How to List References on a Resume

Professional references on a resume can add significant value, serving as a powerful endorsement of your skills, experience, and character. Including them is like adding icing on the cake—it strengthens your application and can help set you apart. However, resume writing services often advise that a concise, well-organized resume can sometimes be more effective, particularly if space is limited or the employer does not explicitly request references. If you still believe adding references will benefit your application, consider following the guidelines outlined below.

The most important benefit of adding resume references is that they allow employers to gain an additional level of information on an applicant, which is extremely helpful in identifying the right candidate for the job.

Professional resume references allow recruiters and hiring managers to get a good sense of your personality. By calling up the references on your list, organizations can confirm if your interview answers are consistent with who you are. Put simply, with a well-selected list of resume references, you give yourself a better chance of standing out against other applicants vying for the same position you’re going for.

Choosing the right references for a resume

Care and attention are critical as you develop your resume and choose the people you put in your reference list. One wrong choice and you could lose your chance of getting the job. That’s a serious warning, not just an empty phrase. A poorly chosen reference can unintentionally harm your chances by providing lukewarm or even negative feedback. They may also fail to emphasize the qualities most relevant to the role you’re applying for.

Let’s say someone you referenced has limited knowledge of your work. Their endorsement will lack conviction, so the hiring manager will question your competence or dedication.

It could get even worse. If your reference mentions some minor mistakes or critiques, they will overshadow your strengths. Some candidates also make the mistake of choosing someone with a spotty reputation. By being associated with them, they affect the employer’s first impression in a negative way.

When listing references, you should make sure they understand your strengths. You’ll choose individuals who can authentically speak to your qualifications. That will give you a strong chance to make a good impression.

With that in mind, here’s how to list professional references on a resume:

Choose recent and relevant references

If you want to present yourself as a strong candidate, the references must be recent and relevant. References who have worked with you within the last few years can speak about your current skills, work habits, and professional growth. They will give hiring managers an accurate perspective of how you’ve developed as a person and professional.

Recent references are likely to recall specific achievements and examples of your performance. That’s important for demonstrating your current capabilities and dedication. For example, a recent manager could describe how you navigated challenges, led a team through a transition, or mastered new tools quickly.

In general, older references have less relevant knowledge of your current abilities. Their insight into your career is outdated unless you’ve maintained a close relationship with them all this time.

Gather several references

Don’t put just one reference on your resume. Having a few of them allows you to tailor your list for each application, choosing individuals who can single out the qualities required for the role.

Identify multiple potential references, then whittle down your list. Depending on the position, job seekers should list down three to seven references in a resume. Employers will often ask for three references from applicants for entry-level and blue-collar jobs, while those seeking senior positions will likely be asked for five or more. Employers are especially keen to see more references if they seek confirmation from multiple sources about your leadership skills and strategic impact.

Diverse references will also give a complete picture of your qualifications. They showcase different aspects of your career. For example, a supervisor will talk about your reliability and job performance. A colleague can discuss your teamwork and collaboration skills. A client or project partner, on the other hand, will focus on your professionalism and communication skills. This variety will give the employer a well-rounded impression of you as a candidate.

Tailor the references list to the job

All sections of your resume should demonstrate your suitability for a specific job. The reference list is no exception. It has to align with the role you’re applying for. Employers are looking for specific qualities and skills, which ideally match the requirements for the position. You want your references to speak directly to the competencies and experiences that are most relevant to the job.

Let’s say you’re focused on executive resume writing. Who should your most important reference be? You need someone who has observed you in a leadership capacity. Think of a former supervisor or colleague who witnessed your ability to lead teams, resolve conflicts, and manage projects. What if you’re applying for a customer-facing position? In that case, a client or team member can confirm your communication, problem-solving, and customer service skills.

If you’re making a career shift or moving into a new industry, it’s important to list references who can highlight your transferable skills. Choose individuals who can attest to qualities like adaptability, communication, or project management skills. These are the types of strengths that apply across roles and industries.

Evaluate your potential carefully

When selecting your references, assess your working relationship with each and every one of your choices. Can you imagine them speaking highly of you and your skills? Will they be able to articulate your work ethic to future employers? Have they witnessed your growth and accomplishments?

Look for individuals who have experienced your abilities firsthand, especially those who have commended you on jobs well done. A strong reference should be able to speak positively about you, but that’s not all. They should support their claims with specific examples that demonstrate your skills, reliability, and work ethic. Make sure they can recall moments when you excelled or went above and beyond in your role. Those are the details that add credibility and debt to their recommendation.

When evaluating your selections, consider how well each potential reference can talk about your key attributes to future employers. Someone who can confidently discuss your accomplishments, problem-solving skills, or leadership qualities will make a strong impression. But if another reference has a vague or generalized view of your work, it’s best to leave them out.

Here’s another important consideration: think about the communication style of your references. The ones you list should be clear, articulate, and personable. That’s the style that makes a favorable impact on hiring managers. Some people are hesitant, unclear, and uncertain. Even if they have a good impression of you and want to share it with a potential employer, their communication style could reflect poorly on your candidacy.

Update the contact details

You don’t want anything to jeopardize the efficiency of this job application process. An outdated phone number or email address is a really big deal, which could cause unnecessary delays. If a hiring manager encounters obstacles while trying to get in touch with your reference, you can’t expect them to search for the correct contact info. They will only get frustrated and move on to the next candidate.

Incorrect contact details will also raise concerns about your attention to detail. So, you should regularly check in with your references to confirm their preferred contact methods. This is especially important if they’ve recently changed jobs or relocated. In such cases, it’s quite possible for them to have switched phone numbers or email addresses.

Some references might also have preferences regarding how they are contacted. Some of them might prefer phone calls during business hours. But someone else won’t answer the phone because they plan to spend a lot of time with their family. They might prefer emails or text messages. When you understand their preferences, you’ll include contact details that won’t give the hiring manager any trouble to reach out.

Strive for professional diversity

While it makes perfect sense to list only your professional peers, listing a few references from outside your profession or even industry is a great way to stand out. Yes, your primary references should come from your current or recent workplaces. However, including contacts from various contexts will show different sides of your character.

We’re not talking about friends and relatives here. However, a former manager, life mentor, college professor, colleague, and even a respected community elder can be a great choice for a reference. These people will be more likely to give a more accurate description of your personality, work ethic, and long-term growth.

Choosing references from different professional levels will also add depth to your application. For example, if a reference from a volunteer organization shares examples of your problem-solving skills, the employer will understand a lot about your initiative beyond the workplace setting. A mentor who has followed your career development over time is also a great reference. They can reassure a potential employer of your adaptability and resilience.

Professional diversity in your references shows that you’ve maintained positive relationships across various environments. That’s a simple proof of your interpersonal skills and ability to connect with people in different settings.

However, you should make sure that each reference knows what position you’re applying for. They should understand the relevance of their feedback. They are supposed to provide a multi-dimensional view of your qualifications.

Let your choices now you’re including them in your resume

You don’t want to blindside your references with an unexpected call from someone they don’t know. While it can be flattering to be chosen as a reference, most people don’t appreciate a surprise unknown caller. Even if they are glad to recommend you, the call will catch them off guard. That might affect their ability to offer a thoughtful, positive response.

Be mindful of their personal space and ask for their permission first. Start by reaching out personally. You can do it by phone or email. Express your appreciation for their willingness to vouch for you. Explain the type of job you’re applying for, and mention specific skills or qualities that would be relevant for it. With this conversation, you should show respect. But you should also evaluate their comfort level. If someone seems hesitant or unsure, consider replacing them with another reference. It’s best to avoid a potentially awkward reference check.

After letting them know that you plan to put their name and contact info in your resume, email them a copy of your current resume. Why is this necessary? They will understand what position you’re pursuing, so that will help them frame their responses. You also want them to be familiar with your recent roles and accomplishments. Sending them the resume is the simplest way to inform them.

Prepare them with key talking points

You can’t expect your reference to waste time getting informed of what your potential employer is looking for. If you want a glowing recommendation, you can prepare them with some key talking points. Of course, your intention is NOT to script their responses. All you want is to offer some guidance that focuses on the details most relevant to the job you’re applying for. You want your references to align with your narrative. If you do this right, they will present a unified and compelling case for your qualifications.

Yes, you’ll share your resume to get them informed. But when you call them, you should also give them a brief overview of the position you’re seeking. Help them understand the specific skills this employer is looking for. You can suggest some qualifications they should mention.

Let’s say this role requires strong project management skills. You can ask your reference: “Remember that time when I successfully managed a team of 8 and delivered the project by a really close deadline? If it’s not a problem, you can focus on that case and share your honest opinion about my organizational abilities, leadership, and problem-solving.”

Be cordial

It can help to ‘shoot the breeze’ a little and update your potential references on your skills, work experience, and any major accomplishments, both in a professional and non-professional capacity. By maintaining a positive relationship with your references, they will be more inclined to provide flattering recommendations to employers. Examples of professional achievements include hitting sales targets regularly, winning Employee of the Year, and the like. Non-professional accomplishments include buying a house, starting a family, etc. Include these details in a friendly message to accompany your resume email after they agree to be one of your references on the resume.

Take a moment to reconnect on a personal level. Although you’re basically asking for a favor and you want to update them on your achievements, you should express genuine interest in their lives as well. Acknowledge their achievements and express gratitude for their time. With that, you’ll set the foundation for a positive, supportive endorsement.

Keep in touch

What happens after your references take the time to speak on your behalf? Will you wait for another job application to contact them again? No. It’s important to express your sincere gratitude, regardless of the outcome of your job search.

A simple thank-you message is not just good etiquette. It’s a sign of your appreciation and professionalism. It shows that you respect their time and effort. But keeping in touch will also help you maintain a positive relationship that could be beneficial in future job searches.

Remember: your references are doing you a favor. You can call later on to let them know if you got a new job. They will be glad to know they helped. From there on, keep in touch with them periodically, so you’ll maintain an ongoing relationship.

Need help with your resume?

A potent reference list is just one of the many ingredients necessary to build a strong resume. After knowing how to list references on a resume, make sure the rest of your application complements your carefully curated references by having it done by a professional resume writing service. Resumeble writers work with you one-on-one to develop a resume that's truly tailored to your geographical and industry-specific requirements. Send us your resume today for a free, no-obligation evaluation.

Resume reference frequently asked questions:

1. Should you list references on your resume if not requested in the job ad?

A: It’s not necessary. If not requested in the ad, the employer will probably focus on your skills, experience, and qualifications. But there’s nothing wrong with adding references, even if it’s not required, so feel free to include them unless the job posting explicitly states that it’s not necessary.

2. How many references should you add?

A: Have at least three references if you’re applying for an entry-level or blue-collar position. Prepare five to seven if it’s a managerial job.

3. Can you use a friend as a reference?

A: Generally speaking, you shouldn’t use personal friends as references on a resume. Your relationship with your references should have a professional capacity, such as when they work at the company you’re applying to, or if they’re a former supervisor or colleague.

4. Who do you list if you’ve never had a formal job?

A: If you’re just starting out in your career and you have little formal experience, you can still have valuable references. Consider including someone from your internships, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities. Professors, mentors, coaches, and leaders from volunteer organizations can serve as strong references.