No — you should not include references on your resume. This is one of the most straightforward questions in resume writing, yet it persists because the practice was standard for decades. In today's hiring process, listing references on your resume wastes valuable space, provides information employers aren't ready to use, and can expose your contacts to unsolicited outreach. Instead, prepare a separate reference sheet and provide it only when explicitly requested. Here's why this matters and how to handle references the right way.
The shift away from including references happened for several practical reasons, all of which benefit you as a candidate:
Space is limited. A strong resume is one to two pages. Every line must earn its place by demonstrating your qualifications. Three references with names, titles, companies, phone numbers, and email addresses consume 8-12 lines — space that could hold two or three high-impact accomplishment bullets instead.
Timing is wrong. Employers check references at the end of the hiring process, usually after final interviews when you're one of their top candidates. Providing references upfront means the information sits unused for weeks while taking up prime resume real estate.
Privacy concerns are real. Your references are professional contacts who have agreed to vouch for you. Putting their phone numbers and email addresses on a document that gets uploaded to applicant tracking systems, shared across hiring teams, and sometimes stored indefinitely raises legitimate privacy issues. Respect their information by sharing it only when it will actually be used.
A survey by the Society for Human Resource Management found that 87% of employers conduct reference checks — but only after identifying finalists. Providing references before they're requested has no impact on whether you advance in the process.
If listing references is outdated, adding "References available upon request" at the bottom of your resume is even more so. This phrase was common in the 1990s and early 2000s. Today, it's universally understood that candidates will provide references when asked. Writing it out is like adding "Will attend interview if invited" — it states the obvious and signals that your resume practices haven't been updated recently.
Remove this line and reclaim that space for a final accomplishment, a relevant certification, or a technical skill. For more on common resume questions like this, check our frequently asked questions page where we address dozens of similar concerns.
There are legitimate exceptions where references should be included directly on your resume or application:
In all other situations, keep references separate.
Having references ready on a separate document means you can respond immediately when asked — which signals professionalism and preparedness. Format your reference sheet to match your resume's header (same font, name, contact info) for a cohesive look.
For each reference, include:
Choose references strategically. Aim for a mix: at least one direct supervisor, one peer or cross-functional colleague, and one person who can speak to a specific skill relevant to the target role. Always ask permission before listing someone, and give them a heads-up when you expect they might be contacted — including details about the role so they can tailor their responses. If you have specific questions about preparing your application materials, our team is available through our contact page.
Not all references carry equal weight. A glowing reference from a college friend who works in a different field is far less valuable than a measured, specific endorsement from a former manager who supervised your relevant work. Prioritize people who can speak to concrete examples of your performance, not just your character.
Avoid listing references who:
No. This phrase is considered outdated and wastes valuable resume space. Employers already assume you can provide references when asked. Including this line adds no value and can make your resume look dated.
Prepare 3-5 professional references. Most employers ask for three, but having extras gives you flexibility to choose the most relevant contacts for each specific role. Always include at least one direct supervisor and one colleague who can speak to your collaboration skills.
Most employers check references after the final interview round, typically when you are one of the top 1-2 candidates. Some organizations check references earlier in the process, but this is uncommon in the private sector. You will almost always be notified before your references are contacted.
Yes, in a few specific cases: academic CVs often include references as standard practice, some government and security-clearance positions require them upfront, and certain industries like childcare or healthcare may expect them. If the job posting explicitly asks for references on the resume, include them.
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