How to list references on your resumé like a pro + examples

Whether you’re a first-time job seeker or someone who’s thinking of switching careers, you know the importance of a well-written resumé.

A well-written resumé is the breakdown of your entire professional history and your updated skills. But future employers want to see more than just your accomplishments, they want to know if you’re the right fit for the job. That’s where references come in.

• Should you put references on a resumé
• Who to ask for a reference
• How to ask for references
• Tips for getting strong references
• What to include in a reference list or reference sheet
• Where to place your reference list on your resumé
• Resumé reference examples
• Common mistakes to avoid when listing references
• Important things to consider
• FAQs

References are a short list of people who can speak to your skills, attributes, and character during the job application process. Your references should typically include your former colleagues, direct supervisors, previous managers and work mentors or, in the case of fresh graduates applying for an entry level position, an esteemed professor, career coach or academic advisors.

Including references in your resumé is a way for your future employers to get a clearer picture of who you are as an employee. Think of it as a way for them to see your achievements through a more objective lens. Build a more effective resumé by learning how, when, and where to include references in your resumé.

Should you put references on a resumé

Unless the application specifically requires it, references aren’t a necessary part of your resumé and should be kept to one page at most. Even in a two-page resumé, more valuable information could hold the space. Most people just skip it altogether or provide a list only when asked.

Let’s discuss the pros and cons of listing references and what you can do as an alternative.

Pros of including resumé references

The biggest benefit of including references in your resumé is that it will help your future employer learn more about your work ethic and character during the interview process. If given the choice to interview a job seeker without references or to review the references of a job seeker without an interview, Senior Adviser Claudio Fernando Araoz of a global executive search firm Egon Zehnder says, he’d rather pick the latter.

References can also give your job application more credibility especially if your work history is a little lacking. This is especially important for fresh graduates who have had little to no job experience. Use your references strategically and include them when they benefit you. This could be:

When the job application requires it

Most companies won’t ask for references until they’re ready to make you an offer. However, you don’t want to delay the hiring process by waiting until the last minute to send request letters to your potential references. Make sure to have your references prepared when an application requires you to include them or when a recruitment officer requests them.

When you know an executive from your former company

A strong word from someone higher-up could place you in the running for your desired position. Make the most out of your connections by including them as references in your resumé.

When you’ve received an award or promotion in your previous employment

If there was ever a time to flaunt your accolades, it’s during a job application. Include supervisors or old bosses who were involved with or witnessed your promotion and any other recognisable accomplishments from your old job.

When you have extra space in your resumé

If you really don’t have any more achievements to include, fill up the white space at the bottom of your resumé with at least three references. Make sure that these references can speak to your work ethic and skills and that they are involved in a career related to the one you’re applying for.

A curated list of references that highlights your talents, character, and prior job performance can make your resumé stand out during the hiring process.

Cons of including references on a resumé

On the flip side of the coin, you may opt not to include references in your resumé because they aren’t necessary. They take up valuable space in a resumé that could be used for more details about your professional or academic history. There’s also an issue of privacy as you’ll be providing the contact information of your references to several companies throughout your job hunt.

So when should you exclude references from your resumé?

When you only have one reference or none at all

If you don't have enough or an important reference, it’s best to omit the section entirely. At best, it can make you look ill-prepared. At worst, it can make you look like someone without strong social skills or someone who has a bad relationship with your former employers.

When you only have personal references

Exclusively adding personal or peer references to your resumé doesn’t provide a holistic view of your work ethic and skills. Friends and family have a tendency to be biased towards you and since they don’t work with you, they won’t be able to provide the details your future employers are looking for.

⁠When you have little to no space left in your resumé

If the formatting of your resumé doesn’t allow for space to include references, that’s alright. Just skip the references section and work on making the rest of your resumé more powerful. Avoid saying “References available upon request” as this is already implied.

Depending on the number of job seekers in your field, recruitment officers might not have time to review the entirety of your resumé. A more succinct breakdown of your employment history and skills might be more beneficial in these circumstances.

Alternatives to including references on a resumé

Providing references upon request

Most job seekers only provide references when it’s asked from them. If you don’t want to include references directly on your resumé, this is a viable option for you.

Creating a separate reference list or reference sheet

Your reference list can be placed on a whole separate sheet with a similar format to your resumé. You can choose whether or not to include this during the application process and it’s good practice to have it ready for when your future employer requests it.

Make the rest of your resumé stand out

Whether you choose not to create a reference list at all or if you have no one to contact, just work on the rest of your resumé. Craft an effective resumé that’s relevant, concise, and tailored to the job you’re applying for.

Who to ask for a reference

If you’ve decided to include references to your resumé or create a separate reference list, now it’s time to figure out who you will ask. It’s important to be critical in choosing a good reference for a specific application.

For instance, do your references work in a related field? If you’re applying to become a nurse, your old accounting supervisor might not be the best candidate to speak about your triage skills. Lastly, consider your references' communication skills. Someone who speaks with positivity and authority will benefit you more than someone who sounds timid and unsure.

Professional references

These references are people you’ve worked with or under in the past who can verify your suitability for the job you’re applying for. Professional references can speak to who you are in the workplace. They understand your work ethic, know how you interact with your coworkers, and how well you perform when given a task. They can include:

• A former boss
• Office mentors or company executives
• HR personnel
• Past or present colleagues
• Clients

Academic references

If you’re a fresh graduate or work in academia, then you’ll need to include academic references in your roster. These references can speak to your academic ability and prowess. These can include:

• Professors
• Lecturers
• Thesis adviser
• Thesis panelists

Personal references

These refer to people who know you outside of work. A personal reference can speak to your soft skills and give a more holistic view of you as a person. They know how you balance your personal life with your career, your hobbies, and how you treat people socially. These can include:

• Colleagues
• Volunteer group members
• Longtime friends
• Pastor

Professional vs. personal references

Professional references such as a former boss or direct manager are what most job seekers go for and what employers usually expect. In a traditional work setting, this would usually suffice.  However, if your future employers want to get a complete picture of you as a candidate, they may ask you for a personal reference.

A professional and personal reference can be the same person. However, it’s important to assess whether an exclusively personal reference can benefit your application.

While examples above are provided, personal references can’t just be anyone you know. There needs to be significance in all the details you list on your resumé. Have you worked together on an important project for the community? Can they speak positively to how you’re qualified for the position in a way that a professional reference can’t? If so, then they can provide valuable insights that your employers are looking for, and including them as personal references can benefit you.

However, family members should be avoided as personal references as much as possible. Employers may express some concern that they are biased toward you, affecting your overall application. It’s best to exhaust all other options before listing down family members as references.

How to ask for references

It might seem like it’s as easy as messaging someone on Facebook and asking them to be your reference, but it takes a little more work than that.

Remember: a reference is a personal favor that they’re placing their name on, so state your intentions clearly and in a complimentary manner. Write a letter of request that gets straight to the point while remaining courteous.

It’s also important to give your potential references ample time to review your request and get back to you. No matter what their response is, always show your gratitude as they took time out of their day to let you know.

Above all, don’t list a reference without informing them first. It’s bad form to assume they’ll put in a good word without letting your references know that you’ve given out their contact information without their permission.

Tips for getting strong references

Build strong relationships with potential references

⁠It’s always a good idea to make meaningful work relationships. Not only will this help you solidify a potential reference, but it will also broaden your network. This is also why it’s best to stay on good terms with your previous employers, barring workplace harassment and illegal activity, of course.

Share your job search goals with potential references

⁠Informing your potential references that you’re actively job-seeking will give them time to prepare as well as remind them to set aside time for a possible call.

Provide potential references with relevant information

⁠If they know exactly what you want them to highlight, then your chances of getting a strong reference go up.

Follow up with references

⁠Whether you got the job or not, it’s always best to follow up with your references after the application process and keep them in the loop.

What to include in a reference list or reference sheet

The rule of thumb is to have at least 2 to 3 references on a resumé and 3 to 5 on a separate reference sheet. Make sure that these are individuals who can speak to your skills and character and have been well-informed of what you’re asking from them. For each reference, be sure to provide the following:

• Name
• Current position
• Company name
• Email address
• Mobile number
• Short description of your relationship

Keep your reference list concise and easy to read. Avoid including your job references’ personal information and strictly use their professional email and contact number.

Where to place your reference list on your resumé

Your references are the last priority on your resumé and can be excluded if you choose to. If you’d like to include it in your resumé, it’s best to place them at the very end. Always prioritise your employment history, academic background, professional background and related skills.

Better yet, create a separate reference sheet that you can submit when requested. It can be formatted to match your resumé thematically and allows extra room for other references to be included.

Resumé reference examples

References in your resumé and in a separate reference sheet must be formatted the same way as the rest of your resumé. Match font, spacing, and colors for a more cohesive and professional look.

Common mistakes to avoid when listing references

Not getting permission from your references

This is the biggest thing you should avoid as a job seeker. It’s disrespectful of your reference’s time and your relationship.

Using the wrong format

This is when your reference list in a way that’s difficult to read. A reference list that’s messily formatted can be difficult for your future employer to read and understand.

Example:

Alaya Company Chief Human Resources Officer Samantha Lopez

(+63) 987 654 3219

⁠[email protected]

Not providing enough information about your references

If your future employers ask for your references, they need to know who exactly they’re going to contact and how to do so. Incomplete information negatively reflects on you so make sure to provide sufficient details.

Example:

Andrew Garcia

⁠MS Shopping Center

⁠(+63) 987 654 32

Providing too many details about your references

Your reference list should be easy to read in the same font, so that the recruitment officer or hiring manager can get all the pertinent information in one glance. Overstuffing your references can be confusing, and unnecessary, and may risk your reference’s privacy. Use a separate page with the same format to impress hiring managers.

⁠Mary Anne Ledesma Navarro

⁠Human Resource Manager

⁠Abakada LLC

⁠(+61) 428 399 202

⁠[email protected]

I loved working with Teresa at Alaya Company. She’s a 47-year-old single mom and was the one who got me my position as HR Assistant in 2017. She helped me become more familiar with the job. We share a love for cats and get along well with our other colleagues.

Important things to consider

References in a resumé can be beneficial to all job seekers who want their future employers to know that they’re the perfect fit for the job. Although it’s no longer a requirement, most companies still ask for a list of references so it’s best to be prepared.

Remember:

• Include references when necessary or when it benefits you.
• Your references should be well-spoken, be an authority figure, and work in a field related to the one you’re applying for.
• Be courteous, and concise, and express gratitude when writing a letter of request.
• Make sure your references are well-informed before, during, and after the application process.
• Double-check that you have all the necessary information and that your reference list is well-formatted.

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FAQs

Are references necessary for every job application?

No, you can opt not to include references in your job application if it’s not specifically requested by your prospective employer.

How many references should you include on a resumé?

⁠It’s recommended to include 2 to 3 references in your resumé or 3 to 5 references on a separate sheet.

Is it better to provide personal or professional references?

⁠Generally, professional references have a better understanding of who you are within the workplace and can provide a better testament to your work ethic and character while personal references can speak to your soft skills and who you are outside of work. You can provide a mix of both (e.g. two professional and one personal reference) if you think it will be more beneficial for your application.

What should you do if you don't have any professional references?

You may choose to submit personal and academic references instead of professional references. If you can’t find any at all, it’s best to place your focus on making your resumé look good as it is.

Can you use the same references for multiple job applications?

⁠It’s best to avoid applying for too many jobs as this can negatively affect your application. Consider having 7-10 references you can contact and shuffling them around for multiple job applications. Make sure that the credentials of your references are related to the field you’re applying for. As long as your references are informed and agree with the situation, then go ahead.