Let's settle this once and for all: no, you should not put references on your resume.
Not your former manager's phone number. Not your college professor's email. And definitely not the line "References available upon request." That phrase had its moment — somewhere around 2005 — and it's time to let it go.
Here's why, and what you should do instead.
Why References Don't Belong on Your Resume
1. Employers Already Assume You Have Them
Every hiring manager knows you can provide references. Writing "references available upon request" is like writing "I will show up to the interview if invited." It's implied. Including it wastes space that could showcase an actual accomplishment.
2. Real Estate Is Precious
The average resume is one to two pages. According to a 2025 ResumeGo study, resumes with quantified achievements in the top third are 40% more likely to land an interview. Every line you spend on references is a line you're not spending on results that actually differentiate you.
3. Privacy Concerns
Listing someone's name, title, phone number, and email on a document that gets uploaded to applicant tracking systems, forwarded to hiring committees, and stored in databases is a privacy risk your references didn't sign up for. Their contact information could end up anywhere.
4. Timing Is Wrong
References come into play at the end of the hiring process — typically after the second or third interview. Putting them on a resume is like bringing a suitcase to a first date. It signals you don't understand how hiring actually works.
The "References Available Upon Request" Myth
This line was standard practice in the 1990s and early 2000s. Career centers taught it. Resume templates included it. And it made sense when resumes were printed, mailed, and manually reviewed.
Today, it's filler. In a 2024 survey by TopResume, 72% of hiring managers said the phrase is unnecessary, and 15% said it actually makes a candidate look outdated.
Here's what happens when a recruiter sees it:
- Best case: They ignore it completely
- Worst case: They question whether you understand modern hiring norms
Either way, it's not helping you.
When References Actually Matter
References aren't irrelevant — they just belong at a different stage. Here's when they come into play:
During the Final Interview Round
Most companies check references after they've decided they want to hire you but before extending a formal offer. This is a verification step, not a screening step.
For Senior or Executive Roles
C-suite and VP-level candidates may be asked for references earlier in the process. Board members and investors sometimes want to speak with former colleagues before proceeding.
In Regulated Industries
Healthcare, government, education, and financial services often have formal reference check requirements. These are typically handled through structured processes, not by reading names off a resume.
When the Job Posting Specifically Asks
Occasionally, a job listing will say "please include references with your application." In that case, follow the instructions — but provide them as a separate document, not crammed onto your resume.
How to Prepare a Reference Sheet
Instead of cluttering your resume, create a standalone reference document that you can provide when asked. Here's how to do it right.
Format It Professionally
Use the same header (name, contact info, design) as your resume so the documents look like a matched set. Consistency signals attention to detail.
JANE SMITH
jane.smith@email.com | (555) 123-4567 | linkedin.com/in/janesmith
PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES
1. Michael Torres
Senior Director of Engineering, Acme Technologies
michael.torres@acmetech.com | (555) 234-5678
Relationship: Direct manager for 3 years (2022–2025)
2. Sarah Chen
VP of Product, CloudBase Inc.
sarah.chen@cloudbase.com | (555) 345-6789
Relationship: Cross-functional partner on product launches
3. David Okafor
CEO, StartupCo
david@startupco.com | (555) 456-7890
Relationship: Executive sponsor on key client accounts
Include the Right Details
For each reference, list:
- Full name and current title (even if they've changed roles since you worked together)
- Company name
- Phone number and email
- Your relationship — how you worked together and for how long
That last point is often overlooked, but it gives the hiring manager context before they even pick up the phone.
Who Should Your References Be?
Not all references are created equal. Choose strategically.
The Ideal Reference Mix
Aim for three to five references that cover different angles:
- A direct manager — Someone who supervised your day-to-day work. This is the most important reference and the one employers will always want.
- A senior leader — A skip-level manager, VP, or executive who can speak to your broader impact and potential.
- A peer or cross-functional partner — A colleague who worked alongside you and can speak to your collaboration style.
- A direct report (if applicable) — Someone you managed who can speak to your leadership. This carries real weight for management roles.
- A client or external partner (optional) — Especially valuable for sales, consulting, or client-facing roles.
Who to Avoid
- Family members or friends — Even if you've worked together, the personal relationship undermines credibility.
- References from 10+ years ago — Unless they're exceptionally relevant, recent references carry more weight.
- People who can only confirm dates of employment — If someone can't speak to your skills and contributions, they're not a reference — they're a verification.
- Anyone you haven't asked first — This should be obvious, but listing someone without their permission is a fast way to damage a professional relationship.
How to Ask Someone to Be a Reference
Asking well is just as important as choosing well. Here's a framework that works.
Step 1: Ask Early
Don't wait until you're in the final round of interviews. Reach out when you start your job search so your references aren't caught off guard.
Step 2: Make It Easy to Say No
Send a message like this:
Hi [Name], I'm currently exploring new opportunities in [field/role type]. I really valued working with you at [Company], and I was wondering if you'd be comfortable serving as a professional reference. Completely understand if the timing isn't right — no pressure either way.
Giving people an out actually makes them more likely to say yes enthusiastically.
Step 3: Be Specific About What You Need
If they agree, tell them:
- What types of roles you're pursuing
- What skills or experiences you'd love them to highlight
- Roughly when they might be contacted
Step 4: Make It a Conversation
If possible, have a quick phone call rather than just sending a text. It shows respect for their time and lets you discuss specifics.
How to Prepare Your References for Calls
This step is where most candidates drop the ball. Your references want to help you, but they can only do that if you set them up for success.
Brief Them Before Each Interview Process
When you reach the reference check stage with a specific company, send your references a short update:
- The company name and role you're interviewing for
- Who might call them (recruiter name, if you have it)
- Key points you'd like them to emphasize
- A copy of the job description so they can speak to relevant qualifications
Share Your Resume
Send your current resume so they know how you've positioned yourself. This prevents awkward mismatches — like your reference talking about your project management skills when you've been pitching yourself as a data analyst.
If you've used a tool like Best Damn Resume's resume tailoring feature to customize your resume for the specific role, share that tailored version. It gives your references the clearest picture of what the employer is looking for.
Suggest Talking Points
You're not scripting their responses — you're helping them be specific. Most references genuinely want to say the right things but struggle to remember details on the spot.
Give them two or three bullet points:
- "It would be great if you could mention the CRM migration project and how we delivered it ahead of schedule."
- "They're looking for someone with strong cross-functional leadership, so any examples from the product launch would be perfect."
- "If they ask about areas for improvement, I've talked openly about my early struggles with delegation and how I worked on it."
That last point matters. Reference checkers almost always ask about weaknesses. Helping your reference prepare a thoughtful, honest answer is far better than having them scramble.
What Reference Checkers Actually Ask
Knowing what they'll be asked helps you prepare your references. Common questions include:
- How do you know the candidate, and how long did you work together?
- What were their primary responsibilities?
- What are their greatest strengths?
- What areas could they improve in?
- How did they handle conflict or pressure?
- Would you rehire them? (This is often the most telling question.)
- Is there anything else you think we should know?
Questions 3 through 5 are where your briefing makes the biggest difference.
What to Do Instead of Listing References
Now that you know references don't go on the resume, what should you do with that space?
Add a Stronger Skills Section
Use a concise, targeted skills section that mirrors the job description. An ATS-optimized resume with the right keywords will outperform one with a references block every time.
Expand Your Achievements
Add one more quantified bullet point per role. Numbers are what hiring managers remember.
Include a Professional Summary
A two-to-three sentence summary at the top of your resume can do more in 7 seconds than a references section ever could.
Add Relevant Certifications or Training
Industry certifications, relevant coursework, or professional development shows ongoing growth and fills the space far more effectively.
The Exception: Academic and Research Positions
Academic CVs are a different world. In higher education and research, it's still common — and sometimes expected — to include references directly on your CV. This applies to:
- Faculty positions
- Postdoctoral research roles
- Fellowship applications
- Grant proposals
If you're in academia, follow the norms of your specific field and institution.
Quick Reference Checklist
Before your next job application, make sure you've covered these bases:
- [ ] References are NOT on your resume
- [ ] "References available upon request" is NOT on your resume
- [ ] You have a separate, formatted reference sheet ready to go
- [ ] You have 3-5 references covering different perspectives
- [ ] Each reference has agreed to serve in that role
- [ ] You've briefed your references on the roles you're pursuing
- [ ] Your reference sheet matches your resume's design and header
The Bottom Line
References are an important part of the hiring process — but they have their own time and place. Your resume's job is to get you the interview. Your references' job is to close the deal after you've already impressed them in person.
Keep your resume focused on what actually moves the needle: relevant experience, quantified achievements, and keywords that get you past ATS screening. Tools like Best Damn Resume's ATS checker can help you make sure every line of your resume is working toward that goal — no wasted space on outdated conventions.
Save the references for when they're asked for. And when that moment comes, you'll be ready.