References on a Resume in 2025: What You Need to Know

Key Takeaways

• Understand the importance of references for your job search and why they are generally not included on a resume unless specifically requested.
• Learn about the different types of references available – professional, academic, and personal – and when each type is most appropriate.
• Discover best practices for requesting and sharing references and how to organize them using a resume builder.

In the past, it was standard practice to include references directly on your resume. However, in 2025, this approach has largely become outdated. What was once considered essential is now seen as a dated practice that consumes valuable space, which could be better utilized to highlight your most relevant skills. Since reference checks typically occur later in the hiring process, it is generally recommended that you omit references from your resume unless explicitly requested.

There are, however, specific instances where providing references is necessary, such as when a job posting or industry standard requires it. In these situations, knowing how to properly format and present your references can help your application stand out. This guide will cover when to include references, the types of references to use, and best practices for formatting them effectively.

The Importance of Professional References

References are individuals who can vouch for your professional achievements and experience. They serve not only as endorsements but also as catalysts for career advancement, providing tangible evidence of your capabilities and offering insights into your character, work ethic, and potential cultural fit within an organization. Securing the right references can unlock new career opportunities. As one senior technical recruiter noted, employers aim to minimize risk when hiring. References mitigate this risk by providing external validation of your skills and experience, increasing the employer's confidence in your candidacy.

For hiring managers, references confirm the claims made in your resume and during interviews. They offer an objective perspective, adding weight to the skills and accomplishments you've emphasized.

Should You Include References on a Resume in 2025?

The short answer is no. Unless specifically requested, you should not include references on your resume. While resume references were once considered a crucial part of the application process, modern hiring practices have shifted. Listing references on your resume is now viewed as outdated and often wastes valuable space that could be used to showcase your most relevant skills.

Adding references upfront typically does not enhance your application and may even distract from your most significant achievements. If your resume does not align with the employer's requirements, references will not compensate. If you progress to the next stage, most recruiters will request references at that point.

Current resume best practices emphasize the importance of optimizing your resume "real estate." Every word should highlight the top 10% of your experience that is most relevant to the position. Including references upfront does not support this goal; it merely detracts from your strongest accomplishments.

In short, do not include references on your resume, and the same principle applies to your cover letter. According to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, reference checks are typically conducted towards the end of the hiring process, after the candidate pool has been narrowed down to a few finalists. Keep the details of your resume relevant to the job you are applying for.

When Should You Include References on a Resume?

While omitting references from your resume is generally advisable, specific circumstances may warrant their inclusion, such as when the job description explicitly requests a reference list or a letter of recommendation. Some industries or roles, such as agencies or therapists, may also require client testimonials or professional references during the initial application phase. Providing a references section on your resume or a separate references page is acceptable in these rare instances. Most universities and career centers recommend preparing a separate list of 3–5 references, but only providing it when requested, typically after an interview or just before receiving a job offer.

How to Add References to a Resume

If you are asked to include references, list them on a separate page, providing each person's name, job title, company, relationship to you, phone number, and email address.

Sample format:

Full Name Job Title, Company Phone Number Email Address Relationship (e.g., direct supervisor, mentor) Optional: Short context (1–2 lines about how they know you)

Here are a couple of examples of how to list professional references:

Madi Smith Former CEO and Chair, TechWiz 206.555.5555 [email protected] Mentor Madi coached and mentored me early in my career while I worked at her firm.

Ryan Peshias Chief Marketing Officer, SavTech 411.623.8974 [email protected] Direct Supervisor Ryan oversaw the marketing department during my time at SavTech.

Note: Maintain consistent formatting for all references.

Types of References

Job references, or character references, typically fall into three categories. In some cases, an employer will specify the type of reference required; in others, you will need to determine the most appropriate choice.

1. Professional References

Professional references are individuals within your professional network, such as coworkers, managers, industry peers, or mentors. A good professional reference should be familiar with:

• Your identity and professional demeanor
• Your skills and demonstrated abilities
• Your value and why you should be hired

Select professional references who know you well and can speak to the work you will be performing in the new position. This is often your direct manager, a former manager, a career coach, or a former colleague who has worked closely with you. Anyone in your professional network who can vouch for your job performance and work experience can be a good choice.

Be aware that navigating professional references can be challenging. If you do not want your current employer to know you are seeking other opportunities, you may not be able to choose your direct supervisor. If you do not have obvious choices, consider those who can speak positively about your relevant professional skills, even if they have observed those skills in a different context.

2. Academic References

Academic references are individuals who know you from an educational setting, such as a high school guidance counselor, a college professor, or a thesis advisor. You typically need to provide an academic reference for entry-level positions where the employer does not expect applicants to have extensive professional experience. These references also appear in academic job listings.

Selecting an academic reference is usually straightforward: choose someone from your academic career who knows you and your educational background well. If possible, select someone from whom you earned your highest academic credential.

3. Personal References

A personal reference is anyone who knows you but does not fall into the professional or academic categories. Some positions, such as those in government or the military, may require references from people who have known you for a long time, such as childhood friends or their parents. In these instances, the prospective employer will likely provide specific instructions.

If you are responsible for choosing a personal reference, consider individuals who know you personally. If you can list someone with social standing or a high degree of trust, such as a well-known businessperson, civil servant, or community leader, it may be a good strategy.

How to Request a Reference

Determining who to use as a reference can be challenging, and then you must ask them if they are willing to serve as a reference. Requesting references can feel awkward, but a small amount of discomfort now is preferable to potential issues later.

• Ask Permission: Contact a prospective reference before listing them and ensure they are willing to serve in this capacity.
• Verify Contact Information: The contact information you have for your reference may be too personal or too professional. Ask your reference what contact information they prefer to be included, as it is courteous and helps ensure a prompt response from prospective employers.
• Choose Wisely: Ensure you are asking people who know you well. Your CEO may seem like a prestigious reference, but if you have only spoken once two years ago, they may not be a good reference or a willing one.

As one career coach aptly explains, do not let your references be unprepared. They are doing you a favor by taking time out of their day to speak to someone. Provide them with the job description, share insights from your interviews, remind them of your work, and explain how their insight could help you secure the job. Always verify that they are comfortable serving as a reference.

Unless your parent is a CEO, family members do not belong on your reference list. If in doubt, do not reach out. You want to be sure that the people you list as references will say good things about you and not bring up past disagreements.

Best Practices for Resume References

1. Avoid phrases like "references available upon request." While it may sound formal or professional, this phrase is not useful. Including "references available upon request" is as unnecessary as including the references themselves, and both consume valuable space. If a prospective employer wants references early on, provide them. Do not simply state that you can provide the information.
2. Maintain relationships with your references. It is vital to maintain relationships with anyone you use as a reference and to inform them that you have included their contact information on a job application. Consider the reference's perspective. If you were a high-powered executive, senior manager, or academic advisor, how often would you answer a call from an unrecognized number? You would likely let it go to voicemail. If you later checked the voicemail and discovered that someone from an unfamiliar company was requesting a reference for someone you barely remembered, how strong of a reference would you provide, or would you even return the call? Your reference is only valuable if they give a good impression of you. If they do not respond to the recruiter or sound confused, the reference is more damaging than not providing one at all.
3. Limit references to 3-5 contacts. How many references do you need? No recruiter wants to receive an extensive list. The more references you include, the harder it becomes to maintain those relationships. Aim for a minimum of three references, with three to five being ideal.
4. Use a dedicated resume reference page. If you include references with your resume because the job posting explicitly requires them, make them stand out by placing them on a separate document or reference sheet. This ensures that the recruiter receives all essential information, even if the second page is lost or overlooked. If they inquire about the missing references, you can direct them to the second page. Keeping your references on a separate page also simplifies handling and sharing your resume. If references are not needed, they can be easily ignored.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should you include references on a resume?

References should not be added to a resume unless requested. If they are required, ensure you include the reference's name, title and organization, phone number, email address, your relationship to them, and a brief statement about that relationship.

How do you list references?

If asked for references, list them on a separate document. Provide each reference's name, title, organization, phone number, email address, your relationship, and a brief statement about that relationship.

What should you do if you don't include references on your resume?

If you opt not to include references on your resume, be prepared to provide them during the interview process or when the employer requests them.