Resume References: How Many, Format & Examples
Most resumes should not list references unless the employer asks. When requested, prepare two or three relevant referees on a separate page and get their permission first.
Pick a template to get started
Pick A Resume
Template
and build your resume in minutes!Examples of employers
By Aman Juneja, CEO, UIX Labs - built Pika Resume. · Updated .
How Many References Should You Have on a Resume?
Prepare two or three professional references when an employer asks. You usually do not need to place them on the resume itself: keep a separate reference page ready and send it at the requested stage. Choose people who directly supervised, taught, or reviewed relevant work instead of adding extra names for quantity.
Should You Include References on a Resume?
Leave references off a standard private-sector resume unless the job post or recruiter asks for them. Include the requested details for academic, government, or other applications that specify references. A separate page protects your referees’ contact information and preserves resume space for role-relevant evidence.
While you're here: check your resume for common ATS risks
Upload your resume, then sign in to run and save the free diagnostic. You will see your score, category breakdown, and issue counts.
Check my resume freeHow to List References on a Resume
Use the same name and contact header as your resume, then give each referee a consistent block. Confirm the preferred phone number, email address, job title, and organisation with the person before sharing anything.
- Full name and current professional title.
- Organisation and your working or academic relationship.
- Phone number and professional email address, shared only with permission.
- An optional one-line note explaining what the person can verify.
Resume Reference Format and Example
Keep the format simple and easy to scan. Replace every placeholder below with confirmed, current information; never publish or submit someone’s contact details without consent.
Who Should You Ask to Be a Reference?
Prioritise a recent manager, project lead, client, professor, or internship supervisor who has seen work relevant to the target role. Avoid relatives and people who know you socially but cannot discuss your professional evidence. Tell each referee which roles you are applying for and share the current resume so their comments have useful context.
Is "References Available on Request" Necessary?
No. Employers can ask for references when they need them, so the sentence usually adds no information. Use the space for an achievement, project, or skill instead, and provide the separate reference page only when requested.
Ready to build your resume?
Build, edit, preview, and download with a Pika watermark for free. Watermark-free downloads and paid upgrades show the exact price before checkout.
Build my resumeHow to Prepare a Resume Reference List
Create a separate, permission-based reference page that is ready when an employer requests it.
- Choose two or three relevant people. Select recent managers, project leads, clients, professors, or supervisors who have directly seen relevant work.
- Ask for permission. Explain the roles you are targeting and confirm that each person is comfortable being contacted.
- Verify every detail. Confirm the current title, organisation, relationship, phone number, and professional email address.
- Format a separate page. Reuse your resume header and give each reference the same compact, readable structure.
- Send it only when requested. Provide the list through the employer’s requested channel and alert your referees before they may be contacted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I put references on my resume?
Only when the employer asks, or for academic and government roles. Otherwise leave them off and provide them when requested.
How many references should I provide?
Prepare two or three relevant references unless the employer specifies another number. Choose people who can discuss work, projects, internships, or education related to the role.
Do I need "references available on request"?
No. Leave it out and use the space for evidence that supports your application.
Can I put a friend or family member as a reference?
Use a professional or academic referee whenever possible. A friend or relative usually cannot provide independent evidence about your work unless the application explicitly accepts personal references.
Should references be on a separate page?
Yes for most applications. Match the resume header and typography, then list the requested referees in a clear, consistent format.