How To List References on a Resume (Examples & Key Considerations)

If you're working on your resume, you might be wondering whether to include references. The short answer? Avoid listing references directly on your resume. 

Most employers don’t expect to see references upfront, and doing so can distract from more important details about your skills and experience. 

In this guide, we’ll explain why references don’t belong on your resume, when to share them, and how to create a polished reference page that’s ready when you need it.

Should You Put References on a Resume?

You should not list references directly on your resume. Employers typically request references after an initial interview or when you're a top contender for the role.

When writing your resume, focus on your qualifications, experience, and achievements. Space is limited, and every line should help sell your skills. 

References (or the phrase “References available upon request”) don’t add value and can be better replaced with content that shows why you are a great fit for the role.

Modern resumes should look streamlined and professional. Adding references can clutter the layout and give the impression that you’re not up to date with current resume standards.

Instead of adding references to your resume, create a separate reference page you can share when it’s requested. This keeps your resume clean and shows you understand current hiring practices.

What Is a Resume Reference Page?

A resume reference page is a document that lists the names and contact information of former managers, colleagues, or mentors who can vouch for your qualifications and work ethic. 

Unlike your resume, the reference page isn’t submitted with every job application. Instead, it’s prepared ahead of time and shared only when an employer specifically asks for it.

Here’s an example of how to structure a reference page for a resume:

How To Make a Reference Page for a Resume

A well-organized reference page shows you're prepared and professional when an employer requests one. Explore the steps below to learn how to write a reference page for a resume. 

1. Select three to five references (or the number requested)

When building your reference page, be selective about who you include. Aim for individuals who can speak positively about your professional skills, work ethic, and character. 

In most cases, you should include three to five references on your reference page. If the job description specifies a certain number of references, make sure to match that exactly. 

Choose a mix of people who can speak to different aspects of your experience and confidently recommend you for the role you're applying for. Ideally, choose from the following: 

2. Ask before listing someone as a reference

You should contact your references and ask for their permission before including them on the reference page for your resume. Here is an example of how to begin this conversation:  

Having this conversation, either in person, by phone call, or by email, is a common courtesy and allows your references to prepare to discuss your skills if the hiring manager reaches out to them.

When you reach out, let them know what kind of role you’re applying for, why you think they’d be a good reference, and request their preferred contact information. 

Consider sharing a copy of your resume or reminding them of specific projects you worked on together. This helps them give a more personalized and supportive recommendation.

3. Match the style of your resume 

Use the same heading structure as your resume header to keep your application materials consistent and polished. 

This means your name and contact information should appear at the top of your reference page, formatted the same way they appear on your resume. 

Creating a document with the same look and feel as your resume template reinforces your professionalism and makes it easier for hiring managers to keep track of your materials.

4. List each reference with complete details

Organize your references in a simple, professional layout. Use consistent spacing, fonts, and formatting to ensure it’s easy to scan. For each reference, include the following information: 

Remember to keep their information strictly professional. Don’t include personal information, a phone number, or email address they didn’t permit you to use, or their home address.

5. Download your resume reference page 

Since you’ll likely be submitting your reference page digitally, save it in a universal file format like PDF to ensure the formatting stays intact across different devices. 

Keep a copy of your reference page easily accessible so you can respond quickly and professionally whenever a hiring manager requests it.

While you craft your job applications, we recommend using our Resume Builder to simplify the resume creation process with professional templates and content suggestions.

Resume Reference Page Examples

Use these examples as inspiration to create your list of references. If you’d like to have one cohesive job application, we recommend exploring our resume examples and templates. 

Example with three references

Example with five references

Tips on Choosing Professional References

You know how to create a list of references, so let’s now talk about whom to list as references. There’s more to it than just selecting someone you know and have worked with.

Focus on quality professional references

Be selective of the references you choose to send to a potential employer. Remember, these are people the recruiter or hiring manager will be asking directly about you. 

When considering references for a resume, they should:

Choose references based on your career level

Your list of references should be varied and include people in other positions and departments—don’t just include your manager or supervisor.

If you’re a mid-level candidate, your references list should include:

For example, if you’re a copywriter, you could ask your creative director, the graphic designer you worked with, and the account manager you interacted with to be your references.

If you’re a manager, your professional references should be:

Each of them will talk about what it’s like having you as a manager. So, for example, you could select your supervisor, another manager, and employees from the department you managed.

Search for references outside your current job

A professional reference doesn't always have to come from your current or most recent role. 

It’s often appropriate to list former colleagues, supervisors, mentors, or even clients and vendors you collaborated with regularly.

Think about the responsibilities of the job you’re applying for and choose references who can speak directly to the skills and qualities that align with that role. 

Tailoring your reference list this way helps reinforce your fit for the position, even if those individuals aren’t from your current workplace.

Key Takeaways