Should You Put References on a Resume?
Why references don't belong on a resume, how to choose them, and how to prepare them for the hiring manager.
Should you put references on a resume? In the U.S., it’s not standard practice: your former managers’ contact info doesn’t need to appear on your resume, and the line “References available upon request” is unnecessary because it’s implied. Instead, prepare a reference list, ready to send if the recruiter asks for it, usually at the end of the process.
Here’s how to choose your references, prepare them, and present them, and the cases where they’re expected on a resume.
On the resume: no, generally not
- Third parties’ contact info shouldn’t be shared without a reason.
- The recruiter will ask for your references if they need them.
The exceptions
- The job posting asks for them explicitly.
- You have a prestigious or highly relevant recommendation: one line can then be an asset.
When the recruiter asks for them
References are rarely requested during the resume screening stage. They come at the end of the process, after the final interview, when the recruiter is deciding between two candidates or wants to confirm their choice. They’ll then call one or two people for a conversation of about ten minutes. Some online forms ask for references right when you apply: only fill them in with people you’ve already notified.
Choosing your references
| Good reference | To avoid |
|---|---|
| A former direct manager | A family member |
| An internship or co-op supervisor | A friend with no professional connection |
| A client or regular partner | Someone who barely knows you |
| A professor, for a first job | A manager you left on bad terms with |
Preparing your references
- Ask for their permission before giving out anyone’s contact info.
- Give them a heads-up when a recruiter might call, and remind them of the position you’re targeting.
- Prepare a separate document with, for each one: name, job title, company, connection to you, phone or email.
- Keep two or three references, preferably recent ones.
Sample reference list
References for Julie Garnier
Sophie Marchal, Store Manager, Marchal Bakery, Austin, TX. Direct manager from 2023 to 2025. (512) 555-0147
Karim Benali, Internship Supervisor, Downtown Pharmacy, Austin, TX. Supervisor during associate degree program (2021-2023). [email protected]
Present this list on a separate document, with the same formatting as your resume, and send it only when the recruiter asks for it.
What the recruiter asks them
- The position held, the time period, and main responsibilities.
- Your strengths and what could be improved.
- How you work in a team and with management.
- The reasons you left.
- Often: “Would you rehire them?”
Remind your references of the position you’re targeting and the skills required: they’ll be able to cite the most useful examples.
What employers can check
Rules on reference checks vary by state and by company. In practice, recruiters usually let you know before contacting anyone and stick to the people you’ve listed, and many former employers will only confirm your job title and dates of employment. Giving your own list of references is the best way to stay in control of who gets contacted.
Without professional references
For a first job, other people can vouch for your reliability: an internship supervisor, a professor, a coach, a club or volunteer organizer, or a family you’ve babysat for regularly. Pick someone who has seen you show up consistently over time.
Written recommendations
A recommendation letter or a recommendation on your LinkedIn profile can take the place of a phone call.
Asking for a recommendation letter
The best time is at the end of an internship, contract, or assignment, while your manager still has your work fresh in mind. Ask directly, and offer a list of points to mention: projects, results, qualities they observed. Keep it as a PDF alongside your diplomas, ready to attach to an application that asks for one.
How reference checks work in the US
In the US, reference checks usually happen near the end of the process, just before an offer. The recruiter calls two or three of your references, or sends them a short online questionnaire. Prepare your list ahead of time, with each person’s exact professional contact info and the best time to reach them.
Frequently asked questions
Can the recruiter call my current employer?
They shouldn’t without your permission. Say so if you’d prefer your current employer not be contacted.
How many references should I prepare?
Two or three is enough.
Should I write “References available upon request”?
No: it’s implied and it wastes a line.
What if my former employer might give a negative review?
Don’t list them, and offer another manager or a colleague from the same company instead. If the recruiter insists, briefly explain the situation without criticizing anyone.
Can I give a former manager’s personal phone number?
Only with their explicit permission. If they’ve changed companies, it’s often the only way to reach them: in that case, note their title at the time you worked together.
With CVZeno, keep your resume focused on the essentials, and prepare your reference list on the side to send when the time comes.