Why do people use "reference" and "employment history" to refer to the exact same thing?

Question

When you fill out a job application, there is usually a section where you list all the places where you have worked, and sometimes there will be a section where you list reference contact information (or sometimes they will wait until after the interview before asking for your references). Why do people use these two terms to mean the same thing? Or is listing a company under work history the same thing as listing your supervisor as a reference?

Answer 1

References would usually be personal or professional. People who have known you a while, and can vouch for you, or maybe someone else you worked with that can vouch for you. Work History is for past employers.

Previous employers are bound by law to only be able to say certain things, just as potential employers can only ask certain things. References, however, are usually a little more free with their tongues, and the potential employer can get more info from them, even when they don't ask for it. At least, that's what I've found in the past doing HR work.

Answer 2

They're two different things. A reference doesn't mean the person has been one's employer; it could be a reference from a clergy member, professor, neighbor, etc. Employers want these kinds of references because it shows a person to be well-rounded, and not just in a work environment.

Answer 3

They aren't the same thing. Sometimes, you don't want a future employer to request a reference, but you want to list the job in History so there aren't employment gaps.

Answer 4

"References" usually refer to personal references such as friends or colleagues who have known you for at least five years.
"Employment history" is exactly that. Often the last five jobs you have maintained. It's better to indicate three long term previous employers rather than five short term.
Good luck with your search.

Answer 5

Often times, the work hisotry is used to confirm you are qualified and your references are used to assess your character. Clergy and teachers (if you're young) make some of the best character refences.

Answer 6

emploment history = a list of your past employers

reference = employers that you have had that would reccomend you in your new endeavors.

good luck