References on a Resume: How to List & Format Them (2026 Guide)
Should you include references on a resume? Learn how to list references, how many to include, and see examples of professional reference pages.
Introduction: The 96% Reality
According to SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management), **96% of HR professionals conduct reference checks** at some point in the hiring process. Yet despite how common this practice is, one question continues to confuse job seekers: should you include references on your resume?
The short answer is **no.** According to Indeed, The Muse, Coursera, and Adecco, references do not belong on your resume. They take up valuable space that could be used to highlight your skills and achievements.
This guide provides research-backed strategies, expert quotes from HR professionals and career coaches, and clear examples for creating a professional reference page. Whether you are an entry-level candidate or a senior executive, you will learn exactly how to handle references in your job search.
“References on a Resume — Key Takeaways
96% of HR professionals conduct reference checks
Do NOT include references on your resume
3-5 references is the standard
Create a separate reference page when asked
Always ask permission before listing someone
Provide a brief description of your relationship
Keep formatting consistent with your resume”
What You'll Learn in This Guide
- Why you should NOT put references on your resume
- How many references you should have ready
- How to list references on a separate page
- Who to choose as a reference
- How to ask someone to be a reference
- A complete reference page example
- Common mistakes to avoid
Should You Include References on Your Resume?
The Short Answer: No
According to multiple career experts and HR professionals, you should **never** include references directly on your resume.
Adecco, a global staffing agency, advises: "Don't: Put references directly on your resume. It might feel easier to list your references directly on your resume, but today it's considered outdated. Your resume highlights your achievements, work history, and skillsets. You don't want to lose valuable space by including your references' contact information."
The Muse, a leading career coaching platform, explains: "You shouldn't add references to your resume. A hiring manager or recruiter doesn't have the time or resources to contact references for everyone who applies for an open position or even for everyone they bring in for an interview. Instead, they ask for references later in the process, only from top candidates."
Leto Papadopoulos, a Muse Career Coach, adds: "There's no need to state anything about references on your resume. It is assumed that you'll share the info when requested."
Indeed Career Experts explain why references don't belong on your resume: "Because references are not always a part of the interview process, you're taking up limited resume space to provide what may end up being irrelevant to employers in this phase."
Coursera echoes this: "The short answer is never. It used to be that you would list your references on your resume, but as the job application process has moved online—and as the number of applicants per job has increased—it's best to use the space you have on your resume more flexibly."
Why References Don't Belong on Your Resume
- **Wastes valuable space:** Your resume should focus on your skills, experience, and achievements, not other people's contact information.
- **Recruiters don't check references early:** According to The Muse, references are only checked for top candidates late in the process.
- **It's outdated:** The practice of listing references on resumes is no longer standard.
- **Privacy concerns:** Your references may not want their contact information shared with everyone who sees your resume.
- **It doesn't help you stand out:** References don't differentiate you from other candidates.
How Many References Should You Have?
Most experts agree that **3 to 5 references** is the standard.
According to Indeed: "You should at least add two references, though the standard is usually three. Some employers may ask for a specific number or type of reference, so read the job posting to ensure you choose the right number and type. Most employers prefer professional references."
FGCU Career Services and Bellevue University both recommend having **3-5 references ready**.
Coursera advises: "When you're asked to provide references, list three to four people who can attest to your professional experience and skills."
**By Role:**
- **Entry-level:** 3 references
- **Mid-career:** 3-4 references
- **Senior/Executive:** 4-5 references
Who Should You Use as a Reference?
According to the University of Cincinnati, "References should always be professional contacts, not a friend or relative. Pick someone who is familiar with your work, skills and character."
Indeed recommends: "A good rule is to include a diverse array of references in your resume, from current or previous managers, co-workers, or direct reports to an academic adviser or professional mentor."
**Types of References to Consider:**
| Type | Who They Are | Best For |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Former Manager** | A supervisor from a previous job | Any role |
| **Current Manager** | Your current supervisor | Use with caution (if they know you're looking) |
| **Colleague** | A coworker who can vouch for your teamwork | Any role |
| **Direct Report** | Someone you managed | Leadership roles |
| **Professor/Academic Advisor** | A teacher or advisor | Entry-level, internships, recent grads |
| **Mentor** | A professional mentor | Career changers |
| **Professional Contact** | A client or partner | Sales, consulting roles |
Who NOT to Use as a Reference
- **Friends or family members:** They cannot speak to your professional skills.
- **Someone who doesn't know you well:** They won't be able to provide a detailed reference.
- **Someone who is unreliable:** They may not respond to reference checks.
- **Former employers you left on bad terms:** They may give negative feedback.
- **Someone you haven't asked permission:** This is unprofessional and can catch them off guard.
How to Ask Someone to Be a Reference
Asking someone to be a reference is a professional courtesy. Adecco advises: "Always give your references a heads-up when you're applying for new roles. Not only is it polite, but most professionals want the chance to prepare."
**Template for Asking via Email:**
“Subject: Request to be a reference
Dear [Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I'm currently in the process of applying for a [Job Title] role at [Company Name], and I was wondering if you would be comfortable serving as a professional reference for me.
I've always valued your [mentorship/feedback/collaboration] during my time at [Company Name], and I believe you would be able to speak to my [skills/experience/work ethic].
If you're open to it, I can provide more details about the role and what I'm looking for. I'd also be happy to prepare a brief summary of my key accomplishments and the skills I'd like you to highlight.
Thank you so much for your time, I really appreciate it.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Phone Number]”
How to Format Your Reference Page
When an employer asks for references, create a separate reference page. Here is the standard format:
**Formatting Guidelines:**
- Use the same header as your resume (name, phone, email)
- Title the page "References" or "Professional References"
- List 3-5 references
- Include full name, job title, company, phone number, email address
- Add a brief description of your relationship
- Keep formatting consistent with your resume
Complete Reference Page Example
“JANE DOE
(555) 555-5555 | janedoe@email.com | linkedin.com/in/janedoe
REFERENCES
Sarah Johnson
Senior Marketing Director
GlobalTech Solutions
(555) 123-4567
sarah.johnson@email.com
Former Manager at GlobalTech Solutions. Supervised my work on digital marketing campaigns and brand strategy from 2020-2024.
Michael Chen
Vice President of Sales
BrandFirst Agency
(555) 987-6543
michael.chen@email.com
Former colleague and cross-functional partner on 10+ major client campaigns. Can speak to my project management, collaboration, and client relationship skills.
Dr. Lisa Park
Professor of Marketing
University of Southern California
(555) 456-7890
lisa.park@email.com
Academic advisor and mentor during my MBA program. Can speak to my academic performance, research skills, and leadership in student organizations.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- **Including References on Your Resume:** According to Nicole Ruvimbo Marara, a career coach, "Here's what I tell every job seeker and professional I coach: References are not required on your CV. Unless the job specifically requests them, leave them off. Your CV should focus on you, not on the people who might vouch for you."
- **Using Friends or Family as References:** According to the University of Cincinnati, this is unacceptable.
- **Not Asking Permission:** Always ask before listing someone as a reference.
- **Not Preparing Your References:** Give them context about the job so they can speak to relevant skills.
- **Using the Phrase "References Available Upon Request":** According to Indeed and The Muse, this phrase is outdated and wastes space. Employers already assume you have references.
Expert Quotes to Remember
“"Don't: Put references directly on your resume. It might feel easier to list your references directly on your resume, but today it's considered outdated. Your resume highlights your achievements, work history, and skillsets. You don't want to lose valuable space by including your references' contact information."”
“"You shouldn't add references to your resume. A hiring manager or recruiter doesn't have the time or resources to contact references for everyone who applies for an open position or even for everyone they bring in for an interview. Instead, they ask for references later in the process, only from top candidates."”
“"There's no need to state anything about references on your resume. It is assumed that you'll share the info when requested."”
“"Because references are not always a part of the interview process, you're taking up limited resume space to provide what may end up being irrelevant to employers in this phase."”
“"The short answer is never. It used to be that you would list your references on your resume, but as the job application process has moved online—and as the number of applicants per job has increased—it's best to use the space you have on your resume more flexibly."”
“"References should always be professional contacts, not a friend or relative. Pick someone who is familiar with your work, skills and character."”
“"Always give your references a heads-up when you're applying for new roles. Not only is it polite, but most professionals want the chance to prepare."”
Sources & References
- SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) – 96% of HR professionals conduct reference checks
- Indeed Career Guide – Expert advice on references, formatting, and who to choose
- The Muse – Career coach insights, why references don't belong on resumes
- Adecco – Dos and don'ts of references
- Coursera – Reference list formatting and examples
- University of Cincinnati – Academic career center advice
- FGCU Career Services – Reference quantity guidance
- Bellevue University – Reference page formatting examples
- ABC News – Expert advice on 'references available upon request'
Conclusion: Master Your References Today
References remain an essential part of the hiring process. According to SHRM, 96% of HR professionals conduct reference checks. However, that does not mean references belong on your resume.
**Key Takeaways:**
- Do NOT include references on your resume
- Have 3-5 professional references ready
- Create a separate reference page when asked
- Always ask permission before listing someone
- Choose professional contacts, not friends or family
- Prepare your references with job details
- Keep your reference page formatted consistently with your resume
As Adecco advises: "Always give your references a heads-up when you're applying for new roles. Not only is it polite, but most professionals want the chance to prepare."
**Action Steps for Today:**
1. Identify 3-5 professional contacts
2. Ask permission to use them as references
3. Prepare a summary of the job and key skills they should highlight
4. Create a separate reference page using the template above
5. Build your resume with our ATS CV Maker
Should I include references on my resume?
No. According to Indeed, The Muse, and Coursera, you should not include references directly on your resume. References take up valuable space and are typically requested later in the hiring process. Instead, create a separate reference page and provide it when the employer asks.
How many references should I have on a resume?
Most experts recommend having 3 to 5 references ready. According to Indeed, entry-level candidates may only need three, while senior roles may benefit from a longer list. Always follow the employers instructions if they specify a number.
How do you list references on a resume?
List references on a separate page with the same header as your resume. Include each references full name, job title, company, phone number, email address, and a brief description of your relationship (e.g., Former manager at ABC Company).
Who should I use as a reference for a job?
Use professional contacts such as former managers, supervisors, colleagues, professors, or academic advisors. According to the University of Cincinnati, references should always be professional contacts, not friends or relatives. Choose people who can speak positively about your skills and work ethic.
Should I put References available upon request on my resume?
Most experts now advise against it. According to Indeed and The Muse, this phrase is outdated and wastes valuable resume space. Employers already assume you have references. You can simply have your reference list ready to provide when asked.
How do I ask someone to be a reference?
Contact them directly via email or phone. Be polite and specific about what you need. Provide context about the job and your timeline. Ask if they feel comfortable speaking positively about your skills and experience. Always give them at least a weeks notice before submitting their name.
About the Author
Ash is a resume expert and career strategist who helps job seekers land their dream roles. With years of experience in resume writing and ATS optimization, Ash has helped thousands of candidates create resumes that get noticed. Ash's work has been featured in leading career publications and is trusted by job seekers worldwide.
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