How To List References On A Resume (With Examples)

When you’re applying for jobs, it’s essential to have people who can back up your resume’s claims by verifying your abilities. That’s where a list of references comes into play. This is a list of people with whom you’ve worked in the past who can vouch for your qualifications. A strong list of references might be a difference-maker in landing your dream job.

Some employers may request references as part of the application process, while others may wait until they’re seriously considering you for a position before double-checking with your references. In any case, you should prepare this reference list before you start applying for jobs, so that your references are 100% “available upon request.”

Should You Put References on a Resume?

The short answer is an emphatic no. Your resume should only be one page, two at a maximum, and including references here will take up valuable real estate that could be better utilized.

What’s more, experts agree that you should always abstain from including the phrase “references available upon request” at the bottom of your resume. Hiring managers take this information for granted, making it as pointless as writing “interviews available upon request.”

Unequivocally, you should not include references on your resume.

Instead, make a separate document that serves solely as your reference list. So should you send that along with your resume? Probably not. Hiring managers don’t have the time to fully vet every applicant, so it’s just pointless clutter for them.

If and when they decide you’re a top contender for the position, they’ll reach out and request your references.

One caveat to this advice: if the job description clearly states that references should be included with your application, then do!

How to Choose Your References

Just because references aren’t typically needed at the start of the application process, that doesn’t mean you should forget about it until a prospective employer starts asking for your references. Be proactive and select your top references before you start applying for jobs.

It’s good to get a variety of references that can speak to different aspects of your exemplary personal and professional qualities. Start brainstorming people who fit into any of the categories below:

• Current/former boss

• Current/former supervisor

• Current/former coworker

• Current/former employees

• Current/former business partner

• Current/former teacher/professor

• Current/former mentor/advisor

Ideally, you should choose references who will be able to tout your talents that relate directly to the job for which you’re applying. When contemplating whether or not to use someone from your current job, make sure that they know you’re looking for a new job. Obviously, if you’re sending out applications on the sly, don’t put your current boss down as a reference.

How to Request References

All right, so you’ve got your list of potential references, but you’re not done yet! Contact these people to make sure they know you’re planning on using them as a reference. This is also your way of checking that the contact information you have is correct and up-to-date.

Not only is it polite to reach out to your references before including their names on your list, but it has the added advantage of giving them time to prepare. That means when they get a phone call or email from your prospective employer, they’ll be ready with the best examples of your professional excellence.

Depending on how distant your working relationship with the potential reference is, consider sending them a copy of your resume, so they can brush up on what experiences and qualities you’re trying to highlight.

If they’re really invested in your success, consider sending the job description as well. The more information your reference has, the better chance they have to provide you with a top-quality recommendation.

Always follow up with references who agree to be on your list by sending a thank-you email. It’s not just about being nice; it also serves as a reminder that they should expect a call or email from your prospective employer soon.

How to Write a Reference Request email

Follow these steps for a great reference request email:

• Give advanced notice. You can’t expect busy professionals to be ready to speak on your behalf at a moment’s notice. Ask someone to be your reference at least a week before they could potentially be contacted by the hiring manager.

• Use a professional email format. Make sure your subject line is direct (e.g., “John Doe – Reference Request”), your contact details are clear, and you’ve formatted your email using the standard business letter layout.

• Introduce the situation. After a brief “how have you been” type catch-up, get straight to the point of your email. Let them know the position(s) you’re applying for and ask permission to list them as a reference.

• Tell them why you chose them. You can play to people’s vanity a bit with compliments or simply let them know they’re a great person to speak to your specfic skills in XYZ — whatever the reason, share it so they understand your reasoning.

• Give them information. You can wait until they’ve agreed to get to this part or include it in your initial email. You can give them your resume, cover letter, the job description, and anything else you feel will make their job easier.

• Thank them. Finally, thank your reference for taking the time to consider your request.

How to Format Your References List

Your resume references should be its own distinct document, not a part of your resume. However, what format you choose for your references list depends on what your resume and cover letter look like. That means sticking to the same heading, color scheme, font, and margins.

Other than that, simply follow these guidelines to format your list of references:

• Start with your contact information (name, location, phone number, email address), using the same format as your resume/cover letter (e.g., if your contact info is centered on your resume, then center it here as well)

• Add a clear title in a slightly larger font than your contact info. Something like “Professional References” is a safe bet. Just let a reader know what this document is.

• Start writing references with the following information in the following order:

• Full name

• Professional Title

• Company/Institution where you reference works

• Full address of the company/institution

• Phone Number

• Email Address

• A very brief description of your relationship with the reference, including when/how long you worked with them.

Sample Reference List

Reference List FAQ

1. How many references should I include? If a company doesn’t specify how many references you should send, aim for at least three. For higher-level positions, consider bumping that up to between five and seven.

2. How should I order my references? Start your list with your highest quality reference(s). It’s doubtful that the company will call every reference you put down, but they’ll probably start at the top. If all of your references are about equal quality, then list them in chronological order — the people you’ve worked with more recently ought to remember you best.

   This order, and even the people you include as references, may vary depending on the role for which you’re applying. Just as you would tailor your resume to a specific job, do the same with your reference list.

   For example, if you’re going for a management position, start with people whom you’ve managed, but if you’re going for an IT job, start with people who can speak to your technical expertise.

   Think: how can these people attest to my skillset in a way that’s relevant to the job for which I’m applying?

3. Who shouldn’t I include on my reference list? Including family is a big no-no for your reference list. Not only does it make it apparent that you don’t have a very deep bench of fans, but it’s obvious to anyone that a family member singing your praises is a little more dubious than a former colleague or boss.

   On the other hand, if you did have a bonafide working relationship with a family member, and (ideally) they have a different last name than you, go for it.

   Additionally, don’t include anyone who you’ve had confrontations with in the past. Even if you think it’s water under the bridge, it’s best not to chance it unless you’re really struggling to fill out your list.

4. How do I include references I currently work with? If you’re keeping your job search a secret from your employer, it’s probably best not to include anyone that you work with, even coworkers whom you like. You never know how gossip will get around.

   On the other hand, if you’re leaving your current employer for reasons that have nothing to do with the job (e.g., moving to a different state) then feel free to include your current boss or supervisor. Just be sure to have a conversation with them well before including them as a reference.

5. When shouldn’t I submit a list of references? If the job posting doesn’t request a list of references, don’t include one with your application. Sending in unsolicited references might make you look like a dinosaur, as the practice has become outdated.

   In general, assume that employers don’t want a list of references until they specifically request one (but still have a list ready to go, as you start applying for jobs).

6. Can I use personal references? Generally speaking, no, you should not use personal or character references when applying for jobs. They’re just not as valuable as references that come from someone you’ve worked with professionally. Plus, it makes you look like you don’t have many professional relationships or people in your corner.

   On the other hand, if the job posting requires five references, and you’ve only got four professional ones, using a character reference for your final one is unlikely to hurt your chances. When considering good options for personal references, try to pick someone who has seen your skills at work (perhaps in an academic or volunteer environment) and is not a family member.

Author

Matthew Zane

Matthew Zane is the lead editor of Zippia's How To Get A Job Guides. He is a teacher, writer, and world-traveler that wants to help people at every stage of the career life cycle. He completed his masters in American Literature from Trinity College Dublin and BA in English from the University of Connecticut.

Expert

Don Pippin, MHRM, CPRW, CDCS

Don Pippin is an executive and HR leader for Fortune 50 and 500 companies and startups. In 2008, Don launched area|Talent with a focus on helping clients identify their brand. As a Certified Professional Resume Writer, Certified Digital Career Strategist, and Certified Personal Branding Strategist, Don guides clients through career transitions.