Last updated June 30, 2026

In this article

• What is a brag sheet? How can my brag sheet help my recommender?
• How to create your brag sheet
• Send your brag sheet

Whether you’re applying for a job or internship, you will most likely be required to submit letters of recommendation or references. Letters of recommendation and references, written by individuals you have previously worked with in an academic or professional setting, can highlight your skills, experience, and qualities that make you a great candidate for the opportunity you’re applying for.

Because letters of recommendation and references are important supplements to your applications, it’s important to give your recommenders as much information about your strengths, skills, and experiences as possible so they can write you the best, most accurate recommendation possible. That’s where a brag sheet can come in handy! Here’s everything you should know about brag sheets– like how they work and how to start creating yours!

What is a brag sheet? How can my brag sheet help my recommender?

A brag sheet is similar to a resume. It’s a place where you can list all of your accomplishments, work and academic experience, leadership skills, extracurricular activities, and employment and volunteer history. Simply put, it’s a high-level overview of all of your relevant experience that your recommender can look at when they’re writing you a letter of recommendation or providing a reference for you.

How to create your brag sheet

Brainstorm

Starting from your first year of high school, brainstorm, write down, and organize your achievements and experiences into categories. These categories can include things like:

• Academics
• Leadership
• Employment
• Extracurriculars/clubs
• Awards received
• Volunteer experience
• …and more!

Shape your story

Narrow down the experiences in each category to two or three activities that had the biggest impact on you, and then use these activities to create your story. For example, if you are in the drama club at school or act in local theater productions, you might describe your favorite performances, how these roles have helped you grow as a person or an actor, and what your experience was like balancing school with an extracurricular activity. As you weave these stories about your activities and accomplishments throughout high school together, you will have a cohesive, compelling story that shows what makes you unique. That’s your brag sheet!

Send your brag sheet

When someone agrees to write you a letter of recommendation or provide a reference for you, be sure to send them any and all important information about the opportunity you’re applying for. This can include things like what the opportunity is (a college application, a scholarship, a job, etc.) when they will need to submit their letter of recommendation or provide their reference, and when you can expect to have a decision. In addition to all of this information, send along your brag sheet and let your recommender know that they can contact you if they have any questions. Lastly, don’t forget to stay thank you! Be sure to share your appreciation with them for their willingness to make time for you!

Want more tips on creating a brag sheet for your letters of recommendation or references? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated June 18, 2026

In this article

• What Is A Professional Reference?
• Who Should Be My Reference?
• Can A Family Member Be My Reference?
• How To Ask Someone To Be Your Reference
• Listing References On Your Resume
• How To Send Your References To Employers

When you are filling out a job application or moving through the interview process, an employer will likely ask you to provide 2-3 professional references. But what are references and how can they help you land a job? We break it all down!

What Is A Professional Reference?

Professional references are people in your network who can speak positively about your skills and qualifications for the job you’re applying for. Though employers typically ask for a list of references after you’ve gone through the interview process, some may ask for them at any point. 

Who Should Be My Reference?

Who you ask to be a reference will depend on the job you’re applying for and how much previous work experience you have. For first-time job seekers, your teachers, professors, counselors, and coaches are great people to list as references. For job seekers with previous work experience, your former boss, supervisor, or coworkers could be on your reference list. The key to selecting strong references is to make sure you choose people who have seen you in action and can speak positively about your skills and ability to do the job.

Can A Family Member Be My Reference?

Yes, but only if you have worked with them in a professional capacity. For example, if you work for your family’s business on the weekends, it is totally valid to list a family member as a reference. If you don’t have formal work experience but have done work for family members, like watching younger relatives or dog walking, these family members could also be a potential reference. Ideally, though, it is best to try to find references who are not related to you.

How To Ask Someone To Be Your Reference

Before you list anyone as your reference, make sure you ask for their permission! Not only is this the right thing to do, it will also give them enough time to reflect on your working relationship to give you the strongest recommendation possible. 

Start by reflecting on and making a list of people in your network who would be willing to be your reference. Reach out to them ASAP if you plan to begin applying for jobs soon. You can ask someone to be your reference by sending them an email, calling them (with their permission), or speaking to them in person. Be sure to give them enough time to say yes or to decline.

Once you’ve secured two to three references, provide them with details of the jobs you’re applying for. Some references will also find it helpful to review your brag sheet, resume, or cover letter to understand the skills you’d like highlighted and if they’re the right person to speak about them.

After an employer reaches out to your references, be sure to follow up and thank them for their time and willingness to help you out. You can also keep them updated on whether you got the job.

Listing References On Your Resume

You do not need to list your references on your resume. Employers will ask for them if you make it to the interview stage of the hiring process.

How To Send Your References To Employers

References are typically shared with employers as a list of people with the following information:

• First and last name
• Job title and company name
• Phone number
• Email address

Example Reference:

• Jane Doe
• District Manager, Acme Tile Company
• 555-555-5555
• janedoe@acme.com

Do you have any questions about securing job references? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated September 4, 2025

In this article

• Dos
• Don’ts

During any stage of a job application process, you will be asked to submit references. Professional references are people who can speak to your professional skills and experience while recommending you for the job you applied for. We share some essential do’s and don’ts of asking for job references! 

Dos

Know who to ask

Choose three to four people who can speak positively about your professional skills and experience. This can be people like former bosses and coworkers if you have previous work experience. If you’re applying for your first job, you can list people like coaches, mentors, or educators who know you well. 

How to ask someone to be a reference

Before you list anyone as your reference, ask for their permission first! Not only is this the right thing to do, it will also give them enough time to reflect on your working relationship to give you the strongest recommendation possible. When reaching out, remind them of your shared experiences and accomplishments, and explain why you’re asking them to be your reference. You can ask someone to be your reference by sending them an email, calling them (with their permission), texting them if you have an established rapport (and know it’s their preferred communication), or speaking to them in person. Learn more about asking someone to be your reference.

Prepare your job references

Prepare your references to give you a strong recommendation by sending them the following materials in advance:

• Your resume
• Your brag sheet
• The description of the position you’re applying for
• Any other relevant information they should know

Create a reference list

When employers ask for your references, provide them with your official reference list. A reference list is a document that lists key information about each of your references, like their first and last names, job titles, company names, phone numbers, email addresses, and a sentence or two about your relationship with them (e.g. Cindy was my internship supervisor for six months). Make sure the font and style of your reference list matches your resume and cover letter so it looks like a cohesive package.

Follow up and say thank you

Always take a moment to show appreciation for your references by thanking them via phone or email. 

Don’ts

List someone as a reference without asking 

Don’t assume someone will be your reference without checking in with them first! Always ask for permission far enough in advance to allow them to make a decision.

Ask the wrong person to be your reference

Ideally, your references should be people who know you in professional and academic settings. While your family and friends know you’re awesome, it’s best not to list them as references unless you’ve worked with them in a formal context. Former supervisors and coworkers, as well as educators, mentors, and coaches are typically the best people to ask for a reference. 

Do you have any questions about securing job references? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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