References on a Resume: Should You Include Them?

"References available on request." You've seen it on a thousand resumes. But should you include references — or that line — at all? Let's settle it.

The short answer

Don't list references directly on your resume, and don't waste a line saying "available on request." Employers assume you have references. That line just takes up space you could use for achievements.

Keep references on a separate document, ready to hand over when asked — usually late in the process.

When to include them anyway

• The job posting explicitly asks for references on the resume.
• You're in a field or country where it's the norm (some government or academic roles).

If in doubt, follow the job ad.

How to choose good referees

Pick people who can speak to your actual work:

• A recent manager or supervisor (strongest).
• A colleague who worked closely with you.
• For students/first jobs: a teacher, coach, or someone from volunteer work.

Avoid family and friends — recruiters see straight through it.

Always ask first

Never list someone as a referee without asking. It's awkward when a recruiter calls a "referee" who has no idea they were listed. Ask, confirm their current contact details, and give them a heads-up when you're actively applying.

Prep your referees

Tell them the role you're going for and remind them of a project you worked on together. A referee who can give a specific, confident example is worth far more than one caught off guard.

What a reference sheet looks like

For each: name, job title, company, relationship to you, phone, and email. Match the header style to your resume so it looks like a set.

Focus your resume on what wins interviews

References come later — your resume's job is to get you there. [Build](/build) or [improve](/improve) a resume that earns the callback, and [prep for the interview](/interview) that follows.