Okay, let's settle this once and for all: Should you put references on your resume?

Short answer: No.

Long answer: It's complicated, and I'm about to explain everything you need to know about references in 2025.

Last month, I reviewed 200+ resumes for a hiring manager friend, and you know what drove me crazy? Half of them still had "References available upon request" at the bottom. It's 2025, people! That's like ending your email with "Sent from my iPhone 3."

But here's where it gets interesting - while you shouldn't put references ON your resume, you absolutely need to nail your reference strategy if you want the job. Let me show you exactly how to do it right.

The Modern Truth About Resume References

Here's what nobody tells you about references: They can make or break your job offer, but they have no business being on your resume.

Think about it - your resume is prime real estate. Every line needs to earn its spot by selling your skills and achievements. Contact info for your old boss? That's not selling anything.

Why references don't belong on your resume:

Wastes valuable space
Gives away your references' contact info to anyone
Makes you look outdated
ATS systems don't care about references
Employers will ask when they need them

I once had a candidate list their mom as a reference. Their MOM. Don't be that person.

When DO You Need References?

References come into play at these specific moments:

1. When the application explicitly asks Some online applications have a specific section for references. Fill it out there, not on your resume.

2. After a successful interview Usually after the second or third interview when they're seriously considering you.

3. During background checks This is when they'll actually call your references.

4. When requested by the employer They'll literally say, "Please send us three references."

Pro tip: If they're asking for references, that's actually a GOOD sign. Companies don't waste time checking references for candidates they're not interested in.

How to Create a Killer Reference Page

When they DO ask for references, you need to be ready with a professional reference sheet. Here's the exact format that works:

The Professional Reference Page Template

[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number] | [Your Email] | [Your LinkedIn]

PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES

[Reference 1 Name]
[Their Title]
[Company Name]
[Email] | [Phone Number]
Relationship: [How you know them]
[Optional: One line about what they can speak to]

[Reference 2 Name]
[Their Title]
[Company Name]
[Email] | [Phone Number]
Relationship: [How you know them]

[Reference 3 Name]
[Their Title]
[Company Name]
[Email] | [Phone Number]
Relationship: [How you know them]

Real Example That Works

Sarah Martinez
555-0123 | sarah.martinez@email.com | linkedin.com/in/sarahmartinez

PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES

Michael Chen
Director of Marketing
TechStart Inc.
m.chen@techstart.com | 555-0456
Relationship: Direct supervisor at TechStart (2019-2023)
Can speak to: Leadership skills and campaign management

Jennifer Walsh
Senior Project Manager
Digital Innovations LLC
jwalsh@digitalinnovations.com | 555-0789
Relationship: Cross-functional colleague on 5 major projects
Can speak to: Collaboration and problem-solving abilities

Robert Thompson
CEO
StartupGrowth Consulting
rthompson@startupgrowth.com | 555-0234
Relationship: Client during consulting engagement
Can speak to: Strategic thinking and client management

Who Makes a Great Reference? (And Who Doesn't)

Your Reference Dream Team

Best References (in order):

Direct supervisors - They know your work best
Senior colleagues - Especially those you've worked closely with
Direct reports - Shows your leadership abilities
Clients or customers - External validation is powerful
Mentors in your field - Shows you're invested in growth

References to Avoid

Never use these:

Family members (even if they have a different last name)
Friends (unless they're also professional contacts)
Someone you haven't spoken to in 5+ years
Anyone who fired you or you had conflicts with
Professors (unless you're a recent grad)
Your therapist, pastor, or personal trainer

True story: A candidate once listed their Uber driver as a reference because "he said I was a great conversationalist." Don't. Just don't.

The Reference Prep Strategy That Gets You Hired

Here's what separates amateurs from pros when it comes to references:

Step 1: Choose Your References Strategically

Match your references to the job:

Applying for a leadership role? Include someone you managed
Technical position? Include someone who knows your technical skills
Sales job? Include a client or colleague who's seen you close deals

Step 2: Ask for Permission (The Right Way)

Never list someone without asking. Here's the email template I use:

Subject: Serving as a Reference

Hi [Name],

I hope you're doing well! I'm currently exploring new opportunities in [field/role], and I was wondering if you'd be comfortable serving as a professional reference.

I really valued our time working together at [Company], particularly [specific project/achievement]. I believe you could speak to my abilities in [specific skills relevant to new job].

If you're willing, I'd be happy to send you details about the positions I'm pursuing so you're prepared if someone contacts you.

Would you be comfortable with this?

Best regards,
[Your name]

Step 3: Prep Your References

Once they agree, send them:

Your current resume
The job description
Key points you'd like them to emphasize
Any specific achievements you'd like them to mention

Step 4: Give Them a Heads Up

When a company asks for your references, immediately email your references:

"Hi [Name], I wanted to let you know that [Company] may be contacting you in the next few days regarding my application for [Position]. Thanks again for your support!"

Step 5: Follow Up and Thank Them

Whether you get the job or not, circle back:

Thank them for their time
Let them know the outcome
Offer to reciprocate in the future

Common Reference Mistakes That Kill Job Offers

Mistake 1: Not Preparing Your References

I once had a reference call me saying, "Someone just called about you, but I had no idea what job you applied for, so I just rambled about your punctuality."

Face, meet palm.

Mistake 2: Using Outdated Contact Information

Your reference changed jobs two years ago, but you're still listing their old email. The hiring manager emails into the void. You don't get the job.

Always verify current contact info.

Mistake 3: Choosing Lukewarm References

"Yeah, Sarah was... fine. She showed up most days."

This is not the endorsement you want. Choose people who are genuinely enthusiastic about your work.

Mistake 4: Too Many References

Unless asked for more, three is the magic number. I once received a reference sheet with TWELVE names. That's not impressive; it's overwhelming.

Mistake 5: All References From One Job

Diversify your references. All three from your current job looks suspicious. Mix it up with colleagues, supervisors, and even clients if possible.

Special Situations and How to Handle Them

"I Can't Use My Current Employer"

Totally normal! Use:

Former supervisors
Colleagues who've left the company
Clients or vendors
Mentors or industry connections

Note on your reference sheet: "Additional references from current employer available upon offer."

"I Was Laid Off"

Being laid off doesn't mean you can't use references from that company. Many colleagues and supervisors understand and are happy to help. I've given glowing references for people who were laid off due to budget cuts.

"I'm a Recent Graduate"

Your references can include:

Internship supervisors
Professors (only for your first job)
Volunteer coordinators
Part-time job managers
Leaders from extracurricular activities

"I'm Changing Careers"

Focus on transferable skills:

Choose references who can speak to relevant abilities
Prep them on how your skills translate
Include references from volunteer work in your new field

"I've Been Self-Employed"

Your references might be:

Long-term clients
Vendors or partners
Professional association contacts
Former colleagues from before self-employment

International and Industry-Specific Considerations

Different Countries, Different Rules

USA: Never include references on resume UK: Sometimes included if specifically requested Germany: Often expected as separate "Arbeitszeugnis" Australia: Similar to USA, separate reference sheet

Industry Exceptions

Academia: References often required upfront Government: Specific reference requirements Creative fields: Portfolio matters more than references Tech: GitHub contributions can serve as references

The Reference Check: What Actually Happens

Here's what goes down when employers actually call your references:

Typical Questions They Ask:

How long did you work together?
What was their role?
What were their key strengths?
Any areas for improvement?
Would you hire them again?
Why did they leave?

Red Flag Answers:

"I can only confirm dates of employment" (suggests problems)
"I'd rather not say" (huge red flag)
Lukewarm responses to "Would you hire them again?"
Inconsistencies with your resume

What Great References Say:

Specific examples of your achievements
Enthusiasm about your abilities
Stories that illustrate your skills
Confirmation of your character

Your Reference Action Plan

Today:

Make a list of 5-7 potential references
Update their contact information
Reach out to your top 3 choices

This Week:

Create your reference sheet template
Customize it for your target roles
Prep your references with relevant information

Before Your Next Interview:

Confirm references are still willing
Send them the job description
Give them key talking points

After Reference Checks:

Thank your references
Update them on the outcome
Maintain the relationship

Quick Reference Checklist

Before submitting your references, ensure:

You have permission from all references
Contact information is current and correct
You've prepped them on the role
They know key achievements to mention
You have 3-5 strong references ready
Your reference sheet matches your resume format
You've thanked them recently
They're expecting potential calls

The Bottom Line

References are like insurance - you hope you don't need them, but when you do, you better have good ones.

The biggest mistake job seekers make isn't putting references on their resume (though please stop doing that). It's treating references as an afterthought instead of a strategic part of their job search.

Your references are your professional advocates. They're the people who can say things about you that would sound like bragging if you said them yourself. Treat them with respect, prepare them properly, and they'll help you land that dream job.

Remember: Great references have gotten average candidates hired, and terrible references have tanked outstanding candidates. Don't let yours be the latter.

Now go delete "References available upon request" from your resume and spend that space on something that actually sells your skills. You're welcome.

Need help crafting the perfect resume? JobSeekerTools helps you create ATS-optimized resumes that make it to the interview stage - where your carefully prepared references can seal the deal. Start your job search the right way.

How to List References on Your Resume in 2025 (With Examples)