Reference prep generator
Enter who your reference is, the role you are interviewing for, and what you hope they cover — get a short prep note you send them before the call. References do better when they are not surprised; the note reminds them of work they saw first-hand and says explicitly that they should skip anything they are unsure about.
Resume workflow
Example output structure
Prep for our reference call — Data Analyst at Fictional Payments Hi Jordan, Thank you for agreeing to be my reference. A quick prep so nothing catches you off guard — everything below is just a reminder of work you saw first-hand. THE ROLE I AM INTERVIEWING FOR Data Analyst at Fictional Payments. The interviewer may ask how we worked together and what my work was actually like. TALKING POINTS THAT WOULD HELP (all your call — say only what you feel is true) 1. The reconciliation tracker I built that the team still uses — a one-line example you remember beats a general endorsement. 2. How I handled the quarter the invoice volume doubled — a one-line example you remember beats a general endorsement. REMAINDERS OF THE WORK WE DID - The month-end close automation we shipped in Q2 - The weekly reporting pack I handed over when I rotated off LOGISTICS - The company usually emails you directly to schedule a 15–20 minute call. If you have not heard anything within a week of my interview, tell me and I will nudge them. - Skip anything you are unsure about — 'I did not work with them on that' is a perfectly good answer. Thank you again. Happy to return the favor for you any time. — Sent as prep before the call. Use whatever feels true; drop the rest.
Common questions
Is sending reference prep normal?
Yes — recruiters expect it, and most references silently want it. A one-page reminder of what you worked on together, the role, and the logistics is a courtesy, not a script.
Can I tell my reference what to say?
You can suggest topics; you cannot script them. The note is explicit about this: talking points are 'all your call — say only what you feel is true', and 'I did not work with them on that' is named as a good answer.
When should I send it?
Right after the interview round where they were named — before the company contacts them. If nothing lands within a week, the note asks your reference to tell you so you can nudge the company.