References on a resume: usually a separate page, not the resume itself.
Space on a resume is precious, and employers will ask for references when they need them. The modern default is a separate, ready-to-send reference page.
In most cases, do not put references on your resume, and skip the line 'references available upon request', since employers assume it. Instead, prepare a separate reference page with three or four people, each with name, title, company, phone, email and how you know them. Send it only when asked, unless the job posting asks for references with the application.
3 copy-ready templates
Illustrative: names, companies, dates and numbers in these templates and examples are fictional. Replace every bracket with your own true details before you send anything.
Reference page format
When to use: A separate one-page document matching your resume's header.
[Your name] [Phone] · [Email] · [City, State] REFERENCES [Reference name] [Title], [Company] [Phone] · [Email] Relationship: [Former manager at Company, 2022-2025] [Reference name] [Title], [Company] [Phone] · [Email] Relationship: [Project lead on X]
When a posting asks for references in the application
When to use: Add a short line in your email or the application form.
References: [Name], [Title], [Company], [email] (former manager); [Name], [Title], [Company], [email] (project lead). Full contact details attached.
Sending the list when asked
When to use: After an interview.
Hi [Name], thank you for the update. Please find my references attached. I've let each of them know they may hear from you this week. Best, [Your name]
Disclosure: TryHired makes HIRED, a paid job-search program, so we have a conflict of interest when we mention it. Every template on this page is free to use without buying anything.
Include references on the resume?
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Standard job application | No; keep a separate page. |
| The posting asks for references | Yes, as a separate page or in the form. |
| Academic or some public-sector roles | Follow the application instructions exactly. |
| Interview stage | Send the reference page when asked. |
The same message, rewritten
Illustrative example with fictional details.
| Version | Example |
|---|---|
| Weak | REFERENCES: Available upon request. |
| Strong | (No references line on the resume; a separate reference page with three contacts, sent after the final interview.) |
Why it matters: 'Available upon request' uses a line to say something every employer already assumes. That space is better used for a result.
Mistakes to avoid
- Listing references without asking them.
- Using outdated contact details.
- Including family members or friends.
- Putting personal home addresses of references on the page.
Write yours faster
Questions people ask
Should I put references on my resume?
How many references should I list?
Is 'references available upon request' still used?
What information should a reference list include?
How this page is built
Written by Maid Dizdarevic, a career coach and 8x LinkedIn Top Voice. The templates and timing guides are practical advice, labelled as advice. We do not publish response rates or success rates, and every example uses fictional details.
- How a specific employer or recruiter will respond: practices vary by company, industry and person.
- Legal advice: for contracts, severance releases or disputes, talk to an employment attorney or the relevant agency.
- Outcomes: no message, template or program can promise an interview or a job.
- TryHired editorial guidance by Maid Dizdarevic, career coach, Nov 2, 2026.