How To List References On A Resume (With Examples)

Listing references on a resume can be controversial. Having references is vital to back up your resume’s claims, but they take up valuable space on your resume, and many hiring managers don’t want you to include them with your initial application.

If you’re preparing to apply for a job and are wondering what to do about your references, you’re in the right place: We’ll walk you through how to make a reference list, how to choose your references, and how to ask someone to be a reference. We’ll even give you an example reference list.

Key Takeaways:

• Do not put references or the phrase “references available upon request” on your resume.

• Organize references on a separate document. Do not provide references unless requested.

• Choose references who can speak professionally about your skills and experience relevant to the prospective job.

• Give your references at least a week’s notice from when the hiring manager might reach out.

• Unless otherwise stated, provide at least three references.

Should you put references on a resume?

No, you shouldn’t put references on a resume unless the job description tells you to. 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.”

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.

How to choose your references

To choose your references for your reference list, think about people 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. If you’re sending out applications on the sly, don’t put your current boss down as a reference.

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

Just because references aren’t typically needed at the start of the application process 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.

How to request references

To request references, contact your references ahead of time, send them any helpful background information, and follow up with a thank you.

• Contact the people on your list 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.

• Send them the background information. 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. Plus, it will save them time and effort.

• Say thank you. 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.

  If you do end up getting the job, consider shooting them another email thanking them for the role they played in y our success.

How to write a reference request email

To write a reference request email, write it at least a week in advance, use a professional email format, and give plenty of context for what you’re asking them to do and why.

• 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 specific 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.

Reference request email examples

Here’s an example reference request email that you can use to help you write your own:

1. Reference request for email former colleague example

   Subject: Reference Request for Ally Knope

   Dear Dana,

   I hope you and your family are doing well and that you’ve enjoyed your summer!

   I’m applying for a marketing director position at a school here in Kansas City, and I was wondering if I could include you on my list of references. Since we worked together on so many marketing projects at Central High School, I thought you’d be able to give hiring managers a good perspective on my skills in that area.

   If you are willing to refer me, I’ve attached my current resume and the job description that I’m applying for so you can use them as a reference. The hiring manager will probably be reaching out in the next two weeks.

   I completely understand if you aren’t able to do this at this time, so please let me know if that’s the case, or if you have any questions or concerns.

   Thank you so much for considering doing this for me. I hope we can catch up soon!

   Thanks again,

   Ally Knope
   333-444-5555
   allyk@email.com

2. Reference request for email former professor example

   Subject: Connor Wyatt – Reference Request

   Dear Dr. Hall,

   I hope this email finds you well.

   I’m applying for a research and development position at Devon Energy in Oklahoma City, and I was asked to provide a list of references who could speak to my technical skills and my character. Would you be willing to refer me for this role?

   I have the utmost respect for you and appreciation of your mentorship at OSU, and I believe your perspective of working with me both as a student and a research assistant would be invaluable to my being considered for this role.

   I need to submit my list of references by Tuesday, September 15, so if you could let me know as soon as possible, I would appreciate it. Please let me know what questions you have as well.

   Thank you so much,

   Connor Wyatt

   777-888-9999
   connorwyatt@email.com

How to format your references list

To format your references list, put your contact information and the title of the document at the top, then list each reference’s information.

Your resume references should be its own distinct document, not a part of your resume. However, the 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:

• Contact information. 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)

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

• Order. 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

Here’s an example of a professional reference list for you to use as a starting point:

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. This is a good amount to give you a balance of perspective that the hiring manager can pull from. It is probably best to send no more than five, unless requested. For higher-level positions, consider bumping that up to between five and seven.

2. How should I order my references?

   When ordering your 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 of 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?

   Do not include family or coworkers that you have had poor relationships with in the past as references. 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?

   Including references you currently work with depends on the situation. 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.

7. How do you list a reference who no longer works there?

   To list a reference who no longer works at the company you worked for, simply list their current contact information and then add a note explaining that you used to work together at X company.

   This is a common occurrence, so just include a brief explanation on your reference sheet, and the hiring manager will understand.

   The same goes for a company name change — write the name as it’s listed on your resume (usually the old name) and then add a note that says something like, “(Now known as ABC Company)” on your reference sheet.

References

1. University of California, Davis – Creating a Reference List for a Potential Job

2. Purdue Online Writing Lab – Reference Sheets

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.