Do you need to include reference information on your resume or not? When it comes to writing a resume (opens new window), it is always helpful that you have prepared a list of several professional contacts to back you up on your application. Therefore, it is important that you should know how to list references on a resume to provide proof and evidence of your value as an employee.

The references list on a resume (opens new window) provides contact to employers to enable them to authenticate your professional history and background information. Recruiters or hiring managers usually contact the people in your references list to learn more about you during the hiring process. This is for them to know if you are a good fit for the position and the company.

So how do you list references on a resume? In this article, we will provide you tips and everything you need to learn about listing references.

Tips on how to list references on a resume

Your resume (opens new window) is the first thing an employer sees and checks on your job application. You need to craft the information on it meticulously to make a good impression. When deciding to include the references list, it is important that you know how to do it properly. This list will show some of the best practices on how you can include references on a resume effectively.

1. Avoid “References Available Upon Request”

You should leave off the phrase “references available upon request” on your resume. It just shows that you are hesitant, or worse, too lazy, to provide this information to the recruiter or hiring manager.

When you include the references list section on your resume, you should include a list of professional contacts. This shows that you are comfortable and confident about your performance in your previous work.

To set you apart from other applicants and show your creativity, you can add blurbs or quotes from your references and include those on your references list.

2. Decide how many references to include

The number of references you will include in your list depends on your career level. For example, if you are a new employee who has no experience yet, you may pick three references. However, if you already have years of experience and applying for a senior position, you may need to provide a long reference list.

3. Select the references you will include on your list

Before you add names and contact information to your references list, you should gather all your professional contacts’ names, titles, organizations, and contact details. Once you have your list, you should ask permission from those people first. Remember that you should give them at least two weeks’ heads up before submitting an application for a new job.

When selecting references, you should consider contacts that are:

• Your current or former colleagues, direct reports, team leaders, supervisors, or managers.
• Those with whom you have a strong professional relationship. People who are able to affirm the quality of your work, your character, and your accomplishments.
• Professionals whom you trust and you know have the ability to answer tough questions about you as an employee.

The best way to ask a person to be on your reference list is by giving them information about the job you are applying for. Then ask them if they are willing to provide positive feedback about your work. Remember that you should be comfortable with the people you will include in your references list.

4. List your references in order of importance

You need to choose your references wisely. Most employers will only ask for three to five references. Thus, you carefully select your most important references. These people should be those who can discuss your skills and abilities for the position you are applying for.

List the reference who will likely give you great recommendations at the top of your reference list. It is also best to choose references who work in the same industry as the job position you are applying for.

5. Format your references list correctly

Using an appropriate format for your references in a consistent order helps recruiters and hiring managers glean information. This also helps protect your references’ privacy because you are only sharing what contact information is needed.

You can list each of your references with the following information and format.

• Name
• Current Job/Position
• Company
• Phone Number
• Email Address

There is no need to add the work and home addresses of your references. It will also help if you add a heading, such as “references” or “professional references.”

6. Dedicated references list page separate from your resume

References list should never be included on your resume. Always put them on a separate page and as the last page on your resume. This is because your references list is your supporting information, and you can easily not include this section when your prospective employers do not need this information.

Even if your reference list is on a separate page, it should still have the same font, color scheme, and layout as your resume. The same rule and concept also apply in writing your cover letter.

The “Create the Ultimate Resume Package to Stand Out (opens new window)” online course provides a very unique and professional resume package to potential employers. It will cover how to write and resume and create the layout and design of your resume, cover letter, and business card.

Additional important things to consider:

Your references can make or break your chances of getting a job. Here are some important things to be aware of when referencing people.

• It is discouraged to include family members on your references list.
• Avoid listing people with whom you had a conflict with.
• Confirm with your chosen reference if they are comfortable with your request.
• Keep your references up to date.
• Don’t forget to thank your references.

References are not always supposed to be on a resume, so you may opt-out of including this section. However, there will be some occasions that you may need to have it. So, it is best that you have already prepared your references list, put it on a separate sheet, and match it with the font and style on your resume and cover letter. Most importantly, you need to be intelligent in choosing your references before applying for jobs.

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