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Strong references can provide additional evidence of your skills and past performance when an employer checks them, but they don’t belong on your resume. Listing names, phone numbers, and email addresses there takes up space you could use to show employers why you’re qualified.
Instead, keep a separate page ready for employers who request one. This guide explains why references matter, who to ask, and how to format and share a professional reference page.
No, you generally shouldn’t put references on your resume. Use the space for your skills, experience, and accomplishments instead, and keep a separate reference page ready to provide when needed.
Space on your resume is valuable. Listing references, or even including the phrase “References available upon request,” takes up room that’s better spent showcasing your skills, experience, and achievements. Employers already know references are available if needed, so there’s no need to state it. Instead, focus your resume on information that shows you’re qualified for the role.
The exception is when a job posting or application specifically tells you to include references on your resume. In that case, follow the employer’s instructions exactly; otherwise, provide a clean, well-organized reference page as a separate document.
References can be an important part of the hiring process, even though they usually shouldn’t appear on your resume. A strong reference gives an employer additional perspective on your skills, work habits, accomplishments, and professional relationships.
A former supervisor, colleague, professor, or client may provide specific examples of how you work, solve problems, communicate, or contribute to a team. These insights can give employers context that may not be apparent from your resume or interview alone.
Reference checks typically happen later in the hiring process, often after interviews, but timing and importance vary by employer, industry, and role. They may be more routine in fields such as academia, healthcare, and government, where credential or background verification is common, while other employers may rarely conduct formal checks or may not contact every reference.
That’s why it’s worth preparing your references in advance. Choose people who know your work well, confirm that they’re comfortable serving as references, and keep their current contact information ready to share when an employer asks.
The best resume references are people who know your work well and can give specific examples of your skills, accomplishments, and professional qualities. Former supervisors are often strong choices, along with colleagues, professors, academic advisors, long-term clients, and other professional contacts.
Ideal references are individuals who can confidently speak to your:
Choose three to five people who can offer different perspectives on your work. For example, a former manager might speak to your performance and growth, while a colleague or cross-functional partner could describe how you collaborate and solve problems.
Avoid listing friends or family members unless you’ve worked together professionally and they can provide relevant examples of your performance. If your job search is confidential, you may also want to avoid using your current manager unless you’ve discussed your search with them.
Most importantly, always ask permission before giving someone’s contact information to an employer. Confirm that they’re comfortable serving as a reference and have up-to-date information about your experience and job search.
Ask someone to be a reference before sharing their contact information with an employer. A short email or conversation is usually enough. Explain the role you’re pursuing, ask whether they’re comfortable recommending you, and give them enough information to speak specifically about your qualifications.
When asking someone to serve as a reference:
You can adapt this email template when asking a former manager, colleague, professor, or other professional contact:
Subject: Reference Request
Hi [Name],
I hope you’re doing well. I’m currently applying for [type of role/position] and wanted to ask if you’d feel comfortable serving as a professional reference for me.
Since we worked together on [project/team/company], I thought you could speak to my experience with [relevant skill, responsibility, or accomplishment]. I’ve attached my current resume and would be happy to send the job description or any other helpful information.
Please don’t feel obligated if the timing isn’t right. I appreciate your consideration either way.
Best,
[Your Name]
If they agree, thank them and let them know when you share their information with an employer. If possible, send the job description as well so they understand what the employer is looking for and can prepare for a potential call or email.
To make a reference page for your resume, create a separate document with the same basic header and formatting as your resume, then list three to five professional references with their contact information and relationship to you. Keep the page simple, consistent, and easy for an employer to scan.
Title the document “Professional References” and use the same name, phone number, email address, font, and basic design as your resume. This makes your application materials look like a coordinated set.
For each reference, include:
Here’s a diagram of how to list your resume references:
List your strongest and most relevant references first. If several are equally relevant, list them in reverse-chronological order, with the most recent professional contacts first. Before sending the page, double-check names, titles, phone numbers, and email addresses for accuracy.
Save your reference page as a PDF when submitting it electronically unless the employer requests another format. This helps preserve the formatting when you send or upload it.
A professional reference page should be simple, easy to scan, and match your resume's formatting. Use the template below as a guide, then copy and customize it with your own references.
[Your First and Last Name]
[Your phone number]
[Your email address]
Professional References
[Reference First and Last Name]
[Professional Title]
[Company or Organization]
[Phone Number]
[Professional Email Address]
[Relationship: Briefly explain how you worked together and for how long.]
Repeat the reference entry for each person on your list. Prepare three to five references, unless the employer specifies a different number, and place your strongest or most relevant references first.
Using the template above, here's an example of what a filled-out reference page might look like:
Emory Crandall
(123) 456-7890
e.m.crandall@email.com
Professional References
Tamara Jones
Head Librarian
Peyton Community Library
(555) 555-5555
t.jones@example.com
Former supervisor for four years while I worked as a resident archivist.
Coreen Hubert
Librarian
Riverdale Public Library
(555) 555-5555
c.hubert@example.com
Supervised my work for three years as a library assistant.
Keep your reference page separate from your resume and cover letter unless the employer gives different instructions. If you’re preparing the rest of your application, review cover letter examples or use our Cover Letter Generator to create a letter that complements your resume.
To handle professional references correctly during your job search:
Yes, a negative reference can affect a job offer if an employer uses reference checks in its hiring decision. Reduce that risk by choosing people who know your work well and can speak positively and specifically about your qualifications. Always ask permission first, so you know the person is comfortable serving as your reference.
Yes, it’s usually best not to include references on your resume unless the employer specifically asks you to. Your resume should focus on your qualifications, including your skills, experience, education, and accomplishments. Keep your references on a separate document so you can provide them when requested during the hiring process.
References generally don’t go anywhere on your resume. Instead, create a separate page titled “Professional References” that matches the basic formatting of your resume. Include three to five contacts along with their professional information and a brief description of your relationship. Send the page when the employer requests references or follow any specific instructions in the job application.
Yes, some employers still check references as part of the hiring process, although practices vary by employer and role. A reference can help an employer learn more about your previous work, skills, professional relationships, and performance. Because you may not know whether an employer will contact your references, choose them carefully and make sure their contact information is up to date.
Employers often contact references later in the hiring process, after interviews and when they’re seriously considering a candidate. But there’s no single stage when every employer checks references, so be prepared to provide your list whenever an employer requests it, and let your references know when you’ve shared their information so they can be ready for a call or email.
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