How to List Resume References: A Job Seeker's Guide + Sample

Listing references on your resume used to be a standard part of the job application process, but it's since become outdated. Instead, you should use that valuable space to strengthen and enhance your resume.

Most potential employers still want references, but they'll typically ask for that contact information near the end of the interview process when you're among the top candidates. In that case, it can help to proactively collect references so you’re prepared when it comes up during your interview.

Discover why employers want references, a better approach to listing references than directly putting them on your resume, and how to create an effective reference list. Afterward, improve your resume by learning in-demand skills with a Coursera Plus subscription.

Do you put references on a resume? 

Generally, you should not put references on your resume. While it was once common practice to include references on resumes, experts now suggest using the extra space for something more valuable, such as work experience, skills, or certifications. Similarly, you should skip adding “references available upon request” to your resume as prospective employers largely see it as unnecessary. 

The reality is that recruiters and hiring managers rarely have the time to reach out to references during the initial screening phase of the hiring process and will usually only ask for references from applicants who interest them. In effect, the only time you should include your professional references with your resume is when the job description explicitly asks for it. 

While you shouldn’t put references on your resume, it can be useful to prepare a separate reference list to send to potential employers once they have requested such information from you.  

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How to make a separate resume references list

A separate reference list is a smart alternative to adding references directly to your resume. In addition to being prepared easily in advance to ensure that you have a reference list handy for any potential employers, they can also be unobtrusively added to your resume should a job posting request them. 

You can reach out to potential references when you begin looking for a new job or once a specific company has requested your references. Take note: If some time has passed between when you initially asked a person to serve as a reference and when a potential employer requests their information, it’s good etiquette to reach back out and confirm their ability to participate before passing along their contact info. It’s also helpful to let your references know that someone from the company you’re interviewing with might be in touch so they know to watch out for a phone call or email. 

1. Choose your references.

Aim to include three or four references who know you well and will provide positive feedback about your professional abilities and character. If you don’t yet have a lot of professional experience, consider asking mentors, former professors, or close personal friends who can substantiate your character, your career goals, and perhaps even your work ethic. These two options can be particularly helpful for students, first-time job seekers, or those who have been out of the workforce for some time.

Some of the potential references you might consider reaching out to include: 

• Former or current supervisors

• Former or current employers

• Former or current co-workers

• Former or current professors

• Mentors

• Personal acquaintance who is not related to you 

2. Contact your references for approval.

Once you have identified those contacts who will provide strong references, you should reach out to them via email and ask if they would be willing to serve as a reference. Make sure to share helpful details so they can connect this new opportunity to what you've done in the past. This can include:

• The job you’re interviewing for

• What excites you about the position

• The skills you’ll be able to apply to the role

If your contact agrees to be your reference, then you should make sure to check what their preferred mode of contact is (email or phone), the times they are generally free to speak, and what their most up-to-date contact information is. 

Read more: 16 Resume Tips for Your Job Search 

3. Create your reference list. 

Once you have a list of approved references, you can now create your reference list. The proper format for each reference should be as follows:                    

1. Full name

2. Job title

3. Company name

4. Address 

5. Contact information (phone number and email address)

6. Description of relationship to the reference

You should also list your references from top to bottom in order of most to least recent. If you find that not all of your references are equally relevant for the specific position, you might also consider ordering them from most to least relevant. 

For example, if you are applying to a position that allows you to employ specific technical knowledge that you gained in graduate school a few years ago, then you might put your former thesis advisor at the top of your reference list and your most recent employer after. 

4. Format your reference list. 

Now that you have completed your reference list, you should ensure it is properly formatted and ready to send out. 

Your reference sheet should visually reflect the design that you used for your resume and cover letter. Providing a reference list that is consistent with the design of your other material will provide a sense of cohesion and professionalism across your application. 

How do you list personal references?

If you choose to include personal references in addition to professional ones, you will use the same formatting. List professional references first, followed by personal references. These references, which can include people from your network or your mentor, can often speak to your workplace skills, which can help make you a competitive candidate.

Sample of reference page for resume

The sample below illustrates just one way that a reference list can look. As you create your own, remember to make its overall design cohesive with the rest of your resume material. Often, a simpler design is more effective than an elaborate one.

Create your own resume reference list using this template.

Why do employers need resume references? 

References are an opportunity for a potential employer to learn more about your past work and impact—and to gain an outside perspective on any lingering questions.

Employers typically request references from their top two or three candidates in order to learn more about each person. In addition to the interviews you've conducted and any work samples you've shared, they'll likely factor the information they glean from your references into their final decision.  

When does an employer ask for references? 

Potential employers can ask for your references at any point during the job interview process. But, generally, you’ll receive that request during the final stage of an interview, when you’re among the top two or three candidates and the employer is nearing a final decision.

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