Are you confused about whether or not to include references on your resume? Maybe you have reviewed examples of resumes to see if they include references.
But, even the best resume examples can leave some questions unanswered, such as: ”Should I write references available upon request on my resume?” or “How do you provide references upon request?”
It’s vital to understand the benefits and drawbacks to be able to make a good decision when deciding if you should add “references available upon request” to your resume.
That’s why, in this post, you will discover:
- Whether it’s a good idea or not to include “references available upon request”
- Where to add it is necessary
- Who to add as a reference if necessary
- Resume references examples
With the information provided in this article and an online resume builder with AI-powered suggestions, you’ll be able to make the decision to include this phrase in your resume.
What Does It Mean—“References Available Upon Request”?
To put it simply, the phrase “references upon request” means you are able to list people who can testify to your:
- Professionalism
- Previous experience
- Relevant skills
- Work habits and ethics
In theory, this can be helpful when applying for a position.
However, while adding statements such as “available upon request” means that you have connections who can testify to your abilities and experience, you won’t find it on many resumes.
It’s important to know if adding references and letting a hiring manager know you can provide them is worth it.
Should You Include “References Available Upon Request” on Your Resume?
In the vast majority of cases, you won’t need to add this sentence to your resume. Hiring managers figure that you can provide references whenever necessary, so it would be smart to just leave it off and wait until they ask.
Also, by keeping a reference section off of your resume, a hiring manager can better review your professional skills and experience.
This is why, in nearly all cases, you should not include “references available upon request” on their resume. Here are a few more reasons to forget about adding this phrase:
- Takes up space: resumes should only include essential wording to highlight the applicant.
- Cliché: employers may feel this sentiment is trite, redundant, and/or archaic.
- Undermines process: this extraneous phrase may create the impression that you are unaware of the employer’s experience and expertise.
Who Should You List as a Reference?
Ok, so by chance, a job listing wants you to include a resume with references; what do you do? Of course, at this point, you’ll need to choose some references.
When choosing resume references, it is key to consider individuals who can provide a positive and insightful perspective on your work abilities and character.
For example, potential employers may choose to call or have the reference submit a letter of recommendation. In some cases, the chosen reference may be emailed an electronic request asking for their feedback.
These individuals who can be your chosen reference include:
- Former supervisors
- Managers
- Colleagues
- Long-standing clients
Your reference list should include the individual’s professional email and phone number. However, avoid making the common mistakes in resume references, including listing family members or close friends who lack professional knowledge of your capabilities.
Also, remember that if your employer has asked you to add contacts, there will likely be a resume reference verification at some point. Don’t invent any false information about the individuals you list on your application.
If your potential employer does not specifically request references in the job description, it’s best to leave them out and not mention that a “reference will be provided upon request.”
Where Do You Put References on a Resume?
If you decide to include references on your resume, it’s crucial to know where to put them. The best strategy is to place your references on an additional sheet that is separate from your resume.
Doing this will keep your resume:
- Organized
- Flexible (send the resume with or without references as requested)
If you need to create and send a references-only page, make sure it is the last page of your resume that follows your summary, skills, and other key details.
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💡 Our expert’s advice
The additional sheet should have the same consistent header as the cover letter and the resume. It demonstrates your attention to detail to potential employers and helps to make a great impression.
How to List References on a Resume
In addition to knowing where to put references on a resume, it’s vital to know the full contact information to provide for each reference:
- Your potential employer will need to know the full name of your reference in addition to an email address and phone number to reach them
- Their professional title, name of their business, and their business address should be included as well
If you are required to add recommendation contacts, here is the proper information to include:
- First name and last name of reference
- Title and/or professional position
- Name of reference’s business, company, or association
- Street address of business
- City, state, and zip code of business
- Reference’s email address
- Reference’s phone number
Examples of How To Include References on Your Resume
When adding your resume reference list, here is an example of how it should be presented:
Reference Available
Alex Smith – Regional Manager – Southwest Paperclip Inc.
smith@paperclips.com – (111) 222-1122
If you’d like to add colleague references, you should present them in the following way:
Colleague Reference
Jordan Perez – Senior Software Engineer – Colleague at Northwest Tech Solutions Inc.
perez@nwt-solutions.com – (206) 555-6789
You can also add a long-time client, especially if they are a respected and successful individual, like in the example below:
Client Reference
Patricia Johnson – Owner of Johnson Family Restaurants
patricia@johnsonrestaurants.com – (214) 555-4321
Key Takeaways
Unless a job listing specifically mentions the need for references, adding “references available upon request” won’t be necessary.
However, if you are asked to provide a resume with references, then it’s important to remember to:
- Add people who can attest to your skills and relevant experience
- List references on a separate page
- Include all the necessary professional and contact details of your references
If you must include references on your resume, be sure to structure the list properly and position it effectively.
With these tips, our tools, and free templates, you’ll be able to create a resume with or without references and avoid a lot of hassle.
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