Career guide
References on a Resume: Should You Include Them?
Don't put references on your resume, and you don't need to write "references available upon request" either; employers assume it. Keep three to five references on a separate page that matches your resume, and send it only when an employer asks, usually near the end of the process.
Key takeaways
- References usually don't belong on a resume, and the line "references available upon request" is no longer needed because employers assume it.
- A separate reference page lists three to five people with their name, title, company, how you know them, phone and email.
- The best references are recent managers and senior colleagues who saw your work up close and can speak to the skills the new job needs.
- Always ask permission before listing someone, and send them the job posting so they know what to emphasize.
- Employers typically ask for references near the end of the hiring process, after the final interview and before an offer.
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Should you put references on your resume?
No: references don’t go on your resume. The space is better spent on results, and listing names and phone numbers on a document you send to many employers shares your references’ details more widely than they agreed to. Keep them on a separate reference page and send it when asked.
The one exception is a posting that explicitly asks for references with the application. Then follow the instructions, ideally on a separate page attached with your resume.
Do you need “references available upon request”?
You don’t need “references available upon request” on a modern resume. Employers assume you’ll provide references if they ask, so the line takes up space without telling the reader anything. Delete it and use the line for another result.
When do employers ask for references?
Employers usually ask for references near the end of the process, after the final interview and before or alongside an offer. Some ask on the application form, and a few check references between interview rounds. If you’re asked early and aren’t comfortable sharing yet, it’s reasonable to say you’ll provide them once you’re a finalist.
Whenever it comes, a request for references is a good sign: companies rarely spend time on reference calls for candidates they aren’t seriously considering.
How do you format a reference page?
A reference page uses the same header as your resume, then lists each reference with their name, title, company, how you know them and their contact details. Matching the header makes it look like part of the same application.
[Your Name] [City, State] · [email] · [phone] · linkedin.com/in/[you] REFERENCES [Reference Name] [Their Title], [Their Company] Relationship: [My manager at Company, 2022 to 2025] [phone] · [email] [Reference Name] [Their Title], [Their Company] Relationship: [Worked together on the brand relaunch; led the creative agency] [phone] · [email] [Reference Name] [Their Title], [Their Company] Relationship: [My direct report at Company, 2023 to 2025] [phone] · [email]
The relationship line matters more than people expect. It tells the hiring manager what each person can speak to, so a former boss, a peer and someone you managed together cover your work from three sides.
How many references should you have?
Have three references ready, and up to five for senior roles. Three is what most employers ask for. If you’re applying for a leadership job, add someone you managed, because hiring managers often want to hear how you lead.
Who should you use as a reference?
The best references are people who saw your work closely and recently, ideally a manager. Pick them for the job you’re applying for, not for their titles.
| Reference | What they can speak to | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Your current or most recent manager | Results, judgment, how you work | Almost every application, if it’s safe to tell them you’re looking |
| A previous manager | Results and growth over time | When your current manager doesn’t know you’re looking |
| A senior colleague or cross-team partner | Collaboration, influence without authority | Roles that work across teams, like product marketing |
| Someone you managed | Leadership and coaching | Manager, director and VP roles |
| A client or agency partner | Client handling, delivery, creative judgment | Agency roles, freelancers, consultants |
| A professor or internship supervisor | Work ethic, early results | Students and recent graduates |
Skip family, friends and anyone who would have to guess at your work. If you’re job hunting quietly, it’s normal not to list your current manager; a former manager who knows your recent work is a fine substitute.
How do you ask someone to be a reference?
Ask each person before you list them, then give them what they need to help you. A short, specific request makes it easy to say yes:
Hi [Name], I'm in the final stages for a [role] position at [Company], and I'd love to list you as a reference if you're comfortable with it. You saw my work on [project or result] up close, and that's very close to what this role needs. If it's a yes, I'll send you the posting and a few points they may ask about. They'd likely call in the next [week or two]. Thanks either way, [Your name]
Put it in your own words; a reference you’ve worked with will notice if you sound like a template, and a warm, specific note is more likely to get a warm, specific call. Once they agree, send the posting, two or three results you’d like them to mention, and a heads-up when the call is likely. Our guide to reference check questions shows what employers typically ask, which you can share with them.
FAQ
Should references be on a separate page?
Yes. Use a separate page with the same header as your resume and send it only when asked. That keeps your resume focused and your references’ contact details private until they’re needed.
Can I use a coworker as a reference?
Yes, especially a senior colleague who worked with you closely. Pair them with at least one manager, because most employers want to hear from someone you reported to.
What if I don’t have a manager who will give me a reference?
Use a previous manager, a senior colleague, a client or someone who supervised a project you led. If an employer asks specifically for your most recent manager, explain briefly and offer another person who saw the same work.
Do employers actually call references?
Many do, especially for mid-level and senior roles, and usually near the offer stage. Assume they will, and make sure each person knows to expect the call.
Should I tell my references which job I applied for?
Yes. Send them the posting and the two or three strengths the role needs most, so they can give examples that match. It helps them help you.