It used to be common practice to include a couple of references on your resume or add a line stating that “references are available on request.” But adding your references directly to your resume is a dated practice.
It’s also too early in the application process to provide references. Hiring managers don’t have time or interest in checking references at the first stage of screening candidates, so adding them to your resume is a waste of valuable space.
Instead, present your references the right way. Keep reading to learn:
- If you should ever put references on your resume.
- Where your references should go.
- How to write a references list.
- Who you can ask for a reference.
Should you put references on your resume?
No, you should leave your references off your resume.
Later on in the application process—during the interview phase—the hiring team will request references if they want them. When you provide your references, format them separately on a separate document. (You’ll see how below!)
Why should you avoid putting references on your resume?
Career experts advise you to avoid adding references to your resume for two reasons:
- The space you have on your resume is limited.
- It can make your resume look dated or age you as a candidate.
When you only have one or two pages to sell yourself to potential employers, you need every line to be impactful and intentional. Adding references disrupts the purpose of your resume: to give the hiring team an idea of your past experiences and skills.
Not only can adding references to your resume make you appear out of sync with modern resume guidelines, but it can also make you come across as older in your application. These small details can inadvertently trigger some subconscious ageism in hiring teams, putting you at a disadvantage.
How to write a resume reference list
Before you begin writing your reference list, consider how many references you want to include, who you want to ask for a reference, and how you plan to send off your reference list.
Think about how many references you want to include
If you’re an entry-level candidate, you may only have a couple of solid references to rely on. But if you’re in a senior role, you’ll want to be selective in choosing people from different points of your professional journey.
Avoid going overboard with your reference list. While you may have a lot of people with glowing things to say about you, consider the hiring manager’s time, and don’t provide more than a few strong references.
Determine who you should for a reference
For each job you apply for, think about the best people who can speak to the skills the hiring manager is seeking. Just as you tailor your resume to the job description, you should curate your reference list to include the most relevant insights that can help land you the job.
Decide how you will send your reference list
Only pass along a reference list if the hiring manager or recruiter asks for it. If the job posting requests references with your resume, be sure to include it to avoid having your resume overlooked. But avoid sending it with your resume unprompted.
The hiring team will ask for references as you move through the interview process. This gives you some extra time to compile the right list of people to be a reference and make requests of your network.
How should you format your resume reference list?
When passing along references to hiring managers or recruiters, you should organize them as a separate document.
- Reference name
- Job title and company name
- Email address and phone number
- Description of reference
Check with your preferred references in advance to confirm they’re willing to be a reference. Make sure you get current contact information and preferred method of contact so you have it ready when the hiring team requests it.
Below is a template you can quickly copy and paste to start writing your own reference list.
[Name of reference]
[Job Title]
[Company]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[Notes] (including contact preferences, your work dynamic, or helpful insights on key projects)
Examples of a resume reference list
By including all the information above, your reference list will look like this:
Anaya Guzman
Head of Product Development
FlipCart
Phone: (555) 555-1234
Email: anaya.guzman@email.com
Note: Anaya was my direct supervisor during my time as a product manager at FlipCart.
Whether you’re emailing your reference list or handing a hard copy to the interviewer in person, maintain consistency by including your name, job title, and contact information at the top of your document (just like on your resume).
This looks more polished and helps the hiring manager stay organized if the list of references gets separated from the rest of your application.
Who should you ask for a reference?
Carefully select the people you ask to be a reference. Consider how well the individual knows your work ethic, your skillset, and what it’s like to work with you.
Depending on where you are in your career, your reference list may include different types of people.
Common employment references include:
- Former supervisors or managers
- Colleagues
- Direct reports
- Freelance or contract clients
You can also ask for business references from:
- Professional mentors
- Contacts from professional organizations
- Contacts from training and professional development programs
If you’re a new grad or an entry-level applicant, you can ask:
- Professors or academic advisors
- Volunteer coordinators you’ve worked under
You can add personal references alongside your professional references—just not your mom. Personal references can help shed light on key soft skills that translate well to the workplace.
Some personal references can include:
- Coaches and instructors from extracurricular activities
- Friends who have worked with you on projects
- Leaders of clubs, hobby groups, or community service organizations
Your best reference is an expert in your work ethic. But, if someone in your network has experience in a particular field or is familiar with the role you’re applying for, you can alter your reference list to put them at the top.
Tips for asking for a reference
Asking for a reference is important. No one wants to get an unexpected call or email and be put on the spot. Here are some things to consider before you list people as resume references:
- Ask permission in advance (and say thank you): Contact your desired connections and ask if they can be a reference. Not only is this polite, but if they know a call may be coming, they have time to think about what to say in advance. Follow up with a thank you. You never know when you’ll need another reference.
- Make sure your references feel comfortable: Give people the opportunity to say “no.” If they’re someone you currently work with and you want to keep your job search quiet, be sure that they’re comfortable being secretive about your plans.
- Prepare your references with information about the job: Providing the job description and the company name to your references helps them recognize the caller or email that’s contacting them. You can even send them a copy of your resume to review, so they highlight the important skills and experience for the role.
Key Takeaways
- Don’t put your references on your resume and don’t bother including a line, “references available upon request.” It’s implied that you’ll provide references if necessary.
- Adding them to your resume can backfire by taking up too much valuable real estate and cause the hiring team to assume you’re an older applicant.
- Put your strongest reference at the top of the list. The hiring manager may not call each reference so don’t bury your most relevant reference at the bottom. Even if the hiring team checks only one reference, it’s likely to be the first.
FAQs
References are individuals who can vouch for your qualifications, character, and work history. They provide employers with an additional perspective on your abilities and potential fit for the role you’re applying for.
No, it is not necessary to put references directly on your resume. In fact, it’s common practice to leave them off unless the job posting specifically requests them. Most employers will ask for references at a later stage in the hiring process, so you should be prepared to provide them when asked.
You should choose people who can speak positively about your professional skills, work ethic, and character. Ideal references include former supervisors, managers, colleagues, mentors, or even clients. If you’re a recent graduate, you can also consider using professors or advisors who are familiar with your work and character.
No, you should only provide references if the employer specifically requests them. Including references when not asked can make your resume look outdated and take up valuable space that could be better used to highlight your skills and accomplishments.
If you’re asked to provide references, you typically need three to five. However, these should not be listed on your resume itself. Instead, prepare a separate reference sheet that you can submit if requested.
Employers use references to verify the information you’ve provided in your resume and during interviews. References help them gain insight into your past job performance, work habits, reliability, and how you might fit into their team or company culture.
No, you should always ask for permission before including someone as a reference. Not only is it courteous, but it also ensures that your references are prepared and willing to provide a positive endorsement when contacted by the employer.
You typically need references during the later stages of the hiring process, such as after a successful interview or when a job offer is being considered. Employers may request them as part of their final decision-making process.
