How To List References On Your Resume

Should you put references on a resume?

Many people want to learn how to put references on a resume, but it simply isn’t done anymore. References are now put into a separate list and given to an employer upon request.

Most experts advise against putting references on your resume for the following reasons:

• It takes up valuable space that could be used to detail your professional accomplishments and skills more deeply. 
• Hiring managers receive such a large volume of applications, and there’s no way for them to call the references for hundreds of applications.
• Many applicant tracking systems (ATS) automatically send messages to references, and if they don’t respond, your resume may get held up and never sent to recruiters.

Licia Dewing, career strategist, says there’s another vital reason to exclude references. Your references are trusted connections – colleagues, managers, professors – and it’s more respectful to them when you’re careful about who you give their information to.

Usually, recruiters won’t need your references right away. If they’re interested in proceeding to the next steps, they may request references from you after the initial phone screening.

This means that we also recommend that you refrain from putting “References available upon request” on your resume. If they want them, they’ll ask you.

How to list references

Back in the day, it was standard practice to list references on a resume. Here’s a quick resume references example:

But they’re simply not common anymore. Most resume templates don’t even have a section for them.

Instead of listing references on resumes, we’re going to build a separate reference page. This document should be separate from your resume and be ready to send to an employer upon their request.

Start by placing your information at the top of the page. This is helpful to the hiring managers or recruiters using it, so they have quick access to your personal details.

Your details should look something like this:

After this, you can list your references. We recommend three references as the golden number – two is too few, and four is usually a bit too many.

Each reference should include the person’s full name, job title, company name, phone number, and email address. Directly after this information, be sure to write a quick sentence about how this person knows you.

Here’s a quick example:

Next, make sure your references are in the right order. It’s best to put your most recent colleague or manager at the top because they have the most recent experience with you.

Alternatively, you can put the most relevant reference at the top. For example, your most recent position might not exactly align with the job you’re currently applying for. In this instance, put your most relevant reference at the top, even if the role is from a few years ago.

It’s also a good idea to note if any of your references have a preferred method of contact. You can place this directly after their email address or phone number.

Here’s a completed reference list example, including your own details at the top:

“We recommend three references as the golden number – two is too few, and four is usually a bit too many.”

Examples of references

Anyone who can vouch for your professional achievements and talents is a potential reference, from employers to colleagues.

Which references should you choose? It depends on the job you’re applying for and who you believe has the most relevant information about you.

Here are some of the most common types of job references and examples of when to use them:

• Former employers: The people who hired you can relay your overall performance and achievements. This type of reference is best for professionals with a few years of experience in each role, which gives former employers a better idea of your skills and work style.
• Supervisors: The people who oversaw your tasks and provided you with direction can attest to your dedication, adaptability, and hard skills. This reference is best for people who have had close interactions with their manager, giving them accurate perceptions of your talent.
• Colleagues: Colleagues you worked closely with would be able to vouch for your skills and work ethic. Professionals who have close working relationships with their peers should choose this reference, such as people you worked on a project with.
• Teachers: Professors who taught you in college are a useful reference for recent graduates. This reference is similar to supervisors or former employers, as it displays your reliability and performance.
• Mentors and career coaches: Professionals who provided guidance and watched you grow can tell potential employers about your openness to feedback and quick learning ability. This is especially beneficial if you want to showcase your career progression and growth.

How to list references on a resume: Do’s and don’ts

Now let’s go over the dos and don’ts of listing references. Think of this as a quick cheat sheet for you to glance at whenever you’re collecting references.

Build a reference list and align with modern practices

References are still valuable for job seekers, although how we deliver them to employers is changing.

Take the time to build a thorough reference list and have it ready to send to employers who ask for it. Don’t forget to ask for permission from each person you list.

If you’re looking for help building a resume, however, give CVWizard a try for a professional, simple resume.