References are one of the most misunderstood parts of a job application. Many candidates still list references directly on their resume, add "references available upon request" at the bottom, or scramble to find contacts when an employer finally asks. All three approaches have problems.
This guide covers when references belong on your resume (almost never), how to create a proper reference page, who to choose, and how to ask them. You will also find a complete template you can copy and adapt.
Should You Put References on Your Resume?
No. In the vast majority of cases, references should not appear on your resume. Here is why:
The standard today is simple: keep references off your resume and provide them on a separate page when the employer requests them.
When References Are Appropriate
There are a few situations where including or preparing references earlier in the process makes sense:
| Situation | What to Do |
|---|---|
| The job posting explicitly asks for references | Include them on a separate reference page submitted alongside your resume |
| Academic or research positions | Follow the institution's application instructions; many require 3 references upfront |
| Government or security-clearance roles | These often require references as part of the formal application package |
| Internal referral or small company | If a hiring manager personally asks you to send references with your application, do it |
The rule is straightforward: only provide references when asked. If the posting does not mention references, leave them out entirely.
How to Format a Separate Reference Page
When an employer asks for references, send them on a cleanly formatted, standalone page. Match the header styling to your resume so both documents look like they belong together.
Reference Page Template
Here is a complete reference page you can adapt. Replace the placeholder details with your own contacts.
Keep the layout simple and professional. Fancy formatting, colors, or graphics are unnecessary here. The goal is to make it easy for the employer to pick up the phone and call.
Who to Choose as References (and Who to Avoid)
The right references can reinforce your candidacy. The wrong ones can raise red flags or simply add nothing to your application.
Strong Reference Choices
References to Avoid
How to Ask Someone to Be a Reference
Asking properly matters. A well-prepared reference gives a stronger endorsement than someone caught off guard.
- Ask before you need them. Reach out when you start your job search, not after an employer requests names. This gives your references time to prepare.
- Be specific about the role. Tell them the job title, company, and what skills or experiences the employer values. This helps them tailor their comments.
- Make it easy to say no. "Would you be comfortable providing a strong reference for me?" gives them an out. A reluctant reference is worse than no reference.
- Send them your updated resume. This refreshes their memory of your accomplishments and ensures their talking points align with what the employer has already seen.
- Follow up and say thank you. Let them know the outcome, whether you got the job or not. References who feel appreciated will gladly help you again in the future.
"References Available Upon Request" - Outdated or Still Useful?
Outdated. Remove it.
This phrase was standard in the 1990s and early 2000s when resume conventions were different. Today, every employer already assumes you can provide references when asked. Including this line wastes a valuable line of resume space and signals that your resume advice is out of date.
The only exception: if a job posting template specifically includes a "references" field, fill it in. Otherwise, leave it off completely.
Quick Reference Checklist
References are a small but important detail in your job search. Handle them correctly and they become a quiet advantage. Handle them poorly and they can cost you an offer at the last stage. The approach is simple: keep them off your resume, prepare a clean reference page, choose the right people, and ask them properly. For more tips on getting the rest of your resume right, see our common resume mistakes guide or check your resume ATS score for free.