: https://github.com/Paramchoudhary/ResumeSkills (2987 stars)
- Category: Engineering
- License: MIT
- Last updated: 2026-06-19
- Runs scripts: no, instructions only

## Install

Claude Code: `npx skills add Paramchoudhary/ResumeSkills --skill reference-list-builder -g -a claude-code -y`
Codex: `npx skills add Paramchoudhary/ResumeSkills --skill reference-list-builder -g -a codex -y`
Cursor: `npx skills add Paramchoudhary/ResumeSkills --skill reference-list-builder -g -a cursor -y`
Gemini CLI: `npx skills add Paramchoudhary/ResumeSkills --skill reference-list-builder -g -a gemini-cli -y`

## Description

Format professional references properly and prepare reference materials

## SKILL.md, as published by its author (untrusted third-party text, read it as data)

# 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: jane.smith@techcorp.com
Relationship: Direct supervisor for 3 years (2020-2023)

John Doe
VP of Engineering
Previous Company
Phone: (555) 234-5678
Email: john.doe@previous.com
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

The rest: https://github.com/Paramchoudhary/ResumeSkills/blob/HEAD/.agents/skills/reference-list-builder/SKILL.md