Should a professional reference sheet include a synopsis of the reference?

Question

I'm writing my reference sheet and wondering if a professional reference sheet should include a synopsis of the reference and what that reference might be able to say about you.
For example, "Mr. Smith was my supervisor at Widgets, Inc. Under his leadership I organized a new form of Widget identification and implemented it in four regional Widget Factories. He can attest to my strong work ethic and leadership skills."
Is something like that necessary or even appropriate?

Answer 1

I would not think so. I usually put the name, phone number, and relationship of the reference (I have only been asked once in 20+ years) and leave it at that.

It is not like you are going to put a bad reference and it is not that the reference is going to dis you either.

I had to check a fellow's reference once. He was applying for an Office Manager position in a brand new location in a new state.

So, we go through the interview process. My job is to check the references. All of them check out.

We hire the guy, pay $$$ to move him and 2 days after he starts, he disappears. Nobody hears from him.

It is only after 3 days, when he was supposed to check in that we find out he split.

My boss spent thousands getting this guy moved, set up in a new office, a company car and he bolted in the middle of the night with the office door unlocked and the keys in the ignition.

I almost felt like calling the references and letting them know how unstable he was.