What does ‘Reference available on request’ mean?
The phrase ‘references available on request’ is a common one you may see on resumés. This lets the person reading your resumé know that you do have work references and you’re ready to supply them when asked. While giving references is an essential part of the job application process, it doesn’t mean you need to give their contact information upfront.
In this article, we explore the benefits of including ‘references available upon request’ on your resumé, and reasons for not including the phrase at all, so you can decide the best option for your resumé.
Why references matter
References help the employer verify your work history and find out about your performance in your past roles. They also shed insight into your skills, responsibilities and in some cases, personality and traits.
References can be professional (e.g. previous managers or colleagues) or personal (e.g friends, mentors, volunteer supervisors) that can speak positively about your character, and the strengths and weaknesses relevant to the job you’re applying for.
References build trust and credibility with a potential employer, and shed insight into whether you’d fit into the company culture. Research has shown they can be the deciding factor when it comes to choosing which applicant is picked for the job. In fact, SEEK research indicates that 74% of hirers view reference checks as extremely important in the recruitment process, and 41% have previously turned an applicant down due to feedback received from a reference.
Why put ‘References available upon request’ on resumés?
While references are important, you may not feel comfortable giving your referees’ personal information out with every job application. In this case, you would use ‘references available upon request’.
Here are some of the benefits of using ‘references available on request’ instead of giving your reference contact details on your resumé.
It protects their privacy
During your job hunt you may be sharing your resumé with a lot of different people, uploading your resumé to job websites and emailing it to potential employers or recruitment agencies. That’s potentially a lot of people receiving your references' contact details, with little information about how this information may be used.
Choosing to use the phrase ‘references available upon request’ helps to protect your referees’ contact details, because you’d only be supplying them to hiring managers who specifically request them.
An added benefit to this is that you know when a potential employer will contact your references, and can brief them and prepare them for the upcoming call.
For leverage
Including this phrase also gives you some control over when and by who your references are contacted. You may have interviewed with a company and thought it went well but aren’t sure if you’re still in the running. By using this phrase the potential employer will contact you to ask for references, giving you the heads up that you’re being seriously considered for the role.
Providing them only when you advance to this stage shows you’re confident about getting the job.
Reasons not to include ‘Reference available on request’
While there are benefits, there are other times when you may choose to not include ‘References available on request’. Here are some of the reasons to leave this phrase off your resumé:
It can lengthen hiring process
Providing references upfront can streamline the hiring process. It eliminates the extra step of the hiring manager contacting you to request them. This can help make the process smoother and faster.
It is irrelevant
Including ‘References available upon request’ has become so common that it can be irrelevant. Employers know they can ask you for references at any stage in the hiring process. Alternatively, you could prepare a separate reference document, and either include this with your application, or have it ready to supply when asked.
Saves space on your resumé
When your resumé is only 1-2 pages long, every little bit of space counts. Including the phrase is unnecessary, and takes up a section of your resumé that could be used to demonstrate your achievements and relevant skills. Instead, focus on creating a compelling resumé that highlights your qualifications and sparks the employer's interest in learning more about you.
Having references who can support your skills and work ethic is a powerful asset for your job application. Whether you choose to include the phrase ‘References available upon request’ on your resumé or not, remember that it’s important to have strong, reliable references willing to vouch for you. Start building and nurturing a reference network as early in your career as possible, so you have a range of professional referees ready when you need them.
FAQs
Is it okay to put ‘References available upon request’?
Yes, it is acceptable to put ‘References available upon request’ on your resumé. It lets employers know you’re prepared to provide references when asked, while showing respect for your referees’ privacy by not sharing their contact details upfront.
What does it mean when references are available upon request?
‘References available on request’ simply means that you have professional or personal references available and will provide their contact details if and when the employer asks you for them.
Why should you not list references unless they are requested?
By not listing your references unless they are requested it protects their privacy and gives you control over (and knowledge of) when they’re contacted.
Why are references for a job important?
References are important because they help build trust and credibility with your potential employer. Speaking to your references gives the employer better insight into your skills, work ethic, and how well you might fit into their company culture. A positive review from your references can significantly boost your chances of securing a job.
How do you find references for a resumé?
When finding references for a resumé, think about former managers, colleagues, teachers, or mentors who can vouch for you and will give a positive review of your skills and work ethic. Reach out to them and ask if they’d be willing to be a reference for you, and ask their preferred contact method and details. Make sure they’re aware of the types of jobs you’re applying for and the skills you’d like to highlight.
What if you don't have professional references?
If you’re just starting your career journey or you’re rejoining the workforce after an extended period, you may not have any professional references. In this case you can consider references from teachers or professors. You could also use personal character references from friends, volunteer coordinators or mentors. Choose people who can speak to your character, skills, and potential, even if they haven’t worked with you in a professional setting.
Can you ignore a reference request?
You shouldn’t ignore a request from a potential employer for references as it can harm your chances of getting the job. If you don’t have any references, be upfront and honest with the reasons for this, and if possible offer personal character references from friends or mentors instead.
Is it enough to have two references?
Most hiring managers will ask for at least two references, though some ask for more. It’s best to have three references if possible as this will shed more insight into your work history and skills. If you’re just starting out, or have been out of the workforce for a while, most employers will be understanding of this as a reason for fewer references.
How many references should you provide?
Ideally you should provide two to four references. This gives employers a well-rounded view of your capabilities and work history. Make sure your references are relevant to the job you’re applying for – preferably professional references. You may also find that specific job advertisements request a certain number of references.
How should you list references on a resumé?
If you are listing your references on a resumé, they should be under a separate section titled ‘References’ at the end of your resumé. Include the name, job title, company, phone number, and email address of each reference. If you choose to instead have ‘References available on request’, have a separate document ready with your references to provide when asked.
