Abstract: Systems and methods for electronically managing the process of requesting, giving, and receiving personal references are provided. Personal information, particularly contact information, is received by a computer system from a candidate seeking a personal reference. Some of this information is forwarded to a personal reference giver to request that a personal reference regarding the candidate be given. The personal reference information is received by the computer system. The candidate and reference giver may access the personal received personal reference information. The personal reference information can then be sent to a recipient. The candidate and reference giver can be contacted when the recipient has accessed, reviewed, or modified the personal reference information. Access to the personal information of the candidate and the personal reference information from the personal reference giver can be based on a comparison with a set of rules and permissions.