In reference or with reference-which is more appropriate?

On a job application, appropriate references are those who are in a position to know your work strengths and to verify your credentials. In an academic paper, appropriate references are those which...

By referring directly to the reference being referred to. No need to mention the reference that also referred to the reference.

it is always cross refer to ......

A reference is basically a connection to a source of information or data, a term or location that identifies where to go or where to look. A reference can also be an allusion or mention of a specific...

Professional references are listed first, followed by personal references if required. Usually the "strongest" reference is listed first, ie. the person who has the most knowledge of your work...