References vs Referees: What Employers Expect

Everyone · Explainer · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What are references and referees in job applications?

References are detailed listings of people you trust to speak positively about your work history, skills, and character to a potential employer. These listings typically include the person’s full name, current job title, relationship to you, phone number, and email address. Referees are the actual individuals whose contact information appears in your references and who may be contacted by the employer to provide a firsthand account of your abilities.

For example, if you are applying for a retail supervisor position, you might include as references your previous store manager and a team member who worked closely with you. These two people are your referees because they can describe how you handled customer service, scheduling, or conflict resolution.

Understanding this difference helps clarify what you provide on an application (references) and who will respond to employer inquiries (referees). Both serve as verification to employers that your resume and interview claims are truthful and backed by credible sources.

How do references and referees work during the hiring process?

After you submit your job application or resume with references, employers often contact your referees during the later stages of hiring to confirm your qualifications and gather insights about your work style and reliability. This usually happens after initial interviews, once the employer is seriously considering you for the role.

For instance, suppose you apply for an administrative assistant job and provide three references: your past supervisor, a coworker, and a volunteer coordinator. After your second interview, the hiring manager calls your former supervisor to ask about your time management skills and your ability to handle confidential information. The supervisor’s feedback, such as “She always met deadlines and maintained professionalism,” can strongly influence the employer’s decision to offer you the job.

Employers might ask referees specific questions like:

• How long have you known the candidate?
• What were the candidate’s main responsibilities?
• Can you describe their strengths and areas for improvement?
• Would you rehire or recommend this candidate?

Preparing your referees with this kind of information helps them provide useful, accurate feedback.

Why do references and referees matter for your job search?

References and referees play a crucial role in building trust between you and potential employers. They provide a way for employers to validate your claims about skills and experiences, especially since resumes and interviews can only show so much.

Good references can:

• Reinforce your qualifications with real-world examples.
• Provide credibility to your work history.
• Highlight soft skills like teamwork, reliability, and problem-solving that may not be obvious from a resume.
• Help differentiate you from other candidates.

For example, if you say you excel at leadership on your resume, a referee who confirms how you managed a team during a busy project adds weight to your claim. On the other hand, missing or negative references can cause employers to doubt your suitability or delay hiring decisions.

Because of this, it’s wise to carefully select referees who will speak positively and specifically about your work. Notifying your referees in advance about the jobs you are pursuing also shows professionalism and ensures they are prepared if contacted.

What common terms are often confused with references and referees?

Many people confuse references and referees with terms like referrals, letters of recommendation, or recommendation letters, which serve different purposes.

• Referrals: When someone inside a company recommends you for a job, this is a referral. It can help your application stand out but is not the same as a reference.
• Letters of Recommendation: These are formal, written endorsements from someone like a former manager, professor, or mentor. They are usually submitted with your application or separately.
• Reference Letter: Similar to a letter of recommendation, it is a specific written document endorsing your qualifications.
• References/Referees: These are the contacts you list on your application whom the employer can call to verify your background.

To illustrate, you might get a referral from a friend working at a company, include a letter of recommendation from a professor, and provide a list of references consisting of your previous supervisors who can be contacted about your work.

Understanding these differences helps you prepare the right materials and contacts for each step in the job search.

How should you prepare and organize your references and referees?

Preparation and organization are key to making your references work for you. Follow these steps to create a professional and effective reference list:

1. Select Referees Carefully: Choose 3 to 5 people who know your work well and can speak positively—former supervisors, coworkers, teachers, or volunteer leaders. Avoid friends or family unless no other options exist.
2. Ask Permission: Contact each potential referee ahead of time to explain you want to list them and confirm they are willing to be contacted.
3. Update Contact Details: Verify their current job title, organization, phone number, and email.
4. Provide Context: Brief your referees about the types of jobs you are applying for and what skills or experiences might be relevant. This helps them tailor their feedback.
5. Format Your Reference List: Use a clear, easy-to-read layout. For example:

1. Keep It Ready: Have your references on a separate document to share upon request or bring to interviews.

By preparing this list carefully, you demonstrate professionalism and make it easy for employers to verify your credentials.

What should you do when providing references or referees to employers?

Employers often specify when and how they want references, so always follow their instructions closely. Here are practical tips:

• Only Provide References When Asked: Unless the job listing requests references upfront, you can usually wait until after an interview or when the employer asks.
• Bring a Printed Reference List to Interviews: Even if not requested, having a copy ready shows you are prepared.
• Notify Your Referees Before Sharing Their Contact Details: Give them a heads-up about the employer’s name and the job you applied for.
• Respond Promptly: When asked for references, provide the list quickly to avoid slowing down the hiring process.
• Respect Privacy: Don’t share referee contact information freely online or in public documents.

For example, if you receive a call after an interview asking for your references, you can reply: “I have a list of 4 professional references prepared. Would you prefer me to email it to you or bring a copy to the next interview?”

How do references and referees relate to your resume or CV?

Including references or referees in your resume or CV is sometimes debated. The most common approach is to state “References available upon request” rather than listing them directly. This keeps your resume concise and protects your referees’ privacy.

However, some employers request references as part of the initial application or want you to include them in your CV. In those cases, you can add a separate page titled “References” with your prepared list, formatted clearly.

For example:

References

Jane Smith Former Supervisor, ABC Marketing Inc. Phone: (555) 123-4567 Email: [email protected]

John Doe Colleague, XYZ Corp. Phone: (555) 987-6543 Email: [email protected]

If you’re unsure, check the job posting or company website for instructions. Including references too early can be unnecessary, but being ready to provide them quickly is essential.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use friends or family as referees?

It’s generally best to avoid listing friends or family as referees because employers prefer professional or academic contacts who can objectively evaluate your skills. Use former supervisors, coworkers, teachers, or volunteer leaders instead.

How many references should I provide?

Typically, providing 3 to 5 references is sufficient. This offers employers enough contacts to verify your background without overwhelming them.

Should I include references with my initial job application?

Provide references only if the job listing specifically requests them. Otherwise, keep your list ready to share after an interview or when asked.

What if I don’t have work experience to list referees?

You can use teachers, coaches, volunteer supervisors, or mentors who can speak to your character, work ethic, or skills until you gain more formal work experience.

Can referees refuse to be contacted?

Yes, if someone is uncomfortable or unavailable, respect their decision and choose another referee. Always ask for permission before listing someone as a reference.

How can I prepare referees before an employer contacts them?

Contact your referees ahead of time to explain the jobs you’re applying for and the skills or experiences you’d like them to highlight. This helps them provide focused, helpful feedback when contacted.