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In most cases, leave references off your resume and keep them on a separate reference page. Employers usually ask for references later in the process, often after an interview. When they do, send a page with two or three people who know your work, each with their name, job title, organisation, relationship to you and contact details.
Should You Put References on Your Resume?
Usually not. Space on a resume is better spent on your experience, skills and results, and most employers only contact references once they are seriously considering you. Putting names and phone numbers on the resume itself also shares your references' details with everyone who sees it, before you know whether the job is right.
There are a few exceptions:
- The job ad asks for them. If the posting or the application form asks for references up front, provide them, ideally on a separate page or in the form fields provided.
- Some public sector, education and healthcare roles ask for referee details as part of the application. Follow the form's instructions exactly.
- A well-known referee in your field can be worth naming, but it is still better to mention the relationship in your experience section than to list contact details.
Keep the reference page ready before you start applying, so you can send it the same day someone asks.
Should You Write "References Available Upon Request"?
No. Employers already assume you will provide references if they ask, so the line adds nothing and takes up space that could hold a result or a skill. It is one of the easiest lines to cut when your resume runs long.
The same goes for headings like "Referees" with "Available on request" underneath. Remove them, and keep the details on your separate reference page instead.
Ready to put this into practice?
Set up Auto Apply →Reference Page Template
Use the same header as your resume (your name and contact details), so the page clearly belongs to you. Then list each reference in the same format. This is an example layout with fictional details:
Alex Morgan
alex.morgan@example.com · 07700 900123 · Manchester
References
Priya Shah
Engineering Manager, Northwind Payments (former line manager, 2023 to 2026)
priya.shah@example.com · 07700 900456
Tom Reilly
Senior Product Manager, Northwind Payments (worked together on the checkout redesign, 2024 to 2025)
tom.reilly@example.com · 07700 900789
Dr Sarah Lee
Lecturer in Computer Science, University of Example (final-year project supervisor, 2022 to 2023)
s.lee@example.ac.uk
For each reference, include:
- full name;
- current job title and organisation;
- how you know them and when you worked together;
- the email address and phone number they asked you to use.
Save the page as a PDF with a clear file name, such as "Alex-Morgan-References.pdf", and send it only when asked.
How to Choose Your References
Start with recent managers
A manager who saw your work in the last few years is the reference most employers want. If your current manager does not know you are looking, use a previous one.
Add someone who saw your work up close
A senior colleague, team lead or client who can describe specific projects is more useful than someone senior who barely knew you.
Match references to the role
For a leadership role, include someone you managed or mentored. For a technical role, include someone who can speak to your technical work.
Use academic references early in your career
Students and graduates can use a tutor, project supervisor, placement manager or part-time job manager.
Avoid family and friends
Employers want a professional view of your work. Personal character references are only useful when an application asks for one specifically.
Ready to put this into practice?
Set up Auto Apply →How to Ask Someone to Be a Reference
Always ask before you list someone, and give them a little context so they can speak about the right things. A short email works well. This is an example you can adapt:
Subject: Would you be a reference for me?
Hi Priya,
I hope you are well. I am applying for backend engineering roles and would really value you as a reference, as you managed my work on the payments platform from 2023 to 2026.
If you are happy to, could you let me know which email and phone number you would like me to share? I will send you each job description and give you a heads-up before anyone gets in touch. I have attached my current CV in case it helps.
Thank you,
Alex
When an employer says they will contact your references, tell your references straight away. Mention the role, the company, and the two or three things you would most like them to speak about.
How Many References Do You Need for a Job?
Two or three is the usual number. Many employers ask for two, often including your most recent manager. Some, particularly in the public sector, education and healthcare, ask for references covering a set period of employment. Prepare three so you have a spare if one person is unavailable, and follow whatever number the employer asks for.
Ready to put this into practice?
Set up Auto Apply →References in the US and the UK
| Topic | United States | United Kingdom |
|---|---|---|
| On the resume or CV | Usually left off | Usually left off; some application forms ask for referee details |
| Common term | References | References or referees |
| When they are checked | Often near the end, before or after an offer | Often after an offer, which may be conditional on references |
| What employers ask | Varies by employer | Varies by employer; some only confirm dates and job title |
Common Mistakes
Listing someone without asking
A surprised reference gives a weaker answer. Always ask first and keep them informed.
Out-of-date contact details
Check emails and phone numbers before each round of applications, especially if people have changed jobs.
Using references who barely knew you
A senior name is less useful than a manager or colleague who can describe your work in detail.
Putting references on the resume by default
It uses space and shares their details widely. Keep a separate page and send it when asked.
Ready to put this into practice?
Set up Auto Apply →How MockIF Helps
References come late in the process. Before that, your resume has to get read. The free ATS resume checker scores your resume and suggests fixes, with no signup needed (there is a daily limit on free checks). The Resume-JD match tool shows how well your resume fits a specific job description.
When you are ready to apply, Auto Apply finds jobs that fit and applies on each employer's own form with the answers you gave. On Plus and Pro, it tailors your CV to each job using only what is already in it. It is free to start with 5 credits, then monthly or 3-monthly plans, or one-off credit packs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I put references on my resume?
How do I list references on a resume?
Should I write "references available upon request"?
How many references do you need for a job?
Who should I use as a reference?
Do employers always check references?
References ready? Start applying.
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