We are ranked in many different ways during our lives. Often the most important ranking we'll fall under is how we stack up against the other people who have applied for the same job. There are many different factors that employers use as a force gauge to see who the best candidate is. They look at employment history, skills, training, and performance during interviews. But what can really make or break your job application is your employment references. Here are some tips on getting them right.

For most jobs, you do not need to include your references right on your resume. Doing so makes it overlong and paints you as an amateur. Therefore unless you're filling out an application that asks directly for your references or the steel coil strapping systems company has mentioned that they want to see them in the job ad, simply put "references available upon request" at the bottom of your resume. Then when employers contact you to request references you know they're interested.

Even if you're only putting "references available upon request" on your resume, you should still make sure you have your references ready in case they ask. Never assume that a former employer is willing to give you a reference. Always call or email your old boss to ask if he or she is willing to give you a reference. Mention that you're applying for jobs in real estate services in Toronto so they know what to focus on when they're asked to speak about you and be sure to get their current contact information.

Most employers ask for three references. Unless they specify otherwise, one of them can be a character reference. A character reference is someone you have not worked for, but who knows you well. They can be a fellow member of the Ontario Architect Association, a co-worker from your former job, someone you work for in your volunteer work, or even a friend or neighbor. It is not a good idea to use a relative.

Though you will only likely need three references for any job application, it's always good to have a pool of potential references that you can draw from so you can cherry pick among them and give the references that are most relevant to the job you're applying for. For example, a Mississauga dentist will be looking for different qualities in her receptionist than a day care operator who wants to hire someone to cook the meals.