References on Resume: The Complete 2026 Guide
Should you put references on your resume? Learn when to include them, how to format a reference page, who to ask, and the best practices that will impress hiring managers in 2026.
Should You Put References on Your Resume?
No, you should not list references on your resume in 2026. While including references was once standard practice, it’s now considered outdated and takes up valuable space better used to showcase your skills and achievements.
Why Keep References Off Your Resume
- Limited Space: Your resume is prime real estate. Every line should sell your qualifications—not list contact information for other people.
- ATS Compatibility: Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) may have trouble parsing resumes with non-standard sections like references, potentially hurting your chances.
- Privacy Concerns: If your resume is posted online or shared, your references’ personal information becomes publicly accessible without their consent.
- Timing: Reference checks typically happen late in the hiring process, so providing them upfront is premature.
- Redundancy: Employers know they can request references—you don’t need to tell them.
“References available upon request”
This phrase is considered outdated filler. Employers already know they can ask for references—this wastes a valuable line on your resume.
Prepare a separate reference page
Create a well-formatted reference document that matches your resume design. Submit it only when the employer requests it.
The One Exception: When to Include References
There’s only one scenario where you should include references on your resume.
When Specifically Requested
If the job posting explicitly asks you to include references on your resume, follow their instructions exactly.
Application Forms
Some online applications have specific fields for references. Fill these out completely when provided.
Certain Industries
Some academic, government, or security positions may require references upfront as part of standard procedure.
Personal Referrals
If someone internally referred you and you want to mention their name prominently, that’s acceptable.
How to List References on a Separate Page
Create a professional reference page that complements your resume.
What to Include for Each Reference
For each professional reference, provide:
- Full Name: Their professional name as they prefer to be called
- Current Job Title: Their current position (verify this is up-to-date)
- Company Name: Where they currently work
- Phone Number: Their direct business or professional phone
- Email Address: Their professional email (preferably work email)
- Relationship: How you know them (e.g., “Former supervisor at ABC Corp, 2022-2024”)
Match Your Resume Design
Use the same header, fonts, and styling as your resume for a professional, cohesive look.
Add “Professional References” Title
Clearly label the document so employers know exactly what they’re looking at.
List 3-5 References
Include complete contact information and your professional relationship for each person.
Prioritize Strategically
Put your strongest references first—those who can speak most compellingly about your qualifications.
Professional Reference Page Template
JOHN SMITH john.smith@email.com | (555) 123-4567 | San Francisco, CA linkedin.com/in/johnsmith PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ Sarah Johnson Senior Marketing Director, ABC Corporation Phone: (555) 234-5678 Email: sarah.johnson@abccorp.com Relationship: Direct supervisor at ABC Corp (2021-2024) Michael Chen Project Manager, XYZ Technologies Phone: (555) 345-6789 Email: mchen@xyztech.com Relationship: Team lead on product launch project Dr. Emily Rodriguez Professor of Business Administration, State University Phone: (555) 456-7890 Email: e.rodriguez@stateuniv.edu Relationship: MBA thesis advisor and mentor
This template can be adapted to match your resume’s design. The key is maintaining consistency in formatting and including all necessary contact information.
Who to Ask for a Professional Reference
Choose references who can speak credibly about your work ethic, skills, and achievements.
Former Managers
The gold standard. They can speak directly about your performance, growth, leadership, and day-to-day work habits.
Highly RecommendedSenior Colleagues
Team leads or senior coworkers who’ve observed your work closely, especially on collaborative projects.
Strong ChoiceProfessors or Advisors
Ideal for recent graduates or career changers. Choose those who know your work well, not just your grades.
For Entry-LevelClients or Partners
External stakeholders who’ve worked with you directly can offer a unique perspective on your professionalism.
For Client-Facing RolesInternship Supervisors
For students and recent grads, internship supervisors can provide professional references when you lack work history.
For New GradsVolunteer Coordinators
If you’ve contributed significantly to nonprofit or community projects, these can demonstrate your character and skills.
Alternative OptionWho NOT to Use as References
- Family Members: Never list relatives, regardless of their professional status—it’s unprofessional
- Close Friends: Personal friends who haven’t worked with you professionally aren’t credible references
- People Who Don’t Know Your Work: A famous name means nothing if they can’t speak to your abilities
- Anyone Who Might Give Lukewarm Feedback: Choose people who will enthusiastically endorse you
- Current Employer (Usually): Unless they know you’re job searching, this could backfire
How to Ask Someone to Be a Reference
Ask Permission First
Never list someone as a reference without asking. A surprised reference may give an unprepared, lukewarm response.
Be Specific About the Role
Share the job description and explain why you’re excited about the opportunity so they can tailor their feedback.
Provide Your Updated Resume
Give them your resume and talking points so they can speak knowledgeably about your recent accomplishments.
Follow Up and Thank Them
Let them know when the check might happen, and always thank them afterward—regardless of the outcome.
Pro Tips for Managing Your References
Keep Info Updated
Check LinkedIn periodically to verify your references’ current titles and companies before listing them.
Maintain Relationships
Stay in touch with potential references even when not job hunting. It makes asking much easier later.
Lead with Strongest
List your most impressive, most supportive reference first. Employers may only contact the first few.
Match to the Role
Choose references who can speak to skills relevant to the specific job you’re applying for.
Vary Your Sources
Include references from different roles and time periods to show consistent professional quality.
Give Advance Notice
Alert your references when you advance in the hiring process so they’re prepared for the call.
How Many References Do You Need?
The right number depends on your career level and the position.
Entry-Level Positions
Three solid references are typically sufficient for new graduates and early-career professionals.
Mid-Level Positions
Standard expectation for most professional roles. Include a mix of managers and colleagues.
Senior Positions
Executive and leadership roles may require more references to verify your track record.
Executive Roles
C-suite positions often require extensive reference checks from board members, peers, and direct reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaways: References on Resume
- Keep references off your resume — They waste space and create privacy concerns
- Prepare a separate reference page — Ready to submit when requested
- Include 3-5 professional references — Former managers are ideal
- Always ask permission first — Never surprise your references
- Match your resume design — Create a cohesive application package
- Keep contact info updated — Verify before each job application
Related Guides
Continue building your career toolkit with these helpful resources:
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