Should I Put References on My Resume?

Everyone · How-to · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What do you need before deciding whether to put references on your resume?

Before deciding if you should put references on your resume, gather essential information and think through your approach carefully. First, identify potential references who can credibly speak about your work, skills, and character. These are often former supervisors, managers, coworkers, professors, or mentors familiar with your professional abilities. It’s crucial to ask each person for permission before listing them, explaining the types of jobs you’re applying for and what they might expect if contacted. This respects their time and ensures they are prepared to provide positive feedback.

Next, collect full contact details for each reference: their current job title, organization, phone number, and email address. Confirm that this information is current and that your references are comfortable sharing it. Keep this information organized in a separate document rather than on your resume itself. Also, carefully read the job application instructions. Some employers explicitly request references with the initial application, while others wait until after interviews. Knowing these details will help you decide when and how to share your references effectively.

Should you put references on your resume or on a separate document?

The common recommendation is to keep references off your resume. Your resume should be a concise, focused marketing document highlighting your skills, achievements, and experience relevant to the job. Including references takes up valuable space that could be better used to showcase what makes you a strong candidate. Instead, prepare a separate “References” document formatted in the same style as your resume. This document should list each reference’s name, job title, company, phone number, email address, and a brief note about your relationship, such as “Former Supervisor” or “Academic Advisor.”

When submitting your application, send your resume without references unless the job posting specifically requests them. If an employer wants references, they will ask for them at the interview stage or later in the hiring process. Having your reference list ready allows you to provide it quickly and professionally when requested, without cluttering your resume prematurely.

What references should you put on your resume if asked?

If an employer explicitly requests references as part of your application, choose carefully whom to include. Focus on professional contacts who can vouch for your relevant skills and work performance. Ideal references are former managers, supervisors, coworkers who worked closely with you, or clients if you worked in a freelance or consulting role. When you list them, include:

• Full name
• Current job title and employer
• Phone number
• Email address
• Your relationship (e.g., “Former Manager,” “Project Supervisor”)

Avoid listing family members or friends unless the employer specifically asks for personal references. For example, if applying to a childcare position, a personal reference might be relevant, but for most professional jobs, stick to work-related contacts.

Here is a sample reference entry you could use in your reference list:

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

Make sure to notify your references each time you submit their names so they expect a potential call or email.

How do you indicate references availability on your resume?

The phrase “References available upon request” has traditionally been included at the bottom of resumes, but it is no longer necessary. Most employers assume you will provide references if asked, so this line is often seen as redundant. Including it also takes up precious space on your resume that could highlight your qualifications instead.

If you choose to include this phrase, use subtle wording and place it unobtrusively near your contact details or at the very end of the document. For example, you might write:

• “References available upon request”
• “Professional references available upon request”

However, the best practice is to simply omit this phrase altogether and be prepared to offer references when the employer asks. This approach shows confidence in your credentials and keeps your resume clean and focused.

Step-by-step: How to handle references in your job application process

Handling references properly can improve your chances during the hiring process. Follow these steps to prepare and share references effectively:

1. Identify strong references: Select at least three professional contacts who know your work well and can provide positive feedback. Include former supervisors, coworkers, or mentors.
2. Request permission: Contact each person to ask if they agree to serve as a reference. Share details about the jobs you’re applying for and what they might be asked.
3. Prepare a reference list: Create a separate document titled “References.” Use the same font and formatting as your resume for consistency. Include each reference’s full name, title, company, phone number, email, and your relationship.
4. Review job application instructions: Check if the employer asks for references upfront or later. Follow their directions precisely.
5. Submit your resume without references: Unless asked, keep your resume free of references to maximize relevant content space.
6. Provide references promptly when requested: Send your prepared reference list quickly after an employer asks. Include a brief cover message thanking them for considering your application.
7. Notify your references: Let your references know when you have shared their contact information so they can expect contact and prepare accordingly.

For example, if you apply for a marketing position, you might send an email to your reference like this:

“Hi Jane, I’ve applied for a marketing coordinator role at XYZ Company, and I’ve listed you as a reference. You might be contacted soon to discuss my work. Thanks so much for your support!”

How can you tell if this approach worked?

You’ll know your approach is working if you receive interview invitations without having to submit references initially. This means your resume and cover letter presented your qualifications well enough to progress to the next stage. When an employer requests references after the interview, promptly providing your prepared list shows professionalism and organization. If your references provide positive feedback, it often helps secure a job offer.

If you never get asked for references, it could mean your application didn’t advance. In that case, review your resume content and ensure it highlights your strengths clearly. Also, ask your references if they have been contacted to understand if the employer is conducting checks.

What to do if an employer insists on references on the resume?

If a job posting or employer specifically requires references on the resume or as part of the initial application, follow their instructions exactly. You can add a “References” section at the end of your resume with 2-3 references listed briefly, or include a separate references document as requested. Here is a sample formatting for a resume references section:

References Jane Smith, Marketing Manager, ABC Company, (555) 123-4567, [email protected] Tom Lee, Project Supervisor, XYZ Corp, (555) 987-6543, [email protected]

If you’re unsure, contact the employer’s human resources department to clarify what they want. Ignoring their request can negatively affect your application, so it’s better to comply or ask for guidance.

How to adapt your references for different audiences or stages?

Different jobs and career stages require different types of references:

• Entry-Level or Students: Use academic references like professors, internship supervisors, or mentors who can attest to your skills and character.
• Career Changers: Include references who can speak about transferable skills, such as supervisors from volunteer work or freelance projects.
• Remote or Freelance Workers: Clients or project managers who can validate your work quality and professionalism are strong references.
• Senior Professionals: Choose high-level managers or well-known industry contacts who can vouch for your leadership and expertise.

Keep your reference list updated regularly. Tailor which references you provide based on the job description and what the employer values. For example, if applying for a customer service role, a former manager who witnessed your communication skills is ideal. For technical roles, a project supervisor who knows your technical abilities works better.

Keeping flexible, targeted references ready helps you respond quickly and confidently during job searches.

Why not put references on your resume?

Putting references on your resume can clutter the document and distract from the story you want to tell about your qualifications. It uses up space that could be better spent explaining your achievements and skills. Additionally, sharing reference contact information publicly may lead to unsolicited calls or emails, inconveniencing your references.

Employers generally prefer to request references only when they are seriously considering candidates, which saves time for both parties. Providing references too early can appear premature and may reveal personal information unnecessarily. Keeping your resume focused and your references separate respects privacy and presents you as organized and professional.

Frequently asked questions

Should I put references on my CV if applying internationally?

Different countries have varying norms about references on CVs. Some expect references included upfront, while others prefer them upon request. Research the country’s expectations or ask the employer directly to avoid confusion.

What if I don’t have professional references?

Consider using academic advisors, volunteer supervisors, or mentors who know your abilities well. Personal references should be a last resort and only used if specifically requested. Always clarify your relationship.

Can I list references on LinkedIn instead of my resume?

LinkedIn recommendations provide helpful social proof but don’t replace formal references. Employers usually want direct contact information to verify your skills through phone or email.

Is “References available upon request” necessary on my resume?

It’s optional and often unnecessary because employers assume you will provide references if needed. Instead, focus on making your resume strong and well-formatted.

How many references should I prepare?

Prepare at least three solid references to provide when asked. Having multiple options shows preparedness and gives employers a choice.

Can I include references if I have extensive experience?

Even with significant work history, keep references separate from your resume. Use the resume space for detailing your accomplishments and skills.