Resume References: How to Create a Professional Reference Page

References can provide an employer with additional information about your work history, skills, reliability, and professional character. However, references should be handled carefully and presented professionally.

In most cases, you do not need to include a long list of references directly on your resume. Instead, you can prepare a separate reference page and provide it when an employer requests it.

Knowing who to choose, what information to include, and how to format the page can help you be prepared when references are requested.

What Is a Resume Reference Page?

A resume reference page is a separate document containing the contact information of people who can speak positively and accurately about your professional abilities or work history.

A reference page may include:

• Reference's full name
• Job title
• Company or organization
• Professional relationship to you
• Phone number
• Email address

For example:

Jane Smith Operations Manager, ABC Company Former Supervisor 555-555-5555 jane.smith@example.com The reference page should be easy to read and use the same professional formatting as your resume when possible.

Do You Need References on Your Resume?

Usually, references do not need to appear directly on your resume unless the employer specifically requests them. Including references on the resume can take up valuable space that could otherwise be used for:

Instead, prepare a separate reference page that you can provide when needed. You generally also do not need to write “References available upon request” at the bottom of your resume. Employers already know that references can be provided when requested.

Who Should You Use as a Reference?

Choose people who can provide meaningful information about your professional abilities. Potential references include:

• Former supervisors
• Current or former managers
• Former employers
• Coworkers who know your work well
• Professional mentors
• Clients
• Professors or instructors
• Internship supervisors

The best reference depends on your work history and the position you are applying for. For example, a former manager who supervised your work may be able to provide more useful information about your performance than someone who simply knows you personally.

Who Should You Avoid Using?

Avoid using people who cannot provide relevant professional information. Generally, personal friends and family members are not ideal professional references unless the employer specifically allows personal references.

You should also avoid listing someone who:

• Does not know you well
• Cannot speak about your work
• May provide a negative reference
• Has not agreed to be a reference
• Cannot be contacted reliably

The quality of the reference matters more than simply having a long list of names.

Always Ask Permission First

Never list someone as a reference without asking them first. Contact the person and explain:

• You are applying for jobs
• The type of positions you are pursuing
• Why you would like to use them as a reference

Give them enough information to understand what you are applying for. This allows the reference to prepare and makes it less likely that they will be surprised by a call or email from an employer.

What to Tell Your References

When asking someone to serve as a reference, consider providing:

• A copy of your current resume
• The job title you are applying for
• The company name
• The job description
• Information about the skills you want emphasized

This gives the person useful context. For example, if you are applying for a management position, your reference may want to be prepared to discuss your leadership, organization, communication, and team-management abilities.

How Many References Should You Have?

You do not necessarily need a large number of references. Having approximately three professional references available can provide a useful starting point, although the exact number should depend on the employer's instructions.

Some employers may request a specific number. If an application asks for five references, provide five if you have appropriate people available. The important thing is to follow the employer's instructions.

What Information Should Go on a Reference Page?

A professional reference page can include the following information for each person:

Full Name

Use the person's professional name.

Job Title

Include their current or relevant professional title.

Company or Organization

List the organization where they work or where you worked together.

Relationship

Explain your professional relationship. Examples:

• Former Supervisor
• Former Manager
• Coworker
• Professional Mentor
• Former Client
• Professor
• Phone Number

Use a number where the person has agreed to receive professional calls.

Email Address

Use a professional email address whenever possible.

Reference Page Example

Professional References

Jane Smith Operations Manager ABC Company Former Supervisor 555-555-5555 jane.smith@example.com Michael Johnson Senior Sales Manager XYZ Corporation Former Manager 555-555-5555 michael.johnson@example.com

Robert Williams Professor of Business State University Academic Reference 555-555-5555 robert.williams@example.com Keep the format consistent for every reference.

Should Your Reference Page Match Your Resume?

Yes, when possible. Your reference page should have a similar professional appearance to your resume. Consider using:

• The same font
• The same name formatting
• Similar heading styles
• Similar margins
• Similar accent colors
• Consistent spacing

This creates a cohesive application package. The reference page does not need to duplicate the exact resume design. It simply needs to look like it belongs with the rest of your application materials.

References for Students and Recent Graduates

Students and recent graduates may not have extensive professional experience. Academic references can be useful in this situation. Potential references include:

• Professors
• Instructors
• Internship supervisors
• Academic advisors
• Volunteer supervisors
• Managers from part-time employment

Choose people who can discuss your reliability, work ethic, skills, academic performance, or other qualities relevant to the position. A professor may be particularly useful when applying for an entry-level position related to your field of study.

References for Career Changers

Career changers may want references who can speak about transferable skills. For example, if you are moving from retail management into office administration, a former supervisor could discuss your:

• Organization
• Leadership
• Scheduling
• Customer service
• Problem-solving
• Team management

Choose references who can help employers understand how your previous experience applies to your new career direction.

Former Employers as References

Former employers can be valuable references, but company policies vary. Some companies have policies that limit what managers are allowed to disclose about former employees.

If you want to use a former manager as a reference, ask whether they are comfortable providing one. You may also want to confirm the best contact information to provide to employers.

What If You Do Not Have Professional References?

If you have limited work experience, you may still have people who can provide useful references. Consider:

• Professors
• Teachers
• Internship supervisors
• Volunteer coordinators
• Coaches
• Community organization leaders
• Supervisors from part-time jobs

The reference should be able to provide relevant information about your reliability, skills, character, or performance. Do not invent professional references simply because an application requests them.

Should You Include References on LinkedIn?

LinkedIn recommendations and professional references serve different purposes. A LinkedIn recommendation can provide public professional feedback on your profile.

A reference is typically someone an employer can contact directly during the hiring process. You can maintain professional relationships on LinkedIn while also keeping a separate list of people who have agreed to serve as references.

Protect Your References' Information

Reference information is personal contact information, so handle it carefully. Do not publish a reference page publicly on your website unless the people involved have specifically agreed to it.

Only provide reference contact information to employers or other appropriate recipients when necessary. If you maintain your reference list digitally, keep it organized and up to date.

• Common Reference Mistakes
• ❌ Listing Someone Without Permission

Always ask first.

❌ Using Personal Friends as Professional References

Choose people who can provide relevant professional information unless personal references are specifically requested.

❌ Providing Outdated Contact Information

Verify phone numbers, email addresses, job titles, and organizations.

❌ Giving References No Warning

Let your references know when you are applying for positions so they are prepared for possible contact.

❌ Including References Directly on Your Resume

Unless requested, use a separate reference page.

❌ Providing Too Many References

Follow the employer's instructions rather than submitting an unnecessarily long list.

❌ Using Someone Who Cannot Speak About Your Work

Choose references who actually know your abilities and professional behavior.

Reference Page Checklist

Before providing your references, check:

✓ Every reference has given permission ✓ Names are spelled correctly ✓ Job titles are accurate ✓ Company names are correct ✓ Phone numbers are current ✓ Email addresses are correct ✓ Professional relationships are identified ✓ References know about your job search ✓ References understand the type of positions you are pursuing ✓ Formatting matches your resume ✓ The reference page is separate from your resume unless requested otherwise

A professional reference page gives employers an opportunity to learn more about your qualifications from people who have worked with you or know your professional abilities.

Keep a current list of reliable references, ask permission before using their information, and provide enough context for them to understand the positions you are pursuing. When an employer requests references, a clean and professionally formatted reference page allows you to provide the information quickly and confidently.