Should you include references on a resume?

As a job seeker, you may ask, “Should I include references on my resume?” While it was once a normal practice, job-hunting trends have changed. References are still important to provide, but there’s a specific way to go about it. If you’re in the process of polishing up your application docs, you’ll need to know not only how to supply your references but also whom to list. Explore these topics and others below.

Should you put references on a resume?

Generally speaking, no, you should not include references on a resume. Here’s why you shouldn’t put references directly on your resume:

• Brevity: It’s usually best practice to keep your resume to a single page. Adding a section for references would likely extend the document onto a second page.
• Privacy: These days, you can apply for most jobs online. That means that the documents you upload may be visible to many people, not just the target hiring manager, and you don’t want to expose the details of your references to strangers. Your referees are unlikely to want their names, titles, employers, phone numbers, and email addresses publicized.
• Unnecessary effort: A resume is generally stronger when it centers on your qualities and qualifications. A hiring manager isn’t likely to call referees for everyone who applies to a position either, so many job applicants elect to provide that information separately when the employer requests it.

Following that last point, you don’t need to list your references when you upload your resume to CareerBuilder. We make it so that employers can easily find you and evaluate your candidacy based on your qualifications and workplace accomplishments. 

“A resume is generally stronger when it centers on your qualities and qualifications. A hiring manager isn’t likely to call referees for everyone who applies to a position either, so many job applicants elect to provide that information separately when the employer requests it.”

Should you write “references to be provided upon request” on your resume?

Many applicants write “references to be provided upon request,” or some variation thereof, at the bottom of their resumes as an alternative to listing the references themselves. Most hiring managers will already assume this, however, so don’t waste valuable real estate on your resume by stating what’s taken for granted.

When and how should you provide your references for a job?

Broadly speaking, you should provide your references when the hiring manager or another HR associate requests them. This often happens after you’ve received a callback for an interview. You should create a document — a references sheet — and email it to the employer in a Word document or PDF. 

What information should you include on your references sheet?

To begin, your references sheet should have a header like the one in your resume, which includes your name and contact information. That way, the hiring manager knows whose references sheet they’re looking at. Then, for each of your references, include the following details:

• Name: Include the referee’s first and last name. A last name is especially important if you’re providing a company phone number, as you don’t want the hiring manager to contact the wrong person.
• Employer and position: State the referee’s place of employment and their position within the organization. This information contextualizes their authority as a reference.
• Contact information: Provide a phone number and an email address. Both are important because the hiring manager may have a preferred mode of contact. If possible, use your referee’s work number and email address instead of their personal ones.
• A brief description of your relationship: In one or two sentences, detail how you know your referee, where you worked together, and how long you’ve known each other.

Who can I list as a reference?

When you create your references sheet, focus on listing people who want you to succeed, support your job search, hold some level of authority, and are qualified to attest to your skills and qualifications. Some good options include but aren’t limited to:

• Former managers
• Current colleagues
• Professors and other teachers
• Academic advisers
• Mentors
• Clients/customers
• Business owners

Other frequently asked questions about providing references

“Should you put references on a resume?” isn’t the only references-related puzzle that job seekers want solved. Consider these answers to some other frequently asked questions about providing references to an employer:

When should you include references on your resume by default?

Aside from instances when the employer specifically requests references on your resume, you should probably include them by default if it’s considered standard practice within your target industry or occupation. Consulting, for example, is a profession in which testimonials are essential for evaluating a candidate’s competency. The same could be said about academia, in which long-form CVs typically take the place of the one-to-two-page resume.

Where do you put references on a resume if the employer specifically requests them?

If an employer specifically asks candidates to include their references on their resume, you have two choices:

• If you have space on one page, create a section for your resume references list toward the bottom of your document.
• If you don’t have the space, create a separate page for your resume references list. 

Should I notify people I’ve included as references that I’ve done so?

Yes, you absolutely should. You could also describe to them the details of the job you’ve applied for (e.g., title, employer, and responsibilities). This prepares them for the eventuality of being contacted by an employer and allows them to devise a response that improves your candidacy. 

Remember, providing references only when required isn’t just a standard practice but also a considerate decision that helps save time for the employer. When you do provide references, make sure you give a heads-up to the people you’ve listed and that you provide enough information to the employer. Beforehand, though, try to polish up your resume and upload it to CareerBuilder so prospective employers can find you.

More tips for getting hired

Writing a resume isn’t always straightforward. There are many other things you shouldn’t include in your resume.

When the time comes to start submitting applications, you’d do well to understand what the process entails.

Do you ever wonder what happens behind the scenes of the hiring process? Find out what really happens after you submit your application.