In these days of underemployment or flat-out unemployment, it seems as if everyone is looking for a job.

Anyone who is looking for a job comes to a quick realization – there aren't that many of them out there. And when there are good jobs, there is a lot of competition for them.

So when there is this much competition for a job, how do you make yourself stand out above the rest? One good way is through your job references.

Once upon a time, it was enough to put “References Available Upon Request” at the end of your resume. After all, jobs were more plentiful and most of the time, you resume was enough. Hiring managers didn't even contact your references.

However, times have changed, and the people doing the hiring want to make sure they get the very best person available for that open position. Often, there are thousands of people applying, particularly if the job has been listed online.

But you have to be careful about who you list as your job references. Here's some pointers:

• Make sure your potential reference knows you want to list him or her. Many people just list people they know without discussing it with those people, and this is a recipe for disaster. You should talk with your reference first and ask permission. After all, you're providing that person's name, address and telephone number to complete strangers. Additionally, many employers are not permitted, through company policy, to give job references for former employees.

• Be sure your reference will say good things about your job strengths, not just your personal character. After all, your mother will probably say great things about you. However, will a former work colleague?

• Try to get some job references in writing. Hiring managers often appreciate having written recommendations because they can go back and look at them in their own time, instead of having to spending time calling and talking to people.

• Ensure your potential reference is someone who either knows you or knows the quality of your work. Sometimes, in these days of Internet communications, it's tempting to go through your contact lists on sites such as LinkedIn and pick someone with great experience and give that name as a reference. After all, you've conversed back and forth online with that person, right? But that's not enough. If you've never done any work for that contact, or if it's someone who has never met you in person, how do you expect to get a good reference from him or her?

It all boils down to this: Make sure your reference will say what needs said that will lead to you getting a job. If you've chosen someone who has never heard of you or worked with you, or someone who you used to work with who does not have good memories of your work skills, that does not reflect well on your skills.