how to write a resume reference list

Protect your data

This site uses cookies and related technologies for site operation, and analytics as described in our Privacy Policy . You may choose to consent to our use of these technologies, reject non-essential technologies, or further manage your preferences.

• Resume and Cover Letter
• How to List References on...

How to List References on Your Resume (With Examples)

7 min read · Updated on July 30, 2024

To include references on your resume or not? That is the question

At some point in your job search, an employer, recruiter, or HR professional is likely to ask you for a list of resume references. Many people will include a list of references right on their resume, or at least allude to the fact that references are available. The big question is… should you do either of these things?

If you're at the point of your job search where you need to know how to list references on your resume (or whether you should include them at all), you've come to the right place. In this article, we'll cover the following topics:

Whether you're supposed to put references on a resume

Why you should (or shouldn't) include resume references 

Where your references belong – and how to write them up

Who qualifies as a good resume reference

Let's get started!

Are you supposed to put references on a resume?

No, you are not supposed to put references on a resume

Instead, focus on providing the details that will convince a recruiter or hiring manager to contact you for an interview. Remember, your cover letter and resume are designed to get you the interview. The details you highlight on the resume during the job search should support this goal.

While it varies from company to company, most employers won't ask for your resume references until they're ready to reach out to them. This typically doesn't happen until you've made it through the initial interview rounds and are among the final candidates for a job. If, for any reason, an employer wants your references earlier in the process, rest assured they'll give you a chance to provide them. There's no need to place references on your resume when they won't be used until you're one of the final candidates.

That said, you should brainstorm a list of potential resume references as soon as you start submitting job applications, so you're ready when a prospective employer has specifically requested your professional references.

Why not include references on a resume?

Including references on a resume is simply a waste of space

Resume real estate is valuable and, as you know, when it comes to writing your resume, you only get so many pages to work with. Don't waste that space by putting a resume references section or adding the phrase “References available upon request.” 

Many employers usually won't ask for this information until you're further along in the interview process - and they know you'll provide references if they request them. Additionally, adding references to your resume can cause your application to get hung up in the applicant tracking system, or ATS , the software the company uses to manage candidates.

ATS can be programmed to automatically email references when they're found in the scanning process. If your reference doesn't respond to the automated message sent out by the ATS, your application could get caught in a pending status.

Where do you put references, if not on a resume?

Rather than putting references on your resume, type them up on a separate document

On a separate reference page, include the person's first name and last name, current job title and company name, email address, and phone number. Be sure to check with each of your professional references ahead of time, to confirm that the person is willing to be your reference and to verify which phone number and email address they'd like you to share with employers.

It's also helpful to add a line that explains to the reader how you've come to know this reference. For example,

It could be as simple as mentioning that you “worked together in Company XYZ's marketing department from July 2015 to November 2017,” or 

That your professional reference was your “direct supervisor at ABC Institute between 2018 and 2019.” 

You don't have to write a paragraph explaining your relationship to a reference, but it's nice to provide the employer or hiring manager with a little context.

When you type up your best resume references, consider using the same header information and font style that was used for your resume, so that the documents appear to be part of one overall package - even if they're not attached to one another. 

Resume references example: how to write your references

For example, if we were writing up resume references to accompany Alexa Campbell's resume , they might look something like this: 

Who should you ask to be a reference?

When choosing your professional references, select three to five people who have insight into your hard and soft skills and who you trust to say good things about you and your job performance. 

A good rule of thumb is to have at least three professional references – five if you're applying for an executive position. 

EXPERT TIP: If you opt to have more than three to five professional references, then the extras can be personal references. 

As you approach each person you want to have as a reference, give them an idea of the position you're applying for and how your skills match the role. This will help them know what to say when they're contacted. 

For the professional references

Try to find professional references who know about your skills and can talk about your career achievements in a way that aligns with what the job wants. Most of the time, your professional references will be talking about your hard skills – the things you know how to do from education and experience. 

Professional resume references examples include:

Former supervisors or managers

A leader at a place you volunteer

For the personal references

It is okay to have personal references, but you should never provide personal references INSTEAD OF professional references. Always, always give professional references first and then personal ones. You'd list the same details about your personal references as you do the professional references – Name, Title (who they are to you), phone, and email. Adding a couple of personal references can help boost your candidacy, as these folks will probably talk a lot about your soft skills , which employers value. 

Personal resume references examples include (note that not a single personal reference in the following list is a relative – your mom and grandma should not appear on your reference list!):

Academic Advisors

Sports Coach

Members of your network

Maximize resume space to improve job search impact

Having a good set of resume references to lean on while you search for a job is great, as they can help you get from interview to job offer. However, because of the limited space on your resume, you should create a separate document that contains just your references.

Remember, the goal of your resume is to get an interview. Before you sit down to speak with the hiring manager or recruiter, your references aren't going to help you. As such, you should aim to include only those details on your resume that will win an interview. 

When it's time to give your references to a hiring manager, make sure that you have a carefully curated list of contacts that can confidently speak to your abilities and how your skills match up with what the company is hiring for. 

Is your resume not getting results? Request a free review to find out how your resume is falling short .

This article was originally written by Amanda Augustine and has been updated by Marsha Hebert. 

Recommended reading:

What to Remove From Your Resume Right Away

How to Keep a Bad Reference From Ruining Your Career

Everything You Need to Know About References for Your Job Search

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

Why You Lose When You Lie on Your Resume: Learning From Mina Chang

See how your resume stacks up.

Career Advice Newsletter

Our experts gather the best career & resume tips weekly. Delivered weekly, always free.

Thanks! Career advice is on its way.

Share this article:

Let's stay in touch.

Subscribe today to get job tips and career advice that will come in handy.

Your information is secure. Please read our privacy policy for more information.

How to List References on a Resume in 2024 (with Examples & Tips)

In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about including references on a resume, from how to format them to how to know when they should be included at all.

Beautiful resume templates to land your dream job

Should I Put References on a Resume?

The answer to whether or not to put references on your resume can vary. 

The general rule of thumb when is actually to not include references on your resume .

This is because employers are unlikely to reach to references until the interview phase, making the inclusion of them on an initial resume typically unnecessary.

This does not mean that there are never scenarios in which you will need to know how to properly list references.

For specific jobs and in certain situations, you may be asked or required to include a list of references within or alongside your resume. 

When you need strong references, it's important to structure them so that they stand out and impress the hiring manager, landing you the pivotal interview. 

In this guide, we will be covering the basics of how listing references on your resumes and when to know it’s time to use references.

Plus, we will discuss alternatives to sending references that can help you in situations where sending a reference may be a difficult task. 

How to List References on a Resume

When it comes to listing references on a resume, there are two main ways you can go about it:

1) Make a Dedicated Reference Section

Making a dedicated reference section involves making the space on your existing resume to include a short section with information on your references.

2) Create a Separate Reference Page (recommended)

More often than not, job applicants who have chosen to include references on their resume will do so on an entirely separate page to be included with the resume. 

The second option of listing your references on a separate page is actually the preferred and recommended method.

This is because references are not generally expected to be included on an initial resume and can take up unnecessary space that may be off-putting to hiring managers.

Comparatively, a separate page of references gives the hiring manager the opportunity to look more closely at the information in the resume without becoming visually disoriented by too many sections.

Hint: Not sure how to list other sections of your resume? Check out our Resume Guides to learn more about how to craft each section of your resume. 

When to Put References on a Resume

So, if it is typically not expected to have references included on an initial resume, when is the best time to include references on a resume?

Creating a reference section or page can be necessary depending on a number of situations, including:

• If the employer has specifically requested for references to be included in the job description
• If you have progressed further down the hiring process and have been asked to provide references before or after an interview
• If you are applying to governmental or institutional position, such as a federal job, that will require strong references and a background check

Quick Tip: If you have impressive references, such as a company CEO or another recognizable figure, be sure to make these the most noticeable references and the first ones you list in your reference section. 

Overall, the golden rule is to wait to provide references until they are requested.  

Examples of References on Resumes

Let’s take a look at a few examples of references on resumes to learn more about common mistakes made when crafting a reference and how to correct them. 

It is highly important to include the necessary information to contact a reference – just a name and company is not enough. You should always include at least an official business number and an official business email in your references. 

John Doe CEO of Doe Corporation  123 Avenue Way, New York, NY

John Doe CEO of Doe Corporation 123 Avenue Way (123) 456-9890 [email protected] 

Always be specific when including the reference’s job position or title.

Don’t just list the name of the company without the exact job title to go along with it.

If you are unsure of a reference’s job title, ask them before submitting your references to an employer. 

Jane Smith Works for corporate at Best Buy 42 Wallaby Way (123) 456-7890 [email protected]

Jane Smith Head of Marketing and Sales Best Buy 42 Wallaby Way (123) 456-7890 [email protected]

‍ How to Format a References Section on a Resume

Formatting a reference section will ultimately depend on if it is being created within a larger resume or separately on a different page.

For on-resume reference sections, it is important to keep them as short as possible, potentially even excluding some of the basic information. 

If you are including references directly on a resume, you will likely only want to include one or two of your most relevant and impressive ones in order to not take up too much space. 

When making a separate page for references, you can simply stack them as you would jobs in a work experience section , placing emphasis on relevance in how the references are ordered. 

The Basic Reference Format:

• First and Last name
• Position or Title (i.e. CEO, professor of law, etc.)
• Company or University of Employment
• Company or University Address ( not personal addresses)
• Company or University Phone number
• Company or University Email Address

It is important when writing out your references that you do not include personal information about the reference, such as a personal cellphone number or email, without their explicit permission.

It is best to just air on the side of caution and only include official and public contact information. 

There is, of course, optional additional information you may want or choose to include within a reference.

This can include:

• Your relationship to the reference
• The length of time you worked with this reference
• Examples of experiences or projects that you and a reference shared work on that they can provide greater detail about

As for formatting the rest of your resume, don’t forget to check out our other guides in this series including How to Write the Perfect Resume and How to Choose the Correct Resume Format !

What Not to Include in a Reference on a Resume

We have already covered the basics of what to include and how to format a basic reference – but what kind of information should be excluded from a reference on a resume. 

Here is a quick breakdown of what kinds of information should be excluded from a reference:

• Any personal information
• Lengthy descriptions of your relationship to the reference
• Personal anecdotes or other non-essential information
• Too many references from the same company or employer

You ultimately want to provide concise references that are easy to ready quickly and clearly show why that person has been included as a reference.

Take a look at these two examples on correcting reference errors:

When including additional information, keep it to one line or less of the most relevant information.

Additionally, keep additional specific and don’t use vague wording such as “several years.”

Incorrect :

Jack Frost CEO of Frost Inc. 21 East Avenue (123) 456-7890 [email protected] I worked closely with Jack for a number of years and learned a lot from him that contributed to my skills today. 

Jack Frost CEO of Frost Inc. 21 East Avenue (123) 456-7890 [email protected] I worked as Mr. Frost’s personal and administrative assistant for 8 years.

When making your list of references you plan of including, it is important to not include too many from the same company.

You should only really include two references from the same company if each reference witnessed different skills or accomplishments of yours that the other did not. 

You worked at a corporate company in the communications department as a copywriter, and you have worked with both junior and senior level copywriters who you have included as references.  

You include only the senior copywriter as a reference, as they can better attest to your skills and their position is more impressive and relevant to the job you are seeking. 

How Many References to Add to a Resume

Assuming you are using a separate, dedicated references page, the ideal number of references to aim for is between 3 to 4.

In some cases, you may include up to 5 to 6 references, though generally you should limit yourself to a lower number unless specifically requested to do otherwise. 

When selecting your 3 to 4 references, it is important to keep a few factors in mind:

• Which references hold the highest prestige in their positions, making their inclusion on a references page notable?
• Which references can provide the most relevant information about your work ethic and skills for the job you are currently applying for?
• Which references do you have the strongest relationships with who will go above and beyond to recommend you to a hiring manager?

Who to Ask for References

As you are creating your list of potential references to contact, there are a number of different types of people you can consider including.

It is important to keep in consideration how a reference can relate back to the job you are applying for, and whether their testimony of your work ethic and skills will be relevant enough for the desired position. 

Here are some common examples of who to include as references:

• Former employer or manager
• Supervisor or low-level management
• Coworker, colleague, or team member
• College professor
• Internship supervisor 
• Community member (typically used when a job applicant has limited references but has connections within the community who can validate their experience and skills)
• Business partners (this can be anyone you worked on a project with or shared a similar business experience with)

How to Ask for a Reference

Asking for professional references can be a bit nerve-wrecking, especially if your references are busy people.

The key to asking for references is to be polite and concise in your request. A direct phone call is preferred for asking for references, but a quick email can work in a pinch as well. 

When asking someone to serve as a reference for you, it is important to be considerate of their potentially busy schedule and give them a good time frame for when to expect a call or email.

This is another reason why it is important to wait to provide references until requested, as it will give you a narrower window of time to give to your references of when they will need to be on the lookout a hiring manager to contact them. 

Quick Tip: When you call or email to ask for a reference, this is a great time to confirm that the information you have is correct (such as their specific title and business phone number).

Can People You Have a Personal Relationship with Be a Reference?

It is generally advised against to include references that have a strong personal relationship with you outside of work (such as a significant other, parent, or sibling) as this can result in a biased recommendation from the reference. 

However, exceptions can be made in certain instances, such as if you worked within a family-owned business or if the reference worked directly with you for a long period of time.

In general, however, try to avoid including references that are too personally related to you. 

Alternative Methods for Sending References

If you are a new graduate or are returning to the workforce after some time away, you may not have many recent professional references to include in a resume.

For recent grads, including one or two professors can be acceptable, but you will likely still need other references.

Here are some examples of alternative references when you lack strong professional ones:

• Volunteers you have worked with
• Professors or teachers who have recently taught you
• Community members such as church pastors or mentors who can attest to your character

Final Takeaways

Ultimately, the key to doing references right is to wait to provide them until they are requested by a hiring manager or potential employers.

Once references have been requested, remember the following five takeaways that are key for rocking your reference section:

• Create a separate and dedicated references page to go along with your resume
• Provide all the necessary official contact information
• Avoid including personal information of the reference’s 
• Avoid including references who share too personal of a connection to you
• Include the most relevant or impressive references at the top of the page

To learn more about all the elements of creating a great resume, check out our beautiful resume template designs and resume examples for inspiration!

Browse more resume templates that fit your role

Get inspired with more resume examples

Read our how-to guides on making your resume perfect, how to write a resume with no work experience in 2024 (with examples).

Don't worry, we've all been there. Thrown into the job world with little to none work experience and no idea how to start a resume. We're here to help.

How to Write a Resume Summary: 10+ Examples

Get your resume to stand out to hiring managers for longer than the average of 6 seconds with these secrets.

How to Write The Perfect Resume in 2024 (With Examples)

The ultimate guide to learn how to quickly create a resume utilizing best practices to help you land your next job.

How to Choose The Correct Resume Format in 2024 (With Examples)

Choosing the best resume format will be the first step you'll need to get right in order to lay the groundwork for your entire resume.

More advice that will accelerate your career path

How to show your job promotions on a resume in 2024.

Show off your achievements and highlight your growth by listing your job promotions correctly and catch the eye of the recruiter.

Best Job Search Websites for Every Industry in 2024

Follow our favorite job search and placement website for job seekers in healthcare, technology, startups, finance, and college internships.

Should I Put My Address on My Resume in 2024?

You may be hesitant about adding your address information or have questions about what contact information to add to your resume. Learn how to appropriately list your contact information on your resume and when to avoid listing your address.

Tailor Your Resume to Any Job in 4 Easy Steps

Get significantly more interviews by following this strategy for customizing your resume to any job.

Professional resume templates to help land your next dream job.

Facebook • Twitter • Linkedin • Pinterest • Crunchbase

How to List References on a Resume [w/ Examples]

You’ve applied for an office position. You can’t wait to get an interview with the HR department.

Everything seems good to go, but now, the HR asked you for a list of your references.

So, how do you do this?

Are you supposed to attach it to your resume? Who do you include in your resume references? Is there a custom format style? 

Well, kick back and relax because we’re here to help answer all your uncertainties!

Read on to learn everything you need to know about listing references on a resume.

• Whether you should or shouldn’t put a reference sheet on your resume.
• How to properly list references on a resume (with pro-tips).
• The best way to format a “References” section.
• Helpful resume references examples.

Should You Include References on a Resume? 

The general common practice that the majority of resume experts agree on is that you should NOT add a list of references to your resume . 

Because, generally, the HR department doesn’t have time to go through every candidate’s list of references. They have a lot more important things to do than reach out to all the references every single candidate ever provided.

That’s why references aren’t requested until after your interview has gone well or right before you are hired.

But here’s the thing: 

That’s not an unshakable no.

If the job description explicitly states that you should include references on your resume, without question, include one! 

This is very straightforward on its own, you’ll know when you see it. 

Some consulting firms, for example, tend to ask for testimonials on your performance from previous employers before they hire you. 

In this case, it's best if you do include the contact information of the people providing you with their positive feedback, so the HR can check how legitimate they are.

Bottom line: 

Every word on your resume should be full of value and quality. References add unnecessary space. Insert them only when required or if you’re asked to submit testimonials.

Want to save time? Get your resume done in under 5 minutes, with our resume builder . Quick and simple, ready-made templates that will do all the work for you.  

How to List References on a Resume [+ Example]

Now, let’s say you’re requested to provide a list of references. 

What’s the best way to display it? 

• Reference's First Name & Last Name - Tim Borden
• Professional Position / Title - Marketing Coordinator
• Name of the Reference's Company - Zen Corporation
• Business Address - Blaine Ave
• City, State, Zip of Company - Atlantic City, NJ, 07030
• Phone Number of Reference - (600) 753 9216
• Email Address of Reference - [email protected]

It’s best to stay ahead of the game. 

Keeping a list of possible references is something that should be done in advance, even when you’re not looking for a job. 

When you’re searching for a new position, you want to have a list of several names to contact. 

You wouldn’t want to struggle coming up with good fits on short notice, would you? 

Here are some more tips to keep in mind: 

You should always start your list with your biggest fan first : your most important and impressive reference. 

And no, this shouldn’t be your mom. Instead, you’d want your previous boss to vouch for you. 

Busy employers may not contact all of your references, but they will likely start at the top of the list. Glowing recommendations shouldn’t be left last!

What’s more, it’s important to clarify your relationship . 

It’s crucial to include what your working relationship to the reference is and how long you’ve known them for. 

But do not overshare . Don’t add more than the items we mentioned on the list unless required. 

And never include the personal mail addresses of your references for two reasons:

They will surely not be contacted via snail mail. 

And they might not want all of their personal information shared. 

Last, but not least:

Choose your references appropriately. 

Always choose the best references for the specific job under consideration. 

Let’s say you want to assert your marketing skills. In this situation, you could seek references from a former boss who can attest to that. Somebody like the Head of Marketing or Chief Marketing Officer . 

How to Format a Resume References Section 

Learning how to arrange a reference section is just as vital as other sections of your resume or cover letter. 

A messy, carelessly formatted reference page will lose your employer's interest. 

So how do you write one that’s eye-catching and professional?

First, put your references on a separate sheet . Add an exclusive reference page, as the last page of your resume. 

Keep the same format for your reference sheet as your resume and cover letter, meaning use the same font, margins, and color scheme. 

• Start off at the very top with your name, address, and phone number. You should place this information on that side of the page that fits the look of your cover letter and resume. (left, right or in the middle).
• Next, write the date. Then start with your employer's information in this specific order: name, job position, company name, and company address.
• Finally, follow up with a preferred title/subtitle: name the section References or Professional References .

If you’ve included personal references as well, you could also add “Personal References” as a subtitle. 

Use the formatting we discussed in the previous section to list your references.

Ditch the common “References available upon request”. 

This is a frequent mistake. Employers formerly know this and it’s an overworked phrase. The general rule of thumb is to keep your resume as brief as possible. Why misuse the space? 

How Many References Should You Include in Your Resume? 

Though there really isn’t a written rule anywhere about how many references you should include, the most fitting number would be three to five . 

Based on your career level though, there is a general division of two groups:

Regular and/or first-time job seekers , should usually provide 3 to 4. 

Whereas people applying for senior roles should include a longer list: about 5 to 7 references. 

In that case, it’s sufficient to list one reference for all the different points in your professional record. 

Who is a Good Reference For Your Resume? 

It’s important that all the references in your resume are all deliberately selected individuals . 

Everyone’s aunt thinks that they are special, but what does your previous manager think about your work ethic?

To figure out who’s a good reference for you, you should take personal experience into consideration: that means what stage in your career you’re currently in. 

Because you’d list different people at different points in your career. 

If you are a student or recent graduate with little to no work practice, you would want to get references from:

• Guidance tutors or counselors
• Course teachers and professors 

Any of these people can speak positively about your best skills, qualities, and experiences. 

When you have some professional background, however, even at an entry-level position , you have more variety in selecting a good reference. 

You could use former colleagues or managers as well as project , master , doctorate supervisors from your most current studies. 

If you are a professional candidate , this process becomes simpler as your preferred references will be more acquainted with giving and requesting references. 

• If you don’t have a lot of professional references to count on, you can reach out to just about anyone that can provide you with a valuable character reference.
• If a friend works in the company you are applying to, you could also use them as a reference.

Other important things you should consider:

• Ask for permission and say thank you. Fill in your references before handing over their contact information to an eventual employer. It’s solely common courtesy. Send them a copy of your resume as well, so that both of you are in harmony for when the manager calls. Don’t forget to be grateful either. If you get the job, take them out on lunch to properly say thank you. Follow up, a little acknowledgment can go a long way! 
• DO NOT use family members. This is unconventional and discouraged. The people you use as references should be unrelated to you, in a familial sense. Of course, our mothers have countless nice things to say about us, but their opinion isn’t relevant on a resume. It might also appear as though you don’t have enough people to vouch for you. 
• Avoid people you’ve confronted. Be careful in not adding individuals you are or have once been in professional conflict with. You can never be too sure if they’re still holding a grudge against you. Play it safe. 
• Make sure they are comfortable. Especially if they’re a person you are currently still working with, confirm they are okay with you searching for a new job. If you’re trying to keep it a secret from your employer though, it’s best not to ask a current coworker at all. You can never know for certain how ethical or pleased with your success one is. 

In the end, the basic point of a reference is for the employers to get a true reflection of your work ethics, background, character, and personality. 

Find people who can properly display all of the above for you.

3+ Good & Bad Resume Reference Sheet Examples

So many rules! 

But don’t worry - we have some great examples for you to help put them into practice: 

GOOD EXAMPLE:

MY BEST AND FAVORITE REFERENCE - inappropriate title 

Martha Payne - a family member as a reference 

2809 Candlelight Drive - including home address

870-294-1238 - wrong listing order, the reference phone number should be second to last

Nursing Assistant - unrelated to your industry or position

Newlife Hospital

4164 Fittro Street 

Lurton, AR, 72848

[email protected]

Martha is my auntie. She’s not only a well-respected member of the community but a remarkable nurse. She was the one who raised me and I consider her my mother. She knows me better than anybody else and I couldn’t have chosen a better person to speak of my character. - prolonged and unprofessional description 

References available upon request - overused unnecessary phrase

• providing them only one reference 

Key Takeaways

Here’s a recap of what we learned in this post:

• References ARE NOT supposed to be on your resume. So when in doubt, DON’T include a list to your resume. 
• On rare occasions though, references may be added on a resume. If you decide to do so, put your list on a separate sheet. Don’t forget to match it to the style of your cover letter and resume.
• Be intelligent with your reference choices. Your number of references should correspond to your career stage. Put your most glowing references on the top. Selected those who are closest to your line of work. Avoid people you’ve ever had professional conflicts with.
• Be diplomatic. Always ask for permission before listing them as references. Email them a copy so that you’re both on the same page. Don’t forget to thank them afterward. 
• Use the correct formatting. List your references precisely as we showed you in this guide. There’s a definite, proper way to arrange entries and the structure of the page itself - don’t contradict it. Use the examples we gave you as a guide.

Suggested readings:

• How to Write a Resume & Land That Job? [21+ Examples]
• What to Put On a Resume [7+ Job-Winning Sections]
• CV vs. Resume - What are the Differences & Definitions [+ Examples]

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

Explore Jobs

• Jobs Near Me
• Remote Jobs
• Full Time Jobs
• Part Time Jobs
• Entry Level Jobs
• Work From Home Jobs

Find Specific Jobs

• $15 Per Hour Jobs
• $20 Per Hour Jobs
• Hiring Immediately Jobs
• High School Jobs
• H1b Visa Jobs

Explore Careers

• Business And Financial
• Architecture And Engineering
• Computer And Mathematical

Explore Professions

• What They Do
• Certifications
• Demographics

Best Companies

• Health Care
• Fortune 500

Explore Companies

• CEO And Executies
• Resume Builder
• Career Advice
• Explore Majors
• Questions And Answers
• Interview Questions

How To List References On A Resume (With Examples)

• How To Write A Resume
• Resume Skills Section
• Resume Objective Section
• Career Objective Section
• Resume Reference Section
• Resume Summary Section
• Resume Summary Example
• Resume Interests Section
• Address On Resume
• Relevant Work Experience
• Anticipated Graduation Date On Resume
• Education Section On Resume
• Contact Information On Resume
• Statement Of Qualifications
• How To List Publications On Resume
• Accomplishments On Resumes
• Awards On Resume
• Dean's List On Resume
• Study Abroad On Resume

Listing references on a resume can be controversial. Having references is vital to back up your resume’s claims, but they take up valuable space on your resume, and many hiring managers don’t want you to include them with your initial application.

If you’re preparing to apply for a job and are wondering what to do about your references, you’re in the right place: We’ll walk you through how to make a reference list, how to choose your references, and how to ask someone to be a reference. We’ll even give you an example reference list.

Key Takeaways:

Do not put references or the phrase “references available upon request” on your resume.

Organize references on a separate document. Do not provide references unless requested.

Choose references who can speak professionally about your skills and experience relevant to the prospective job.

Give your references at least a week’s notice from when the hiring manager might reach out.

Unless otherwise stated, provide at least three references.

Should you put references on a resume?

How to choose your references, how to request references, how to write a reference request email, reference request email examples, how to format your references list, sample reference list, reference list faq.

• Sign Up For More Advice and Jobs

No, you shouldn’t put references on a resume unless the job description tells you to. Your resume should only be one page , two at a maximum, and including references here will take up valuable real estate that could be better utilized.

What’s more, experts agree that you should always abstain from including the phrase “references available upon request” at the bottom of your resume . Hiring managers take this information for granted, making it as pointless as writing “interviews available upon request.”

Instead, make a separate document that serves solely as your reference list. So should you send that along with your resume? Probably not. Hiring managers don’t have the time to fully vet every applicant, so it’s just pointless clutter for them.

If and when they decide you’re a top contender for the position, they’ll reach out and request your references.

To choose your references for your reference list, think about people who will be able to tout your talents that relate directly to the job for which you’re applying.

When contemplating whether or not to use someone from your current job, make sure that they know you’re looking for a new job. If you’re sending out applications on the sly, don’t put your current boss down as a reference.

It’s good to get a variety of references that can speak to different aspects of your exemplary personal and professional qualities. Start brainstorming people who fit into any of the categories below:

Current/former boss

Current/former supervisor

Current/former coworker

Current/former employees

Current/former business partner

Current/former teacher/ professor

Current/former mentor /advisor

Just because references aren’t typically needed at the start of the application process doesn’t mean you should forget about it until a prospective employer starts asking for your references. Be proactive and select your top references before you start applying for jobs.

To request references, contact your references ahead of time, send them any helpful background information, and follow up with a thank you .

Contact the people on your list to make sure they know you’re planning on using them as a reference. This is also your way of checking that the contact information you have is correct and up-to-date.

Send them the background information. Depending on how distant your working relationship with the potential reference is, consider sending them a copy of your resume , so they can brush up on what experiences and qualities you’re trying to highlight.

Say thank you. Always follow up with references who agree to be on your list by sending a thank-you email. It’s not just about being nice; it also serves as a reminder that they should expect a call or email from your prospective employer soon.

To write a reference request email, write it at least a week in advance, use a professional email format, and give plenty of context for what you’re asking them to do and why.

Give advanced notice. You can’t expect busy professionals to be ready to speak on your behalf at a moment’s notice. Ask someone to be your reference at least a week before they could potentially be contacted by the hiring manager.

Use a professional email format. Make sure your subject line is direct (e.g., “John Doe – Reference Request”), your contact details are clear, and you’ve formatted your email using the standard business letter layout .

Introduce the situation. After a brief “how have you been” type catch-up, get straight to the point of your email. Let them know the position(s) you’re applying for and ask permission to list them as a reference.

Tell them why you chose them. You can play to people’s vanity a bit with compliments or simply let them know they’re a great person to speak to your specific skills in XYZ — whatever the reason, share it so they understand your reasoning.

Give them information. You can wait until they’ve agreed to get to this part or include it in your initial email. You can give them your resume, cover letter , the job description, and anything else you feel will make their job easier.

Thank them. Finally, thank your reference for taking the time to consider your request.

Here’s an example reference request email that you can use to help you write your own:

Subject: Reference Request for Ally Knope Dear Dana, I hope you and your family are doing well and that you’ve enjoyed your summer! I’m applying for a marketing director position at a school here in Kansas City, and I was wondering if I could include you on my list of references. Since we worked together on so many marketing projects at Central High School, I thought you’d be able to give hiring managers a good perspective on my skills in that area. If you are willing to refer me, I’ve attached my current resume and the job description that I’m applying for so you can use them as a reference. The hiring manager will probably be reaching out in the next two weeks. I completely understand if you aren’t able to do this at this time, so please let me know if that’s the case, or if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you so much for considering doing this for me. I hope we can catch up soon! Thanks again, Ally Knope 333-444-5555 [email protected]

Subject: Connor Wyatt – Reference Request Dear Dr. Hall, I hope this email finds you well. I’m applying for a research and development position at Devon Energy in Oklahoma City, and I was asked to provide a list of references who could speak to my technical skills and my character. Would you be willing to refer me for this role? I have the utmost respect for you and appreciation of your mentorship at OSU, and I believe your perspective of working with me both as a student and a research assistant would be invaluable to my being considered for this role. I need to submit my list of references by Tuesday, September 15, so if you could let me know as soon as possible, I would appreciate it. Please let me know what questions you have as well. Thank you so much, Connor Wyatt 777-888-9999 [email protected]

To format your references list, put your contact information and the title of the document at the top, then list each reference’s information.

Your resume references should be its own distinct document, not a part of your resume. However, the format you choose for your references list depends on what your resume and cover letter look like. That means sticking to the same heading, color scheme, font, and margins.

Other than that, simply follow these guidelines to format your list of references:

Contact information. Start with your contact information (name, location, phone number, email address), using the same format as your resume/cover letter (e.g., if your contact info is centered on your resume, then center it here as well)

Title. Add a clear title in a slightly larger font than your contact info. Something like “Professional References” is a safe bet. Just let the reader know what this document is.

Order. Start writing references with the following information in the following order:

Professional Title

Company/Institution where you reference works

Full address of the company/institution

Phone Number

Email Address

A very brief description of your relationship with the reference, including when/how long you worked with them.

Here’s an example of a professional reference list for you to use as a starting point:

Phillip Dunne 987 Elm Street Lewiston, ME 04240 (222) 543-2109 [email protected] Professional references Randy Halton Director of Sales , Northeast Region XYZ Company 444 Main Street Augusta, ME 04330 (999) 000-1234 [email protected] Randy has been my direct supervisor for 2+ years during my time as a regional sales manager . Phil Collins Sales Manager Ez Solutions Inc. 123 Apple Court Lane Bangor, ME 04401 (777) 987-54321 [email protected] Phil was my boss for 3+ years while I was a sales representative . Amelia Bedelia Intern Supervisor GoGreen Co. 550 Tremont Street Lowell, MA 01850 (333) 321-9876 [email protected] Amelia was my supervisor for 6 months while I interned at GoGreen Co. Jane Doe Professor of Business Management Bates College 2 Andrews Road Lewiston, ME 04240 (333) 999-4321 [email protected] Jane was my professor and advisor through my experience earning my MBA.

How many references should I include?

If a company doesn’t specify how many references you should send, aim for at least three. This is a good amount to give you a balance of perspective that the hiring manager can pull from. It is probably best to send no more than five, unless requested. For higher-level positions, consider bumping that up to between five and seven.

How should I order my references?

When ordering your references, start your list with your highest quality reference(s). It’s doubtful that the company will call every reference you put down, but they’ll probably start at the top.

If all of your references are of equal quality, then list them in chronological order — the people you’ve worked with more recently ought to remember you best.

This order, and even the people you include as references, may vary depending on the role for which you’re applying. Just as you would tailor your resume to a specific job, do the same with your reference list.

For example, if you’re going for a management position, start with people whom you’ve managed, but if you’re going for an IT job, start with people who can speak to your technical expertise.

Think: How can these people attest to my skillset in a way that’s relevant to the job for which I’m applying?

Who shouldn’t I include on my reference list?

Do not include family or coworkers that you have had poor relationships with in the past as references. Including family is a big no-no for your reference list. Not only does it make it apparent that you don’t have a very deep bench of fans, but it’s obvious to anyone that a family member singing your praises is a little more dubious than a former colleague or boss.

On the other hand, if you did have a bonafide working relationship with a family member, and (ideally) they have a different last name than you, go for it.

How do I include references I currently work with?

Including references you currently work with depends on the situation. If you’re keeping your job search a secret from your employer, it’s probably best not to include anyone that you work with, even coworkers whom you like. You never know how gossip will get around.

When shouldn’t I submit a list of references?

If the job posting doesn’t request a list of references, don’t include one with your application. Sending in unsolicited references might make you look like a dinosaur, as the practice has become outdated.

Can I use personal references?

Generally speaking, no, you should not use personal or character references when applying for jobs. They’re just not as valuable as references that come from someone you’ve worked with professionally. Plus, it makes you look like you don’t have many professional relationships or people in your corner.

How do you list a reference who no longer works there?

To list a reference who no longer works at the company you worked for, simply list their current contact information and then add a note explaining that you used to work together at X company.

This is a common occurrence, so just include a brief explanation on your reference sheet, and the hiring manager will understand.

The same goes for a company name change — write the name as it’s listed on your resume (usually the old name) and then add a note that says something like, “(Now known as ABC Company)” on your reference sheet.

University of California, Davis – Creating a Reference List for a Potential Job

Purdue Online Writing Lab – Reference Sheets

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating / 5. Vote count:

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Matthew Zane is the lead editor of Zippia's How To Get A Job Guides. He is a teacher, writer, and world-traveler that wants to help people at every stage of the career life cycle. He completed his masters in American Literature from Trinity College Dublin and BA in English from the University of Connecticut.

Don Pippin is an executive and HR leader for Fortune 50 and 500 companies and startups. In 2008, Don launched area|Talent with a focus on helping clients identify their brand. As a Certified Professional Resume Writer, Certified Digital Career Strategist, and Certified Personal Branding Strategist, Don guides clients through career transitions.

Recent Job Searches

• Registered Nurse Jobs Resume Location
• Truck Driver Jobs Resume Location
• Call Center Representative Jobs Resume Location
• Customer Service Representative Jobs Resume
• Delivery Driver Jobs Resume Location
• Warehouse Worker Jobs Resume Location
• Account Executive Jobs Resume Location
• Sales Associate Jobs Resume Location
• Licensed Practical Nurse Jobs Resume Location
• Company Driver Jobs Resume

Related posts

Irrelevant Experience: Should I Include It On A Resume?

How To Make A Video Resume

How To List Language Levels On Your Resume (With Examples)

Resume Examples To Get The Job You Want

• Career Advice >
• Resume Structure >
• Parts Of A Resume >
• Resume References

How it works

Transform your enterprise with the scalable mindsets, skills, & behavior change that drive performance.

Explore how BetterUp connects to your core business systems.

We pair AI with the latest in human-centered coaching to drive powerful, lasting learning and behavior change.

Build leaders that accelerate team performance and engagement.

Unlock performance potential at scale with AI-powered curated growth journeys.

Build resilience, well-being and agility to drive performance across your entire enterprise.

Transform your business, starting with your sales leaders.

Unlock business impact from the top with executive coaching.

Foster a culture of inclusion and belonging.

Accelerate the performance and potential of your agencies and employees.

See how innovative organizations use BetterUp to build a thriving workforce.

Discover how BetterUp measurably impacts key business outcomes for organizations like yours.

Daring Leadership Institute: a groundbreaking partnership that amplifies Brené Brown's empirically based, courage-building curriculum with BetterUp’s human transformation platform.

• What is coaching?

Learn how 1:1 coaching works, who its for, and if it's right for you.

Accelerate your personal and professional growth with the expert guidance of a BetterUp Coach.

Types of Coaching

Navigate career transitions, accelerate your professional growth, and achieve your career goals with expert coaching.

Enhance your communication skills for better personal and professional relationships, with tailored coaching that focuses on your needs.

Find balance, resilience, and well-being in all areas of your life with holistic coaching designed to empower you.

Discover your perfect match : Take our 5-minute assessment and let us pair you with one of our top Coaches tailored just for you.

Research, expert insights, and resources to develop courageous leaders within your organization.

Best practices, research, and tools to fuel individual and business growth.

View on-demand BetterUp events and learn about upcoming live discussions.

The latest insights and ideas for building a high-performing workplace.

• BetterUp Briefing

The online magazine that helps you understand tomorrow's workforce trends, today.

Innovative research featured in peer-reviewed journals, press, and more.

Founded in 2022 to deepen the understanding of the intersection of well-being, purpose, and performance

We're on a mission to help everyone live with clarity, purpose, and passion.

Join us and create impactful change.

Read the buzz about BetterUp.

Meet the leadership that's passionate about empowering your workforce.

For Business

For Individuals

A quick guide on how to list references on a resume

Jump to section

Should you include references on your resume?

Choosing the right references, what information do you need for a reference, tips and tricks for creating a reference sheet, a resume rolodex on the ready.

Job searching is nerve-wracking . We want our resume to leave a good first impression on hiring managers and don’t want to waste applying to positions we won’t hear back from. 

Some trial and error is inevitable when applying for jobs. There’s always a learning curve if you’re entering the workforce or switching industries. But one piece of advice will help ease the process: always tailor applications to the job posting. This includes references. 

Choosing whether to include a reference section on your resume depends on several factors, including your work experience and the job ad. We’ll discuss how to list references on a resume and when to include them.

We’ll also note how to write and format a reference list and include templates and tips to get you started.

In most cases, including references on your resume isn’t necessary — but that doesn’t mean it’s always a bad idea.

When hiring managers look at a resume, their main focus is auditing your skills and work experience to see if you qualify for the role. Based on that information, they’ll decide whether or not to invite you for an interview. Contacting references usually happens after you move past this first meeting. 

Resumes are most effective when they’re clean and concise. They get through applicant tracking systems more successfully and are easier for hiring managers to read.

When you submit a resume online, it often goes through an applicant tracking software which detects specifics the employer has outlined. If it notices these specifications, your resume moves to the next stage. According to Jobscan, 99% of Fortune 500 companies use applicant tracking systems , so it’s worth simplifying your resume by omitting references to successfully move through these. 

But that doesn't mean requiring references for a job is obsolete. You should always prepare to provide references to a potential employer by creating a resume reference list, should they ask for one.

A resume reference list is a separate document with all your references’ contact information. Recruiters, hiring managers, or direct managers may contact people on your resume reference list to verify your work history and job performance or ask behavioral questions to understand your character.

While in most cases you should only offer references when a hiring manager requests, if you’re a university student, recent grad, or a candidate applying to an entry-level position, providing references will help bolster your application.

Even if a recruiter doesn't call your references before the interview, including them is a great way to demonstrate that you’ve taken initiative to build professional relationships .

Some of the best career advice to take in earnest is to tailor your resume to each job posting. This is the best way to align your skills and experience with the company culture and job description.

Using similar language to the job description when advertising your hard and soft skills makes it easier for recruiters to immediately notice you qualify for the position. 

The same rings true when sending references. 

Imagine you’re a graphic designer applying for two positions. One is client-facing, while the other requires you to work exclusively with an internal project manager.

In the first scenario, you’ll want to include a former client that can attest to your work ethic and ability to meet deadlines and manage projects. In the latter, you’ll want to include former managers and direct supervisors to vouch for your ability to work in a more collaborative setting .

When narrowing down your choices, consider people that’ll give good character references . Choose contacts who will sing your praises and highlight your strongest qualities, skills, and qualifications.

These are the best people to include as references:

• Current or former manager or direct supervisor
• Current or former colleague
• Current or former client
• Academic advisor, professional mentor, or career coach

Make sure you’re comfortable with your references knowing you’re actively looking for a job, especially if they’re people you currently work with. Asking a present colleague or manager might create unnecessary tension at your job — especially if you aren’t committed to leaving.

It's also essential to ask people if they’re willing to be a reference for you before giving their information out. Confirm people’s preferred mode of contact before sending reference information.

Some companies require a lengthy phone call with your reference, while a brief email is enough for others. Be sure you respect your references' time and preferences by giving them time to prepare and a heads up if an interview goes well.

It’s also nice to send a thank you note to those who accept being your reference, especially if a potential employer contacts them, to express gratitude and strengthen your connection.

Writing a reference on a resume or reference sheet differs slightly. With a reference sheet, you have more room and should include the following: 

• Reference name
• Company name and current job title
• Brief description of your relationship (former colleague, previous employer, ongoing or past client)
• Number of years you worked together
• Company address, including professional phone number and email address

The way you include references on your resume will be sparser, as you’ll have less space. Here’s how to format references on a resume:

• Company name, job title, relationship
• Preferred form of contact

If you’re really tight for space, just add “References available upon request” at the bottom so employers know you have some prepared if needed.

Include 2–3 references on a resume and 3–5 on a reference sheet. Never submit your reference sheet with your resume — save it for employers that ask. You can prepare one and bring it to an interview in case they request it in the moment. 

You should also have an easily editable file to send with a follow-up email to the hiring manager if you’re asked for references during a phone or video interview. 

A reference sheet is a valuable way to prepare for an interview. Here are three tips so your document persuades recruiters : 

1. No personal info

Only include your reference's professional contact information, like a company email, address, and phone number. Don’t give away a contact's personal information unless they’ve explicitly asked you to.

Giving away someone's private information without their consent will likely catch them by surprise and could affect how they talk about you. It also looks less professional to employers. 

2. Keep it short and professional

Keep relationship descriptions short and sweet and avoid personal anecdotes or oversharing.

Here’s a good resume reference example: 

Sheryl Dove, Head Project Manager

Sheryl was my direct supervisor at [company name] from 2019 to 2022. She oversaw my work on backend software development for more than 25 apps for 12 clients.

Why it works: The description gives all the appropriate, specific information (relationship, business, and years) with number-driven information that will tie into the skills and references on your resume.

Here’s an example of what not to write: 

Sheryl Dove, Manager, [company name]

I loved working with Sheryl. She is an amazing project manager and I got to enjoy three great years with her. We worked together on lots of projects for many clients. I loved working on apps with her, and she also has the cutest dog.

Why it doesn't work: The description is unnecessarily personal and sounds like a recommendation for Sheryl rather than you. It also forces the hiring manager to do too much work to understand when and where you worked together. 

3. Provide variety

The ideal set of references will show the breadth of your career. Try not to include too many individuals from one company or only your direct supervisor in each role. Instead, provide references that reflect the variety of experiences you’ve included on your resume.

Unless you’re new to the job market or industry, it’s best to keep references off your resume and instead include a reference sheet for requests. No matter the avenue you take, you should know how to list references on a resume or prepare a reference list for when you need one. 

Scour your professional contacts and reach out to people you’ve worked directly with and had great experiences with.

Feel free to request certain information from them, like asking a reference to mention how well a specific project went or how quickly you were promoted. Your application will stand out thanks to your initiative and preparedness.

Ace your job search

Explore effective job search techniques, interview strategies, and ways to overcome job-related challenges. Our coaches specialize in helping you land your dream job.

Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

What are professional references and how to ask for one (examples)

Character references: 4 tips for a successful recommendation letter, drafting an effective reference request email, use professional reference templates to make hiring smoother, how to ask for a letter of recommendation (with examples), how to write a resume summary that works + examples, how to put babysitting on a resume: 6 skills to highlight, resume best practices: how far back should a resume go, how to decline a job interview: what to do when you’re in demand, collaboration at work: the secret to getting better results, what do employers look for in a background check, tips and tricks for writing a letter of interest (with examples), stay connected with betterup, get our newsletter, event invites, plus product insights and research..

3100 E 5th Street, Suite 350 Austin, TX 78702

• Platform Overview
• Integrations
• Powered by AI
• BetterUp Lead™
• BetterUp Manage™
• BetterUp Care®
• Sales Performance
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Case Studies
• Why BetterUp?
• About Coaching
• Find your Coach
• Career Coaching
• Communication Coaching
• Personal Coaching
• News and Press
• Leadership Team
• Become a BetterUp Coach
• BetterUp Labs
• Center for Purpose & Performance
• Leadership Training
• Business Coaching
• Contact Support
• Contact Sales
• Privacy Policy
• Acceptable Use Policy
• Trust & Security
• Cookie Preferences

How to List References on a Resume (Templates Included)

Mike Simpson 0 Comments

By Mike Simpson

Let’s face facts; writing a resume isn’t always easy. You have to choose the best resume format , discuss the right skills , cover critical achievements, and so much more, all in just a couple of pages. Then, if you need to fit references on a resume, too, it can quickly become overwhelming.

Does that mean you need to panic? Of course not. We’ve got you.

Here’s a look at the right way to list references on a resume, as well as a look at what professional references are, mistakes you want to avoid, and a handy references “template” to get you started on the correct path.

What Are Professional References?

Alright, before we dig into how to list references on a resume, let’s talk about what professional references are in the first place. In the simplest sense, professional references are people who know you through the lens of your career. They’re professionals you have working relationships with, either currently or previously, so they can talk about what you’re like on the job.

Hiring managers value professional references. Why? Because they help them get a better idea of what working with you is like. It really is that simple.

However, it can also go further. Contacting professional references lets the hiring manager confirm some of the details on your resume. That’s right; it’s an honesty check, too.

So, why would you include references on a resume? Isn’t that a less common thing to do today?

It is true that adding references to your resume isn’t the norm, but that doesn’t mean you’ll never need to do it. While 80 percent of employers will call your references during that hiring process, 16 percent of those actually reach out to a candidate’s references before they invite them in for interviews.

What does that mean for you? Well, mainly, that knowing how to list references on a resume is a good idea. That way, if you find an excellent opportunity with a company that wants your professional references from the get-go, you’ll be ready.

Common Mistakes When Listing References on a Resume and How to Avoid Them

As with all parts of a resume, avoiding missteps is crucial. Even small errors can derail your chances of getting called in for an interview or landing the job, so you really do need to dedicate time and energy to making sure everything is right.

So, what’s one of the biggest mistakes you can make when putting references on a resume? Well, putting a fake one on the list is a doozy.

A fake professional reference? What on earth is that? Well, usually, it’s when a person lists a contact who they have no professional relationship with and then asks that person to lie to make them look good. At times, it means listing a contact that doesn’t actually exist, including a made-up name, company, phone number, email address, and more. Yes, for some reason, candidates sometimes try that.

Dishonesty is always a big no-no. Why? Because if you get caught – and the odds are pretty good that you will – it will probably cost you. Overall, about 65 percent of candidates who get busted in a lie either don’t get the job or get fired if they were selected and start in the role. Who wants to take that kind of risk?

Plus, if word gets out that you lied, that can haunt you. Remember, people talk, so there is always a chance that the hiring manager will let others know about your less-than-scrupulous behavior.

Is that the only misstep? No, it isn’t. Selecting the wrong references is another one.

When you pick people to ask to reference, you need to choose wisely. First, you want people where there is a professional connection. Past managers, colleagues, mentors, customers, and similar professionals are your best bets.

Generally, don’t list friends unless the company explicitly requests that kind of personal reference. Hiring managers won’t necessarily find much value in these references.

The same goes for family members unless you have a working relationship. For example, if you had a job in the family business, then including a family member may be okay. Otherwise, skip them.

Second, you want to choose people who have good things to say about you in a professional context. Listing a past manager or colleague who you didn’t get along with is a horrible idea. They might not have the kindest words to share, and that can keep you from getting the job.

Ideally, they can discuss an accomplishment that really highlights what you have to offer, as well as talk about workplace attitude in a glowing way. You want someone who can champion your awesomeness, ensuring the hiring manager gets the right idea about what you bring to the table.

Finally, whatever you do, don’t have any references listed on a resume that’s publicly accessible. If you do, you’re essentially broadcasting other people’s contact details, opening them up to unwanted calls, including scams. While it may not directly hurt your job search, it is a major faux pas, one that could harm your reputation with your references and make them less inclined to say nice things about you going forward.

How to List References on a Resume

Alright, now it’s time for what you’ve been waiting for: a close look at how to put references on a resume. If you want to make sure you get it right, here is a step-by-step approach that covers it all.

1. Ask Permission

Why is “ask permission” step one? Because you should never blindside someone by listing them without their knowledge, that’s why.

Being someone’s professional reference is a favor, as well as a big responsibility. Some people aren’t going to be comfortable with being put on the spot, particularly if they don’t know a hiring manager might come calling.

So, before you include anyone as a reference on your resume, pick up the phone, give them a call, and make sure they are cool with it. Then, accept their answer.

Typically, you’ll want to get permission from three contacts. Why three? Because that’s the most commonly requested number of professional references. By getting them all handled now, you’ll usually be able to provide everything the hiring manager needs in this department in one fell swoop.

2. Get Updated Contact Information

Once you have a person’s permission, ask them to provide updated contact information. Usually, you’ll need their current job title, employer’s name, employer’s address, a daytime phone number, and an email address.

3. Start a New Page

When you’re adding a reference list to your resume, you want to start it on a new page. Additionally, it shouldn’t be any longer than a single page, as anything more is a bit excessive at such an early step in the hiring process.

It’s also important to note that your reference list will typically be the last page of the resume document. However, make sure you check the instructions for applying as some hiring managers will want them submitted as a separate document, not unlike how you usually need to go with cover letters .

4. Add Your Contact Information

Since your professional references are on a separate page, you want to add your contact details at the top. That way, if the page gets separated from the rest, the hiring manager will know whose references they are.

4. Keep It Simple

A professional reference list isn’t embellished. All you need to do is to write a header explaining that these are your professional references and then include the contact details for each person in succession, with a clear division between each person’s info.

Along with adding a space between each one, consider bolding the contacts’ names. That helps each listing stand out, and it looks much better than numbering your reference list.

5. Choose the Right Order

When you need to decide which reference to list first, go with the person who is most likely to give you an exceptional recommendation. Hiring managers may not reach out to everyone. So, by leading with the best, you’re increasing the odds that that reference will get a call.

6. Add a Short Statement Outlining Your Relationship

Along with the person’s contact details, it isn’t a bad idea to add a quick note about your relationship with each reference. That lets the hiring manager know a little about why they should care about what this person has to say, so it doesn’t hurt to do it.

What should you write? Well, mention the kind of working relationship you had, where you were working at the time, and how long you knew them. For example, “My direct manager at ABC Company from 2018 to 2022” is enough to provide the hiring manager with some context.

References on a Resume Sample

Alright, if you really want to know how to list references on a resume, a resume references example is a good place to start. It’ll give you insights into the format, making it easier for you to follow along.

To give you even more information, we’re going to cover two. First, there’s a references on a resume sample that shows you exactly what each entry needs to look like. Second, there’s a handy template that you can use when you’re creating a resume.

Resume References Example

Here is what a single professional reference entry usually looks like on a resume:

123 Main Street

Anytown, State, 12345

555-555-5555

[email protected]

My direct manager at XYZ, Inc. from 2018 to 2022

Resume References Template

Here’s a quick template for creating your reference page for a resume:

Your Address as Listed on Page One of Your Resume

Your Phone Number

Your Email Address

Section Heading, Usually “Professional References”

First Reference Name

City, State, Zip Code

Phone Number

Email Address

Relationship Description

Second Reference Name

Third Reference Name

Putting It All Together

At this point, you should have a solid idea of how to list references on a resume. Use all of the tips, the sample, and the template to your advantage. That way, if you ever need to include professional references as part of your resume, you’ll be good to go.

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com.

His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others.

Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

About The Author

Mike simpson.

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com. His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others. Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

Copyright © 2024 · TheInterviewguys.com · All Rights Reserved

• Our Products
• Case Studies
• Interview Questions
• Jobs Articles
• Members Login

Resume Angels

Profesjonalne i Nowoczesne Szablony CV

Shopping cart

How to list references on a resume (examples & template).

Your references are one of the most important assets in terms of securing a job. They’re often the final hurdle in the job process, and it’s an area people get wrong a lot of the time. References aren’t always required by all HR managers. However, it is a good idea to keep them on hand just in case you are asked to provide them. In this guide, you will find out how to list references on a resume the right way.

Table of contents

What is the resume references list for, how to list references on a resume: template, examples of how to list references on a resume, best practices when listing references, final step after the interview.

Hiring managers do not always ask job seekers to provide a list of references. But when they do, it is important to have it ready so that your future employer has a way to confirm the skills and job experience you have listed on your resume.

But what is it for? And why do you need one? 

The list of references is mostly required for federal job positions. Government agencies require all candidates to provide references to ensure that they are thoroughly vetted. If this applies to you, it is important to provide a detailed description of every job position you have held. 

Providing a list of references is not always necessary. Make sure to review the job description to determine if the hiring managers require one. If not specifically stated, don’t include references in your resume. 

If you are required by a hiring manager to provide a reference list along with your resume during a job application, it is important to know how to do it. The ideal way to list the references is to do that in a chronological order. You need to list the person you’ve most recently worked with and then make your way back to the past.

The information on the references list must include the following information in this particular order:

[Your Name]

[Your Phone Number]

[Email Address]

[Name of Reference]

[Job/Position]

[Phone Number]

[Reference Description]

The Reference Description section is where you provide a short summary of the working relationship with the reference. 

Using the template above, you will be able to create a reference list for your job application. Here are a few examples of how you can write your reference list using the above template.

References for John Smith

[email protected]

Monica Schwartzmann

Sales Manager

ABC Company

[email protected]

Monica was the director of the sales department while I worked for ABC Company from 2010-2015. 

You can follow the above example and format when listing references, no matter how many references you add. When listing them, you need to maintain the same look and feel. Keep the font style and color consistent. It’s optional to add your name, phone and email first, and this step can often be omitted when you already have these details listed at the top of your resume.

Knowing the purpose and the template of a resume reference list , it is now time to look closely at how to list references on a resume. There are general principles that you need to follow in order to do it professionally.

How many references to include?

When listing references on your resume, it is important to know how many to add. You should add enough references to give the HR manager enough to validate your skill set and educational background. At the same time, you cannot list too many that would make your resume look unprofessional .

The safest number is to keep it at a minimum of three. Ideally, your references should represent different points in your professional history to provide the HR managers a more broad assessment of your skills and experience. 

How do you choose your references?

You cannot simply list down names in your resume as your references. Ideally, these names should be of people who are former direct superior to you in position, such as a manager or supervisor. It could also be a former co-worker, who can validate your work experience and work ethic. 

Meanwhile, you can also add your college professors or former academic advisors in your resume. The latter is applicable for fresh graduates who are seeking employment. If you do not have adequate work experience to list in your resume, they can provide recommendations based on your academic performance. 

The most important thing to note about choosing your references is that these people must know you personally or professionally. They should be in a position of authority to speak on your skills and experience. Otherwise, their opinion will be regarded as invaluable or irrelevant to your job application.

How to ask someone to be your reference?

The most important thing to remember when you list references on a resume is to ask permission from the person first. You should not list their names among your references until they agree to it. A surprise call from a recruiter out of the blue is not an ideal way to ensure you get the best reference from someone, so speak with them in advance.

You need to think about the fact that you will be requiring their time and effort to speak to the HR manager. You need to value and respect their time to ask permission if they would be fine about receiving this type of phone calls or inquiries in relation to your job application. This is just as important as sending them a ‘thank you’ note, especially after you have been successfully hired for the job. 

Once you have completed the interview and other aspects of the hiring process, calling the references is the final step of the process. When that is done, do the polite thing and call the people you’ve listed as reference to thank them. You can call them or send an email as a show of gratitude. 

After all, their positive words about your skills and competence can boost your application. With this information on how to list references on a resume, you will have the final piece of the puzzle in an effort to land the job you want.  

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Privacy Overview

• Create Resume
• Resume templates
• CV templates
• Resume Writing Service
• When and How to List References on a Resume (w/ Examples)
• Resume writing /

Many people don’t know whether they should include references on a resume. The problem is that while it used to be standard practice, it’s now something that’s done more by request or on an as-needed basis. Between privacy issues and more accessible information, employers aren’t as readily seeking a list of people who can vouch for you professionally, personally, or otherwise.

Read on to learn all about when, why, and how to list references on your resume, including plenty of examples and tips to assist you in the process.

Do you put references on a resume?

Should you put references on a resume? There has always been a little bit of debate as to whether you should put references on a resume from the start or offer them at a later time. There are also several factors involved in this decision, but the consensus is the same across the board: we don’t really do that anymore.

There are several reasons that references on resume documents have fallen out of fashion. For starters, resumes are no longer as private as they once were. Before the Internet, most resumes were sent to one office, privately, and not exposed to the general public. Therefore, people could include sensitive personal information like resume names, phone numbers, and other contact details.

Today, however, adding that information to a resume is often like sending people’s information out into the ether for anyone to get their hands on—hackers, spammers, and identity thieves are just waiting for unsuspecting people to put information out there in the Internet space. There are several other reasons that the trend of resumes with references is disappearing, but privacy is a big factor.

Of course, there are exceptions to every rule. There are some instances where references on a resume can be helpful. There are also ways to list references so that you’re not compromising privacy, but still showing companies that you have people who can vouch for both your character and your professional capabilities. If you’re asking yourself, “Should I put references on my resume?” , read on.

Pros of including professional references on a resume

Some benefits come from having references readily available on your resume. For starters, it saves you from having to provide them at a later time. Sending a reference page for a resume will show that you’re planning by providing as much information as possible. It can also help lend to your credibility because employers can see that you’re ready with people to sing your praises.

Cons of including work references on a resume 

Of course, you also have to consider the potential drawbacks of adding references to your work resume. For starters, it takes up more space and might draw the reader’s attention away from the other parts of the resume, which are far more important. In a lot of cases, as discussed, adding resumes also creates “spillover” onto a second page. That should also be avoided at all costs.

There is also the privacy concern that comes from listing references on a resume. It might be better to create a separate references page for resume submissions and have it available to send on an as-requested basis.

When to list references on a resume

The obvious exception to the “no references” rule is if an employer specifically requests that you provide references on your resume—do it. Make sure that you provide the right type of references, too. If they don’t specify, it’s advised to start with professional references. Then, if they want personal references, they can reach out for further information.

You should also clarify whether they want the references on the resume, or if they are seeking a different document. It’s usually best to provide a separate document with just the references so that they can follow up. After all, your resume already has so much information, and hiring managers will always tell you that in their world, less is more.

How to list references on a resume: Full 6-step guide for 2024

To learn how to write references on a resume, we have prepared a step-by-step guide to assist you.

Step 1: Decide how many references you need 

How many references should you have on a resume? This is the age-old question. Most people like the number three, but some jobs may require more (or fewer). Three is a good number to stick with if you’re not sure. You’ll also need to decide whether they are personal or professional references or both.

Protips for this step

If all else fails, ask the employer what they want. Ask how many of which type of references they need, as well as what contact information is required (that will come in handy in a later step).

Step 2: Determine how to add the references 

When you are adding references to a resume, there are typically two different ways that you can do it. You can add a separate section for the references at the end of the resume. Some people opt to create a separate document just for the references. This helps ensure that there is no spillover on the original resume. It also provides a more secure way to transmit information.

If you aren’t sure how you want to do it, consider if there is space for a dedicated reference section on your resume in its current form—will you have to make major changes or reduce the content to make them fit? You can also ask what the employer prefers. Some may want a separate document while others might want them on the same page. Still more might tell you to email them over separately for privacy.

Step 3: Get permission from everyone 

There are countless hiring horror stories of people using references without asking. Not only is this in bad form, but it’s also just a bad idea. If you use someone as a reference, they should be expecting a call from the employer. Otherwise, they won’t know to answer the phone or check their email. Not only that, but people might not be comfortable being used as a reference for one reason or another.

It isn’t hard. Just send a quick email or text, or make a quick call and say:

“I’m applying for a position that wants [personal/professional] references; is it okay if I use you as one? And which information should I provide for contact?”

Usually, people will be happy to provide a reference, but in case they aren’t, it’s always safest to ask first.

Be courteous, always. Never assume that someone is okay with you giving out their information. You also can’t assume that a one-time reference will be someone that you can use on every resume. If nothing else, asking each time lets people know that someone may be reaching out so they can expect the contact.

Step 4: Collect contact information 

Once you have permission, you can start collecting any contact information that you don’t already have. Some people have phone numbers and emails handy for their references already, while others have to seek out the information. In either case, make sure that you get the information and ensure that it is accurate. If you don’t know what information you need, it’s best to gather more just to be safe. And remember, the information that you need may vary based on the type of reference being used.

Protips for this step:

Ask the employer how much information they want, which type of contact information they prefer, etc. If you’re being asked to submit references, you want to make sure that you get them right. Perhaps an employer only wants to email people and you only send phone numbers—that isn’t going to work out and it could delay the process.

Step 5: Compile references and their contact details 

Now it’s time to compile the references that you have collected and add their information to the resume, or the resume references list. Make sure that you double-check the information at this stage and use care when typing or pasting it into the document. The last thing you need is a wayward typo derailing a reference contact.

Use the examples below and available references templates to compile and format your references properly. (More on formatting in the next section)

Step 6: Submit your resume 

You’re all done! You have the references listed on your resume or a separate page, and you have verified the contact details. You fixed the formatting and are ready to submit—now just click send, and let the employer do their work. It can take some time for employers to get to references, even when they’re requested, so don’t get too anxious if you don’t get any immediate feedback.

Make sure that you are following the employer’s request to the letter. If you’re providing references without a direct request, use standard formatting guidelines for best results.

How to format resume references

Now we’re getting to the important part. Learning where to put references on a resume and how to do it can make or break your chances of success. If you aren’t sure how many references for a resume are required, you can always ask. As an alternative, you can provide 3-4 references, which is a standard number for most employers.

Create a dedicated page or section on your resume 

As mentioned, you must have a dedicated space for references that is clearly marked and easy to find. In some cases, it’s better to attach a separate reference sheet for this reason. A separate sheet could also increase the privacy factor and ensure that only people who request references get them.

You shouldn’t mix references in with your job history or try to link them together in any way—the employer can make the connections if necessary and trying to do so will only turn your resume into a mess, and fast. Keep them separate and easily identifiable.

Keep the formatting consistent 

You also need to keep formatting consistent between your resume, cover letter, and reference page. This includes the font size, color, and other details, as well as the spacing and other formatting elements. Some people want to use different templates or designs for each element but that can make it difficult for employers to keep track of your documents. Consistency ensures that they know your documents from the rest and will not get things mixed up.

Use a standard list format 

Sometimes, people want to get fancy with formatting on resumes, as if that might impress employers. Unfortunately, usually, that only makes things difficult to read and follow. For example, you may see reference lists where people attempt to list them all on a single line using dots or em dashes (—), but that can get confusing and if the formatting gets lost in translation it can be a nightmare.

Professional reference format

• Relationship

Personal reference format

• Relationship/years known

Educational reference format

• Position/Role (teacher, professor, advisor, etc.)

Resume references examples

To help you make the most of your resume reference page or list, here are a few examples.

Example 1: Educational references 

In this references on resume example, you can see the information is clear, direct, and thorough. These are educational references and the candidate has provided their name, school, email, and phone number. Some people will take the extra step and also add the position of the reference or their relationship with the candidate, but it’s not always necessary.

Example #2: Professional references 

Here is a great example of a professional reference list for a resume. It is shown as a separate page, but she includes her personal information in the matching header for consistency. It includes the name, position, company information, and contact details for each reference. As a bonus, she offers a brief explanation of how each reference relates to her professional experience.

Example #3: Personal references

It’s less common for companies to request personal references on a resume or for a job, but if they do, they need to be listed differently. This is another educational list, but it’s former teachers, so it will usually qualify as a personal reference to most employers. If you do list family or friends, you can simply list them as follows:

John Smith – Father-in-Law 

Years Known: 12

Phone: 555-123-4567

Email: [email protected]

This allows you to cover the important bases: who they are, how long they’ve known you, and how the employer can get in touch to get the reference.

Example #4: Mixed references

This is a great example of offering a little bit of everything. There is an educational reference, a professional reference, and a personal reference. And, the writer has included all of the necessary contact information and relationship details to help employers understand who they are contacting.

Professional references template

Here is a great resume references template that you can use to create your own resume list for employers. Remember, if you’re using personal or academic references, you can make the necessary adjustments.

Who to ask to be a reference for your resume

There are several people that you can ask to be a reference for your resume, depending on the type of reference that you need:

• Former employers
• Managers and supervisors
• Coworkers and professional peers
• Family and friends (personal references)
• Group leaders (pastors, youth leaders, scout leaders, etc.)
• Teachers, professors, and other educators

How to request references for a resume: 5 tips that work

There are a lot of ways that you can go about asking for references, and for the most part, people are usually more than willing. However, if you want to be sure that you seal the deal, here are five quick-fire tips before we close:

• Choose the people you use as references carefully because they will often impact the employer’s decision.
• Notify references in advance; in addition to asking their permission, let them know what the reference is for and when to expect contact.
• Be polite and explain why you want to use someone as a reference—flattery will get you far.
• Provide details to both references and employers so that everyone knows what to expect.
• Finally, and most importantly, never, ever lie about references . Not only is it in bad form, but we live in the digital age where employers will find out fast that your former supervisor “Cathleen” is actually your sister-in-law.

Key takeaways on references on resumes

There is certainly a case for listing references on a resume, but it may not always be necessary. As you have learned, sometimes it is job-specific, while in other cases, it might be a decision based on a level of skill or the career role. Ultimately, it is best to consider the job at hand and wait until you’re asked to provide references. And when you do, make sure that you format them properly, provide the necessary contact details, and submit them in a professional, easy-to-read format. With these tips, your reference submissions should be a game-changer moving forward.

Is it ok to not put references on a resume?

Yes. The general rule of thumb is that you don’t need references on a resume these days. That’s because the references aren’t required until later in the interview and screening process. Most employers won’t even ask for references unless they are considering hiring a candidate. There are exceptions to this, of course.

Is it bad to put “references available upon request” on a resume?

Most experts also suggest that you don’t waste time or space putting “references available upon request” on your resume. It’s assumed by most employers that if they ask for references at any point, you will provide them. Therefore, it’s unnecessary to state the obvious.

The exception, of course, is if a job listing asks for references in the post specifically or if you know that it will be a part of the job interview process. But again, most employers anticipate that candidates can and will provide references as asked.

What are personal vs. professional references?

Personal references refer to family and friends, as well as friends of family, etc. These are people who have known you throughout your life and can vouch for your character. They may also include teachers, pastors, and other mentors or leaders.

Professional references are those who have seen your capabilities and can speak for you on a professional level. These can be coworkers, former bosses and supervisors, or other professional connections that you have made over the years.

Should I include references if my resume is too short?

No. For starters, there is no such thing as a resume that is “too short”—the length designates your experience in the job market. Entry-level candidates are expected to have limited experience. And if someone has had the same position for 10 years, they probably will have a shorter resume because there are fewer jobs. Do not add references just to bulk up the content.

Should you use a friend as a personal reference?

Friends are a great example of a personal reference. Family is usually preferred because they tend to have the most experience with your character. However, if a company requests personal references, you can absolutely use friends, as well as:

• Family members
• Club leaders

If a company asks for professional references, you should not use friends or family.

Can I put three references on my resume?

Usually, three references are standard. Some employers may ask for more, or they may only want one or two. If your resume has room to include three references without spilling over onto a second page, go ahead. That is, of course, if they were requested by the employer or part of the job posting. Otherwise, again, you can probably just skip them entirely.

Can I have two references on my resume?

Two references are good, but as mentioned above, most will ask for three. No one quite knows where the magic number three came from, but it has been common for almost as long as references have been used. Again, find out what the employer wants and make sure adding references isn’t going to create a spillover page, and you’ll be fine.

How do you list federal references on a resume?

The federal resume format generally requires that you list the federal office or organization, the supervisor’s name and contact information, and their title and relationship to you in the position. Federal resumes usually require a minimum of five references or positions in job history or a combination of the two.

How do you list babysitting references on a resume?

Babysitting references are a little easier than most. Usually, can simply list the name of the parent for which you babysat along with their phone number and/or email address. Be sure to ask permission or let parents know that you are submitting a resume or providing their information as a professional reference.

You should also ask which contact information is okay to share, how they prefer to be contacted, and whether they are comfortable with the submission method (resume, email, etc.).

Client provided

Related articles

Aviation resume example, template, skills, objective & writing guide for 2024.

For job seekers aspiring to secure a position within the dynamic field of aviation, crafting a...

Uber Driver Resume Example, Description, Skills & How to Write Tips for 2024

Crafting a standout resume is crucial for job seekers looking to drive for platforms like Uber and...

Lifeguard Resume Example, Description, Skills & How to Write Tips for 2024

Crafting a compelling lifeguard resume is a crucial step for anyone aspiring to safeguard the lives...

More than 112.872 users have already made their resume

With CV maker, you can quickly and easily create a distinctive and professional resume within 15 minutes.

• Career Advice
• Resumes and CVs

How to List References on a Resume

References on a resume are contacts that a prospective employer can call during the hiring process to check your previous work experience, job performance, and what kind of an employee you are to work with. Your references should include people from your professional life who can vouch for your qualifications for the job you are applying for.

How to List Your References:

A detailed guide to listing references on a resume. Includes helpful tips and examples.

Identify what is required.

Determine the number of references to include..

The number of references you include in your reference list will depend on your career level. Entry-level positions generally require about three references , while more senior positions may require five to seven references from different times in your professional history.

For the most part, prospective employers will give you guidance on how many references they will want you to include on your reference page.

The best references usually include:

• Current or former managers or supervisors.
• Current or former coworkers.
• Current or former employees or direct reports.
• Academic advisors.
• Professional mentors.

Try to choose only those references that can advocate your qualifications as they relate to the job you are applying for as well as those who you know will give you a positive reference.

Setup your reference page.

Create a separate page for your references..

In general, you should list your references on a separate, dedicated "resume references" page to be added as the very last page of your resume. However, if the job ad does not specifically request references, do not include them in your resume.

Also, do not add the phrase "references available on request." It wastes valuable space on your resume, and if the recruiter wants references, they will ask for them.

Use the same font as on your resume.

Ensure that your references page matches your resume and cover letter . Maintaining the same format, font, margins, and color schemes across your resume, cover letter, and reference page will present a professional resume package.

Start with your personal details.

Provide your personal information..

• Start your reference list with your name, phone number, and email address, just as it appears on your resume and cover letter.
• Add a simple line under your contact information to clearly separate it from the rest of the information on the page.

Add a title.

Below your personal information, add a title such as "references" or "professional references."

List your references.

Select your most relevant references..

Most employers, if they ask for references, will limit you to three, so you will need to carefully and wisely select the most relevant references. This should include people who can discuss your talents that are specific to the job you are applying for . Therefore, consider:

• Whether the reference works in the same industry as the one you are applying for.
• Which reference can best highlight your skills applicable to the job you are applying for.
• Which references are not suitable to give you a reference for the particular job you are applying for.

Arrange your references to your advantage.

List those references that are most likely to give you a great recommendation at the top. If you are adding references for different fields of work, you can sub-divide your references into different sections to make it easier for the recruiter to read.

Format your references.

Use the correct format..

The best way to list your references would be to use the following format:

• The reference's first and last name.
• The reference's professional title/position.
• The name of the reference's company.
• The reference's phone number.
• The reference's email address.
• The reference's relationship to you.

Do not list your reference's personal address to protect their privacy, and because hiring companies no longer contact references by mail.

Example Reference Page:

Elizabeth Brown 123 123rd Street, New York, NY 10118 1 (800) 555-1234 [email protected] __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ ____

Professional References:

Jane Brown Operations Manager Four Seasons 1 (800) 555-5678 [email protected]

Jane was my direct supervisor at the Four Seasons hotel while I worked as a Front Desk Receptionist from 2017 to 2020.

John Smith Head Waiter The Steak House 1 (800) 555-9012 [email protected]

John was my colleague at The Steak House where I worked as a waiter from 2014 to 2017.

Jason Young Assistant Manager Wallbridge House 1 (800) 555-3456 [email protected]

Jason was my supervisor at Wallbridge House while I worked as a Cleaner from 2013 to 2014.

Should You Include a Reference Section on Your Resume?

Some employers may ask you to submit references as part of your resume while others may ask for a reference list after the interview or in the final stages of the hiring process. However, offering a list of references with your resume is generally not the best policy.

If a job posting does not request references, you should not include them on your resume or with your job application. It has become more common in recent years for companies not to provide references for former employees as a way to avoid potential lawsuits, so more and more employers do not ask for them.

Also, resume experts agree that a general rule of thumb is not to add any references due to space and time issues. Generally, you will want to keep your resume as short as possible, and adding references that an employer probably won't use is wasting space that could be used for more important information.

The recruiter reading your resume also generally does not have a lot of time and will probably not reach out to your references unless you are short-listed for the job. This is usually why prospective employers do not ask for references until after the interview period.

However, in some job postings, recruiters will request references or testimonials in your resume or as part of your job application and, if so, you should follow the instructions exactly. If references are not explicitly requested here, you may be asked after your interview to submit a reference list.

Having a Master Reference List Ready:

It is helpful to have a complete "master" list of references already prepared, even if you are currently not looking for a job. This way, whenever you are asked for your references you will not struggle to come up with appropriate contacts on short notice. Gather together your professional contacts along with their names, titles, organizations, phone numbers, and email addresses and keep them handy.

If You Are Using a Master List:

If you are selecting references from a master list, remember to give them at least a two-week head's up that you are applying for a new job so that they can prepare a great reference for you.

When Listing References on a Resume:

If you are applying to a job where the job ad specifically requests your references be listed on your resume itself, you will want to add just the basics in order to save space.

The best way to format these references is as follows:

• The reference's name — their professional title and the company name.

Add a heading, such as "references" or "professional references". To further save space, you can use two columns to list your references.

Example Resume References:

Jane Brown — Operations Manager at Four Seasons Contact: [email protected] — Phone number: 1 (800) 555-5678

John Smith — Front of House Manager at The Steak House Contact: [email protected] — 1 (800) 555-9012

Additional Tips:

• After the hiring process, remember to thank your references for helping you in your efforts to find a new job.
• Keep a separate list of references for confidential job searches. This is useful when you want to privately search for a new job and do not want any of your colleagues or supervisors to feel uncomfortable.
• It is never too early to prepare a list of references as the more choices you have, the easier it will be to supply strong options during the hiring process. You will just need to remember to ask your references' permission when you do decide to start a job search and to give them adequate warning that they may be called to provide a reference.
• If you don't have many references, you can reach out to just about anyone you know for a character reference but it is best to avoid using family members.
• Be careful of adding someone who you have had a personal or professional conflict with as a reference. They will not be motivated to give you a good reference.
• Make sure all of your references are comfortable with being used as a reference, particularly if you are currently working with them.

More Resources:

• Google Docs Resume Template .
• 50 Tips for Writing a Great Resume .
• Action Verbs for Resumes .
• Best Fonts for Resumes .
• Skills to Put on a Resume .
• How to Prepare an ATS Resume .

Should you include references on a resume?

No. Resume experts agree that it is generally best to not add any references due to space and time issues. You will want to keep your resume as short as possible, and adding references that an employer probably won't use is wasting space that could be used for more important information.

How do you write a reference list?

• Create a separate page for your references .
• Use the same font as on your resume .
• Include your personal information .
• List your references by order of relevance .
• Format your references correctly .

How many references should you put on a resume?

The number of references you include in your reference list will depend on your career level, but prospective employers will most likely give you guidance on how many references they want. However, generally, entry-level positions require about three references, while more senior positions may require five to seven references from different times in your professional history.

How do you list a friend as a reference?

• Ensure that your friend can speak to the quality of your work or the strength of your character.
• Ask your friend's permission to use them as a reference.
• Ask for their full name, professional affiliation, and contact information.
• List them as a professional or character reference.

Who can I use as a reference for my first job?

• Teachers or professors.
• Friends that can provide professional references.
• Members of volunteer organizations you've worked at.
• People you have done odd jobs for, such as babysitting or lawn mowing.

Is it OK to not put references on an application?

Yes. If it is not specifically requested by the recruiter or on the job ad, it is best to not add any references to your resume or on a job application.

Is it OK to say references available on request?

No. "References available on request" is an unnecessary phrase that wastes valuable space on your resume. If the recruiter wants references, they will ask for them.

Who should I use as a reference on my resume?

What do i do if i have no references.

You can reach out to just about anyone you know for a character reference, such as teachers, friends, members of volunteer organizations you've worked at, or people you have done odd jobs for, such as babysitting or lawn mowing. However, it is best to avoid using family members.

What information do you provide for references?

How do you format references.

• Add a title such as "references" or "professional references."
• List those references that are most likely to give you a great recommendation at the top.
• Include your references' names, professional titles, company names, phone numbers, and email addresses.
• State your references' relationships to you.

Related Articles:

Resume tips, best resume builders, how to write a resume, how to write a cv, reference check questions.

The opinions expressed are solely those of Find My Profession. Click to see our Advertising Disclosure.

How to List References on a Resume [And If You Should]

Should you include references on your resume? Learn whether you should include professional references on your resume and how to list references when needed.

A professional reference is a potential employer’s inside look at what you are like to work with.

Sometimes, a glowing reference from the right person can be exactly what lands you your dream job.

Are you writing “References Are Available on Request” on your resume? Maybe you have your mom as your first choice for references.

Neither of these is advised.

This article will give you guidance as to exactly how to present your professional references to a potential employer.

From who to ask to provide references, to how to approach that issue, and much more, we will show you how to best handle the matter of references on resumes.

Should You Include References on a Resume?

Most of the time, you’ll find that the answer is actually a straight, “No!”

If there are 250 applicants for a job, can you imagine a hiring manager calling 750 to 1250 references?

Not really. References are usually requested far down the line when the number of candidates has been whittled down.

What about saying “References Available Upon Request” on my resume? Is that a good compromise?

That’s like saying, “Applicant has a pulse.” It’s obvious.

Your resume is short and sweet. Do not waste space with an out-dated sentence like that.

And if you don’t have references available, then that is a mistake as well.

Consider also that if you are applying online, you do not want to include a list of references for another reason.

The reason is that you will be giving the contact details of your references to whoever sees your resume.

That is not ideal. Your references may not agree to be referenced for you again.

A general rule is just that, general. Specific instances will be different.

Do not just assume that your resume will never need a reference page.

Perhaps references on your resume will be explicitly requested, in which case, include a professional reference page.

If references on your resume are requested and you do not include them, then that isn’t going to end well for you. You have shown that you cannot follow directions and now the recruiter may need to contact you for the missing information, if they take the time to do so.

If you can’t decide whether or not to include references, don’t. Wait for them to be specifically requested.

How to List Professional References on a Resume

If you have determined that you do need to include references on your resume, we will explain how to do this correctly.

Regardless of how many references that you have listed, always put your best reference at the top.

That may be your highest ranking reference, it may be your reference that already works where you are applying to, it may be the reference who can best state your skills.

In every case, you want to be prudent about who you list. You will receive advice on exactly how to approach this later on.

This is how you should list professional references on a resume:

• Reference’s first and last name
• Reference’s current job title
• Company reference currently works for
• (Optional) Company’s address
• Reference’s email address
• Reference’s phone number
• (Optional) Background information on your relationship with your reference

With that order, your reference will look something like this:

You may wish to give some background on the nature of the relationship with your reference.

It is not essential to include details, provided that you state their role in your list, but sometimes your relationship helps give context as to why they are a reference.

How Many References Should You Include?

How many references you have really depends on your prior experience and the job that you are applying for.

If you have just graduated, and have limited experience, it is perfectly acceptable to have 3 or 4 references.

However, if you have worked for a long time and are applying for an executive role, you should have at least 5, even up to 7 references.

However, read the job posting carefully.

If your potential employer says that they want 4, then provide them with 4.

You do not want to make it look like you are already not following their instructions.

If you provide 7 references, remember that your potential employer may only contact a few people. Ensure that your references are solid as stand-alone references, rather than as a group as you do not know who will be contacted.

Resume References Example

Even if your resume does not end at the bottom of the page, you should still be sure to start your reference list on a separate page.

Carry over your contact information section from your resume and use the same formatting.

After that, begin with your references.

As stated above, list your references with your best one at the top. Oftentimes, that will be the most relevant reference at the top.

A reference list with three references may look like this. Click the image to download the template.

As stated before, having three references is not a mandatory amount at all. Submit as many as were requested.

If there isn’t a specific number requested, add according to experience and what you are applying for.

(Read How To Make a Resume That Gets Past the Robots for more information on writing the other sections of your resume.)

Resume References Format (to Submit After Your Resume)

A reference list on your resume will be included in the same document.

A reference sheet is a separate document that you can submit when references are requested during the hiring process and is not attached directly to your resume.

Much like with the reference page on your resume, emphasis will be in the very same places. The document is essentially the same.

While either of these formats can be used to list your references, here is an example of a reference sheet that is more simplified than the sample above. Click the image to download the template.

Ensure that the font, font size, margins, and color scheme match those on your resume and cover letter.

This will ensure that the document looks similar to what you have already submitted.

How to Ask for a Reference

There are many ways that you can ask for a professional reference.

If you are on the phone with a potential reference, ask them then.

If you are talking with them in person, it will be a good idea to ask them then.

You definitely want to ask your references for permission before giving out their personal information.

You do not want them to be surprised by an unexpected call regarding your application.

You also want them to have time to prepare. With adequate preparation time, you will get a better reference by virtue of the fact that they could plan ahead.

That person might not actually want to provide a reference.

If they do not want to be a reference for you, then being surprised by a call is even less likely to yield positive results for you.

Asking for permission also helps ensure that you provide the correct contact details of your references.

Who Are Good References on a Resume?

Selection is vital.

Perhaps you have worked in a number of jobs and have access to reference options from countless colleagues. In addition, you may have a significant number of former subordinates, supervisors, and bosses.

Your go-to should not just be to pick out the most prestigious ones. Relevance matters.

A mix is great, as it allows for a fuller character picture based on how you are perceived by both your superiors and your subordinates.

Below is a list of potential references:

• Former or current supervisor
• Former or current colleague
• Former of current subordinate
• Former or current professor/teacher
• Business partner

If your job search is discreet, it goes without saying that your current coworkers will not be a good option for you.

Remember to be specific when talking to your references.

Do you recall that time that you collaborated on a project with your reference and you saw a 10% rise in net profit in that area? Remind them. Then when called, they can say:

Yes. I worked with Mr. Smith for 7 years at ABC Company. We achieved a lot together, but a highlight was when we collaborated on a project which led to a 10% rise in net profit. It was a shame that he had to leave us, but I would absolutely give my recommendation.

That is a lot better than them receiving a call out of the blue and saying:

Yes. I worked with Mr Smith for some time. He was a good worker who I liked working with. Yeah, I’d recommend him.

Being on the same page as who is giving your reference will help you a lot.

Additionally, advice about confidential applications is different.

If you don’t want your current employer to know, be smart.

You want to avoid asking anyone currently working for, or in contact with, your employer.

No matter who you ask, and if they promise to keep it confidential, they still can reveal your secret, even by accident.

Eliminate that risk by asking people who aren’t connected to your current job.

If you struggle to think of a specific achievement that your reference can highlight, remember to check key achievements in that shared job on your resume.

Who Are Bad References on a Resume?

Apart from colleagues and your current boss (if you are applying elsewhere discretely), there is a general rule that will you do well to remember.

When considering who should be a reference on your resume, remember that it is almost always a drawback to have personal rather than professional references.

A colleague that you worked with for years is a far better option than an aunt of yours that thinks your lemon drizzle cake is worth dying for.

It is great to make these personal connections and memories, but a potential employer will doubt a good reference from a relative as they are unlikely to mention any drawbacks, no matter how messy your bedroom is.

Friends are generally a no-no as well. However, if they currently work where you are applying, that may be more acceptable.

Also, remember anyone that you have clashed with is not someone you should list as a reference.

Even if things are better between the two of you now, you never know for sure that they are not going to mention it.

They might say something like this:

In our time working together, Ms. Smith was a diligent worker who endeavored to do her job to the best of her ability. However, she was occasionally prone to butting heads with colleagues if she disagreed about something. That may not be an issue now, but it was in my experience.

Being on better terms as you leave is great, but your history with that colleague remains.

In times like these, it is certainly best to err on the side of caution.

If there are two colleagues of note in the same job, but you only butted heads with one of them, then it should be obvious as to who to go with.

Stay on the safe side.

Shortlist the Perfect References

As stated before, you need to select the best references.

Depending on what role you are applying for, you can often select what references are better than others.

What references can highlight your skills that are the most relevant to this job?

What references currently work in that field, or a similar field?

Always aim to have these targeted references.

If you are a graduate in your early 20s, getting a reference from a professor is great. However, in your 40s, it is not nearly as ideal. They can only vouch for your aptitude a long time ago.

Be as up to date as you can, especially for key references.

Always have individuals lined up for references if you are beginning a job search. That way, you don’t have to pull a list together on very short notice.

Sample Email to Request a Reference

You may have to ask for a reference via email rather than on the phone or in person.

You have the opportunity here to choose your words carefully. Make the most of this by keeping the email from being vague.

Below is a sample of how an email to a reference might look:

Hi [Reference Name],

I hope you are well and having a great week!

We had talked previously about you providing a reference for me. I have since applied for [Job] at [Company]. I believe that I will likely be considered, in which case, references would be required. If you do not wish to provide a reference after all, that is absolutely fine.

However, the work that we did together remains one of the fondest professional memories that I have. I especially recall when we worked on [project] and saw [results]. I would be very grateful if you were willing to talk a little about this.

Best Wishes,

[Your Name]

See what that accomplishes?

It doesn’t only ask for a reference.

The email says where you have applied, and it provides some ammunition for the reference to use.

The reference is up to speed on your application because of your email. This is definitely better than expecting them to figure it out for themselves.

Even if they are not up for it, the worst that can happen is that they say no.

Once you have sent a number of these emails out, you should have a large enough list of references. Send individual messages though. Do not copy and paste the same message for everyone.

Remember to Follow Up

Make sure that whoever is giving your reference is fully up to speed with where you are in the process.

Tell them what jobs you have applied to, let them see your resume. Tell them that they are listed as a reference, even remind them of key things to think about highlighting.

If they agree and then give a reference for you, thank them.

That may be taking them for a coffee, or sending them a nice email.

If they help you land the job, do the same again. Giving a special thanks to individuals is a good thing to do, and it helps if you need another reference another time!

Always be willing to return the favor if a reference asks.

Key Takeaways

To summarize then, we can consider these as key takeaways:

• Ensure that you select references wisely, and have them fully up to speed on your job search. Ensure that you ask permission before using a reference.
• Do not include references on your resume unless specifically instructed to do so.
• The number of references you give can correlate with your experience and where you are applying to. A graduate can get away with 3, an executive applicant may need as many as 7.
• Format your reference sheet in the same way as you format your resume.

Not getting asked for your references?

Find My Profession is a highly rated resume writing service. Use this service and you will have a high-quality resume that can help you progress to the stage where you need to share references!

Recommended Career Advice For You

10 Best Staffing Agencies in Boston, MA (2024)

7 Best Career Coaching Services in Edmonton, AB (2024)

11 Best Resume Writing Services in Portland, OR (2024)

How To Ask for a Professional Reference

The Seven Best Ways to Ask for a Reference

The bottom line: make it easy.

Professional references play a significant role in landing an employment opportunity. However, if you have people in mind, you may not know the most appropriate way to ask them. For example, you probably need more than just:

“I’m currently looking for a new job – can I use you as a reference?”

If your request is vague or ambiguous, your contact may feel uncertain about what you are asking for and may not respond. Consequently, they may also be unable to serve as a reliable source for references. You can avoid this pitfall by writing your request in a clear, concise, and easy-to-understand format.

1. Directly

The one thing the “can I use you” line above has going for it is directness – it gets right to the point. Don’t lose sight of that as you flesh out your message using the tips below. See how each example still centers on a straightforward, yes-or-no question ending with a question mark. You’ll want the same in your message. Also, assuming you send your request by email, opt for a straight-shooter subject line like “Professional reference?” This direct tone makes it easier for your recipient to grasp why you’re reaching out to them quickly.

2. Politely

In any reference request you send, “please” and “thank you” are a must. Maintain a polite, courteous tone to show you respect and appreciate the person’s time and attention.

Dear [Recipient Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I’m starting a new job search, and I have a favor to ask. May I include you on my list of professional references?

I’d appreciate it. Please let me know. Thank you, and I look forward to your response.

[Your Name]

3. Personably

The best way to open your request is by citing any common background you share with the person. It shows the recipient you’re reaching out to them specifically, not just including them on a long list of inquiries. It’s also a possible conversation starter, inviting your contact to respond to you on a light personal note before getting down to business.

I hope this message finds you well. It was great seeing you and catching up at [the last time you met in person]!

I’m starting a new job search, and I have a favor to ask. May I include you on my list of professional references?

4. Professionally

Although a personable tone is great, don’t let that steer you into territory unfit for a professional setting. Even if the colleague you’re asking is also a good friend, it’s usually better to leave inside jokes (gifs, memes, etc.) out of this message. Go with a crisp, professional tone, and you’ll make it easier for a possible reference to see your value and take their recommendation seriously. (For the same reason, always double-check your message for proper spelling and grammar.)

5. Precisely

The more precisely your contact understands your job search, the more easily they’ll envision supporting it. Include with your message some background on your current goals. Consider giving details on your target job title, duties, level, industry, or company size.

Also, consider spelling out the skills you’d like to showcase to employers. This stops short of advising the person what to say on your behalf but helps them quickly know the parameters of your search and whether it’s something they can speak to. Spelling out your focus areas can be particularly helpful to colleagues you’ve worked with on various projects, who otherwise might be unclear about what your target employers will ask them.

I’m starting a new job search, and I have a favor to ask. May I include you on my list of professional references? I’d appreciate it.

The jobs I’m targeting are [background on goals]. 

To that end, I’m trying to emphasize my skills in [focus areas]. 

Please let me know if you’d be comfortable speaking about my ability in these areas . Thank you, and I look forward to your response.

Give some background on your job search, but don’t get carried away. If you find yourself typing out a lengthy description of your various career considerations, stop. You’ll make it easier for a possible reference to understand and reply to your request if you give just a few quick, precise details on the jobs you’re eyeing and the skills you’d like to apply. Don’t send the person your resume until after they’ve agreed to be a reference. Your resume can give references helpful broader context, but it amounts to TMI at this early stage.

7. Casually

Lastly, pose your question casually enough that the contact doesn’t feel awkward declining.

On the one hand, you should only ask for a reference from people you’re reasonably sure will say yes, i.e., past colleagues, mentors, and managers who’ve seen you excel at your job. But on the other hand, people are busy. A contact may want to help but not have the time to correspond with multiple employers, asking them for information about you. Acknowledge that outright in your message, and the person will be more comfortable responding even if their answer is no. Leave the communication open in case they can agree to be a reference for you later.

The jobs I’m targeting are [background on goals].

To that end, I’m trying to emphasize my skills in [focus areas].

Please let me know if you’d be comfortable speaking about my ability in these areas (and I’d certainly understand if you’re too busy at this time) . Thank you, and I look forward to your response.

The finished template above is just one way to organize your request message. Regardless of your approach, use these seven tips to make it easy for contacts to grasp and reply to your inquiry quickly. With a clear, direct request style, you can maximize your responses and start building a solid list of references for your job search.

Craft your perfect resume in minutes

Get 2x more interviews with Resume Builder. Access Pro Plan features for a limited time!

Jacob Meade

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, ACRW)

Jacob Meade is a resume writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience. His writing method centers on understanding and then expressing each person’s unique work history and strengths toward their career goal. Jacob has enjoyed working with jobseekers of all ages and career levels, finding that a clear and focused resume can help people from any walk of life. He is an Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW) with the Resume Writing Academy, and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.

Build a Resume to Enhance Your Career

• How to Land Your Dream Job Learn More
• How to Organize Your Job Search Learn More
• How to Include References in Your Job Search Learn More
• The Best Questions to Ask in a Job Interview Learn More

Essential Guides for Your Job Search

• Business Letter Formats Learn More
• Letter of Recommendation Examples of 2023 Learn More
• How to Include Personal and Academic Projects on Your Resume Learn More

How To Write a Resume for Your First Job

Imagine yourself stumbling across your dream job listing. You’re reading through the responsibilities and job tasks and you find yourself getting more and more excited as the list goes on. Then, it’s time to apply. But you have no real-world job experience. You’re just a student! How will you ever write a resume for your first job when you haven’t had one yet?

Knowing how to write a resume for your first job does not come naturally. In fact, it feels like a daunting task. If you have little applicable experience yet, or you’re just entering the workforce, how can you prove you’re the right fit for the position? 

Resumes are an excellent way to tout your knowledge, training and (if applicable) skills in the field. You can create an attractive resume highlighting your candidacy without any direct experience or prior work history.

We’ll show you how to write a resume for your first job so you can kick off your work experience with preparedness and confidence.

• Do you need a resume?
• What should you put on a resume?

Crafting a resume with no experience

Finalizing your first job resume, quick guide: write your first resume in 6 steps, do you need a resume for your first job.

While a resume may not be required to apply for your first job, it is highly recommended that you do so, and it will undoubtedly set you apart from the other applicants. A resume reflects your professionalism and commitment to the job application process. It showcases your knowledge, skills, training and prior experience in an easy-to-digest and relatively standard format, making it easy for potential employers to decipher between candidates to choose the best person for the job.

Even for entry-level positions, when many applicants don’t have a prior work history, sharing a resume will give you a competitive edge when written persuasively.

The role of a resume in job applications

A resume plays an important role when applying for jobs. It serves as an introduction to potential employers and those in the company who will decide whether or not to move forward with your application. It also provides a summary of what you bring to the table for those who will be interviewing you during the application process.

The resume is essential for showcasing your skills. A well-crafted and persuasive resume can highlight your achievements and knowledge, even if you have limited work experience in the field you’re applying to. Because your resume is the first contact point between you and a potential employer, it’s crucial to understand how to write a resume for your first job – and how to write it well.

What should you put on a resume for your first job?

There are a few things every resume must include – and those are some of the most essential details.

Contact information

We’d be remiss if we didn’t include the most important part of your resume – sharing your contact information. Start by listing your full name, phone number, email address and a link to your LinkedIn profile. Without your contact information, potential employers will have a hard time contacting you, which can prevent you from getting an interview.

Why share a link to your LinkedIn profile ? LinkedIn is now an essential part of the job search market. It serves as a shareable resume in addition to showcasing your network. Employers can see if you have any professionals in common from work or personal life, which may help build your credibility as a candidate.

Be sure to act professionally on LinkedIn. Share relevant news and insights to highlight your interest and knowledge of an industry, but be wary of getting too personal or engaging in inappropriate dialogue. Behave on LinkedIn as you would in an office setting with colleagues.

Educational background and achievements

Start by listing your educational information, such as schools attended, graduation dates and relevant academic achievements or awards. Include your major and minor, field of study and GPA. If you were enrolled in courses, projects or study abroad programs relevant to the job, include details to show your knowledge and interests.

Skills section

While you likely have some combination of hard and soft skills, a skills section will showcase the hard skills you’ve learned to prepare you for the job. Soft skills are best to be included in the bullet points to describe your accomplishments in your experience section.

• Hard skills include specific technical skills you’ve learned along the way. For example, computer proficiency, language skills, lab skills or specific training or certifications.
• Soft skills , or human skills, include job aspects that apply to many (if not all) job roles. These include communication, teamwork and problem-solving. If you’re particularly adept in any of these, showcase them and be prepared to share real examples of these skills in action.

Extracurricular activities and volunteer work

Employers look for candidates who go the extra mile to be involved in extracurricular activities. This demonstrates your commitment to becoming a well-rounded human being. Highlight clubs, sports or volunteer activities that you were involved in, especially emphasizing leadership roles or particular responsibilities you had in these activities. This extracurricular activity showcases your ability to multi-task, prioritize time and develop skills and interests.

Example Resume & Writing Guide

See a real-life example of a strong resume, including tips for gathering your own persuasive experience and skills using our Resume Writing Guide !

As a young adult or new graduate, you may wonder how to write a resume for your first job with no real-world experience. Don’t fear – there have been many in your shoes before you!

What does a resume look like for a first job?

Your resume should be straightforward with a clean and concise design. It should be easy to read with a simple flow highlighting information from most important to nice-to-have details. Do not go overboard with design details, fonts or graphics. 

Furman recommends that you use Microsoft Word to build your resume as it can be easier to make changes to a Word document than it is to change a template. However, you can use free resume builder tools online to build your resume in standard formats.

• Myperfectresume.com
• Resumenerd.com

Using strong action words and job-specific keywords in your resume for your first job will significantly impact you. Describe experiences and achievements using strong action verbs, such as:

• Collaborated
• Volunteered

What to put on a resume with no experience?

You can learn how to write a resume for your first job that impresses potential employers, even without relevant work experience, by emphasizing relevant coursework. Doing this demonstrates skills learned in a classroom or group project setting. Highlight personal or academic projects showcasing your abilities, such as experiences where you took the lead as a group or team leader.

Before submitting your first job resume, review and edit the document for mistakes or improvements.

Proofreading and editing

Attention to detail is critical to potential employers. Check your resume for typos and grammatical errors. Mistakes on your resume may eliminate you as a candidate, especially if grammatical adeptness or attention to detail is essential to the job.

Similarly, ensure a consistent design throughout your resume. Stick to one format, using one legible font and minimal design details. A professional resume appearance can set you apart from other applicants’ resumes that may appear messy or disorganized.

Seeking feedback

Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from friends, mentors or even career services at schools or community centers. A peer review from your fellow students, teachers or mentors can provide invaluable input on skills you may be forgetting, plus the extra set of eyes can help detect errors and typos.

Career services at your school or library also serve as an excellent third-party validation and review resource. Furman’s Malone Center for Career Engagement offers in-depth career preparation services for students, such as resume and cover letter assistance , career fairs and networking , personalized advice from advisors and interview prep – just to name a few.

Webinar: Polishing Your Resume & Preparing Your Pitch

Watch the free Polishing Your Resume & Preparing Your Pitch webinar for an in-depth look at creating your resume and preparing a pitch to potential employers straight from a Furman career advisor.

Now, do you feel ready and excited to write a resume for your first job? We hope you jotted down notes specific to your experience as you read through the post, but in case you didn’t, writing your resume can be simplified to these simple steps.

• Start with your contact information , including full name, phone number and email address. Consider adding a link to your LinkedIn profile.
• List your education experience , including relevant projects, courses and extracurricular activities.
• List both hard skills and soft skills relevant to the job.
• Explain your roles and responsibilities in your projects and extracurricular activities, especially those where you acted in a leadership capacity, using strong action verbs.
• Proofread and gather feedback.

If this is your first time writing a resume for your first job, approach the process with confidence and positivity. Your attitude will shine through the resume, so stay positive!

The perspectives and thoughts shared in the Furman Blog belong solely to the author and may not align with the official stance or policies of Furman University. All referenced sources were accurate as of the date of publication.

How To Study Abroad: A Full Guide for Students

What can you do with a chemistry degree, master of arts in teaching: an alumnus speaks | go further podcast.

Character Reference Letter: Example and Tips on How to Write Yours

The right introduction can open doors. If you ever felt like your resume doesn't properly portray your outstanding soft skills , let us introduce you to a character reference letter. While cover letters are the most popular additional document used in hiring processes, a good character letter can also be used to highlight your personal journey.

We will walk you through everything you need to know about writing a captivating character reference letter, including expert tips and an example to help you get started.

Looking for that perfect role? One of these open jobs on The Muse might just be the one »

What is a character reference letter?

A character reference letter is a document written to attest to a person's character, virtues, and abilities from a personal perspective—all attributes that potential employers value and want to know more about. When Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO and Founder of Lawn Love, is hiring for his company, he says, “it helps to get a sense of what a candidate is like as a human being beyond their qualifications.”

In the job market, character reference letters offer valuable insight into a prospective employee's cultural fit. Companies that prioritize cultural alignment may request these letters to ensure the candidate shares their values.

“Especially for companies that really value teamwork and a great workplace environment, the character qualities of a candidate matter quite a bit,” Yamaguchi says. “Sometimes this can be the deciding factor between two equally skilled candidates.”

This article focused on its use for job applications , but a character reference letter can also be useful and even requested for academic applications, volunteer positions, and pet adoption processes.

While character letters are a smart way to get ahead in the hiring process for any type of position you may be applying for, they’re most common in industries requiring high trust and interpersonal interaction, such as education , healthcare , or social services .

What should a character reference letter say?

Character reference letters should carry information that can't be found on your resume. “It provides insight into a candidate's personality, values, and interpersonal skills , which are crucial but not always evident through resumes or interviews,” says Naomi Clarke, the head of HR at digital company Flingster. “It helps hiring managers understand the candidate's reliability, integrity, and compatibility with the company culture, providing a more holistic view of the individual.”

Impactful character reference letters are ones that tell a story. If you’re writing one, don't just spell out the person’s virtues—showcase them with examples, putting positive traits in a real-world context. “Always be honest and avoid generic statements; personalized anecdotes make the letter more compelling,” Clarke says.

Hiring managers want to know your journey, how you've grown, what your goals are, and how you act towards them. The letter should paint a vivid picture that shows why you're a great fit for the job you’re applying for.

The character statement is a mirror reflection of how you can perform in critical situations or have the emotional intelligence to deal with challenges. Though technical skills and experience are important, emotional intelligence can be the difference between average performance and exceptional adaptability, efficacy, and cooperation.

If you're new to the field, are applying for an internship , or have taken a long stretch away from working, character reference letters can also help hiring managers to understand who you are and what you can bring that your lack of experience might obscure.

Here's what an employer is likely looking for in a character statement:

• Conflict resolution: Cases where you have effectively solved conflicts showcase good interpersonal relations skills and empathy.
• Adaptability: Examples of how you adjusted to change or uncertainty demonstrate flexibility and resilience, both signals of high emotional intelligence.
• Positive influence: Situations where you positively have impacted others or promoted a supportive work atmosphere indicate leadership abilities as well as motivation qualities.
• Passionate endorsement: A passionate endorsement is often expected when the subject has played significant roles in a work environment and/or other people’s lives.

​​Who should write your character reference letter?

The impact of a character letter is directly related to the person who's writing it. Your character reference should be written by someone who:

• Has known you for at least a year
• Isn't related to you (no family members, please!)
• Knows you well and can speak of you in a positive light

Colleagues you consider more than just work acquaintances may be a good idea, as well as previous employers, mentors, or university professors. Depending on your industry, you might be able to ask a client or a customer with whom you have an especially good relationship.

How to write a character reference

When asking someone to craft a compelling character reference letter for you, provide them enough information about the types of roles you're applying for and give them the proper time to do it.

The letter itself should be fairly brief. To make their job easier, you can share these steps to hit all the necessary points:

• Introduction: Briefly explain who you are, how you know the candidate, and how long you’ve known them.
• Describe their character: Highlight the candidate’s positive traits with specific examples. Mention their reliability, honesty, teamwork, and other relevant qualities.
• Add real-life examples: Provide anecdotes or examples that illustrate these traits. For instance, you might recount a time when the candidate went above and beyond in a volunteer project.
• Give an endorsement: Conclude with a strong statement of support, expressing your confidence in the candidate’s ability to excel in the new role.
• Contact information: Offer your contact details for any follow-up questions.

“I zero in on how well the referee actually knows the candidate and any concrete examples they provide of virtues like stellar work ethic,” says Conor Hughes, an HR consultant. “An overall assessment of the candidate's strengths and fit for the role is also super insightful to get that full 360 view.”

Character letter example

Here’s an example of a character reference letter.

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[City, State, ZIP Code]

[Email Address]

[Phone Number]

[Employer’s Name]

[Company’s Name]

[Company’s Address]

Dear [Employer’s Name],

I am writing to recommend [Candidate's Name] for the position of [Job Title] at [Company’s Name]. I have known [Candidate's Name] for [number] years in my capacity as [Your Relationship to the Candidate], and I can confidently attest to their excellent character and work ethic.

[Candidate's Name] is one of the most reliable and dedicated individuals I have had the pleasure of knowing. For example, [provide a specific anecdote that highlights the candidate’s positive traits]. This example is just one of many instances that demonstrate their [specific traits such as reliability, honesty, and teamwork].

In addition to their strong personal qualities, [Candidate's Name] has consistently shown [specific skills or qualifications relevant to the job]. I am confident that they would be a valuable asset to your team and contribute significantly to [Company’s Name].

Please feel free to contact me at [your email] or [your phone number] if you have any further questions.

Writing a character reference letter might seem intimidating at first, but with the right approach, it can be a rewarding way to support someone in their career journey. It should focus on the candidate’s best qualities, provide specific examples, and express genuine belief in their abilities.

• Trending Now
• Foundational Courses
• Data Science
• Practice Problem
• Machine Learning
• System Design
• DevOps Tutorial
• How to Make a Resume

Creating a standout resume might seem daunting, but it’s your key to landing that dream job. Your resume is more than just a list of jobs; it’s your personal marketing tool that highlights your skills, experiences, and achievements in a way that attracts potential employers. Nowadays it’s everyone’s concern how to make a resume that is ATS friendly and reflects your skills and knowledge.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to build a resume that gets noticed by hiring managers and recruiters. We’ll cover resume templates , effective resume formats , and tips for writing powerful resume bullet points. Building your resume is crucial for different job applications, how to highlight your professional experience and the best ways to list your education and certifications.

Table of Content

What is a Resume

Why a resume is important.

Before, moving on to how to write a resume even if you’re a fresher and have no experience, let us understand what is resume and why it is important.

A resume is a concise document that summarizes your skills , experiences , and achievements to showcase your qualifications for a job. Understanding resume writing how to is essential for creating a compelling resume that stands out. When learning how a resume is written, it’s important to focus on formatting, clarity, and relevance. Effective resume writing involves choosing the right structure, highlighting your most significant accomplishments , and tailoring the content to the job you’re applying for. By mastering how to write a resume, you can create a powerful tool that captures the attention of potential employers and helps you advance in your career.

If you want paychecks, you’ve to sell yourself first and a resume is that one tool or document that lists out your features and USPs that will help you to sell yourself in the job market. Within one or two pages, a resume convinces recruiters if they want to call you for a job interview or not. (That much power your resume holds)

So, if you want to bag your first interview or want to interview at your dream company or for a dream job role , it’s very important for you to write a strong and power-packed resume with correct keywords and relevant skills that will persuade recruiters to hit “I want to interview you” button. 

How to Make a Resume (Full Guide)

Choose your desired resume format.

• Reverse chronological resume format
• Functional or Skilled Focused resume format
• Hybrid Format
• Dos and Don’ts of Resume Layout 
• What resume format is best for ATS

Most people have two options when it comes to getting an interview call – A++ top-tier level resume or an “I know someone here” referral. No matter which group you belong to, it’s important to up your resume game and understands the strategies that are used to land an interview from your dream company within a week, if not days. Before you dive into the resume-building process, you have to decide on the right resume format that will take you up the ladder. If you’ve already decided to write your resume on a text editor like MS Word, it’s highly recommended you should keep your HANDS OFF from them. 

Formatting your resume on a basic text editor will not waste your time but also your effort. We recommend that you should use a resume builder tool like GeeksforGeeks Online Resume Builde r – Free. Our resume builder is fast, simple, and free to use. Moving onto resume formats that you can use to format your resume. 

There are three types of resume formats: reverse chronological, functional or skills-based, and hybrid. You should choose the format that suits the type of job you are applying for and your level of experience.

Types of Resume Formats

1) Reverse chronological Resume Format – This highlights your career advancement and emphasizes the relevant job experience. It’s an absolute fan favorite of recruiters. However, it doesn’t show your skills much so if you’re someone with highly relevant job experience, you can opt for this resume format.

Reverse chronological Resume Format

2) Functional/skills-based Resume Format – Are you a fresher with no job experience? Opt for a functional or skill-based resume format if you have skills to brag about but no relevant work experience. 

Functional/skills-based Resume Format

3) Hybrid Resume Format – Now, this resume format is preferred by most recruiters and loved by job seekers with diverse skillsets and job experience. It combines the best elements of both reverse chronological and functional resume format and provides space for the right keyword. 

If you’re wondering which resume format is best for ATS, go for the reverse chronological resume format. When it comes to resume layout, you need to mind these tips while formatting your resumes:

• Page Count: Keep your resume to one page. Max 2 if you’ve 7+ of experience and it’s relevant to your job role. Recruiters get 1000+ resumes every day and it gets tough to go through resumes with more than 2 pages. 
• Heading Tag: If you’re choosing an H1 tag or an H2 tag to write your headlines in your resume, then ensure that all headlines have the same tag.
• White space: Keep enough white space in your resume. Negative space is needed to make your resume look professional.
• PDF or Word: Download your resume as a PDF document as it can be read by most ATS. If the job description mentions that you need to send the doc file as a .doc, then send your resume like that as old ATS can’t read PDF files.

 Add your contact information

The most important and overlooked section of your resume is the contact information section which is right under your name. Even if you write everything correctly but haven’t provided your contact details, HRs can’t reach out to you even if they want to contact you. Ensure that everything on your contact information is up to date and triple-check the details if needed. 

Things that you should include are: 

• First Name / Last Name – Mention the name that is provided on your social security card or if you’re in India, it should match the name that’s provided on your PAN card or Aadhaar card.
• Phone Number – Only provide the phone number that is reachable.
• Email Address – Don’t provide an unprotected email address. Your email address should be like this: “[email protected]”. Avoid providing email addresses like [email protected], [email protected]
• Location – Your residential address should be the same as the one where you stay or relocated.
• Social Media URLs – If you’re a software developer, mention your Github profile. If you’re a designer, then Behance profile and if you’re a writer, provide your personal blog that showcases your abilities. Don’t forget to include your LinkedIn account as most recruiters go through LinkedIn to see your online presence. 

Write a Resume Headline that Can Stand You Out From the Crowd

A resume headline is a short, one-line statement that conveys who you are as a candidate. It is important to write a headline that grabs the recruiter’s attention and encourages them to read your qualifications in more depth. Your resume headline is often the first thing recruiters read so impress them within seconds by writing a short and concise headline. Keep it relevant to your job skills and make sure that you put the right keywords that are relevant to the job posting .

Some resume headlines examples for you to check out:

• Goal-Oriented Senior Accountant with 6+ Years of Accounting Experience in XYZ Company.
• Successful Manager of Dozens of Online Marketing Campaigns
• Award-Winning Video Editor Skilled in Web Design and Video Editing
• Detail-Oriented History Student with Curatorial Experience

Include a professional summary

The first impression is your last impression. This phrase stands true to date. An effective resume introduction can make or break you no matter what type of job you’re applying for. Your summary or objective can give the opportunity to impress the recruiter so carefully write your resume summary/objective. Don’t know where to write a resume summary or objective? We got you covered.

A resume summary is a 2-3 sentence summary of your working experience. Unless you’re a recent college grad or changing careers, you should use a resume summary in almost any scenario.

On the other hand, a resume objective implies the goal of your resume. It conveys why you want to work in that particular field and the motivation behind it. When writing a resume summary, include an objective of 2-3 lines. If you’re changing your career or have no significant work experience, make sure to write a resume objective.

Add your work experience

• If you’re a fresher, keep the education section at the top, and if you’re an experienced person or did work in FAANG companies or big coming, then put work experience at the top.
• If you’re a backend intern, make sure you’re writing the designation as a software engineering intern. 
• Make sure you’re covering up your tasks in 2-3 points.

Now we’re down to the most important part of the resume – work experience . If an add sells a product with just a few words, your resume does the same with you by selling you on the basis of your past work experience and achievements. Learning to write this section is a bit tough but once you master writing the perfect work experience section, 80% work is done here and after this you will know how to write and resume. So, let’s see how to list your work experience: Your work experience should be written in reverse chronological order as ATS can scan reverse chronological resume format easily.

It should be something like this:

Job title | Company Name | Date of employment 

Accomplishments & Achievements

• Job title: Keep it on top of your resume so that recruiters can easily see what position you’re applying for.
• Company name: Mention the company you are working in or working for.
• Date of employment: Mention the timeframe of your employment in all the companies you worked for. Ensure that format is like this – dd/mm/yyyy. It is important to mention as ATS parses it only then.
• Accomplishments and achievements: This is where you mention your core achievements that will in turn bag you – your dream job. List your achievements or responsibilities according to your job role.
• If you’re a fresher, keep the education section at the top and if you’re an intern or worked in FAANG companies or big companies, then make sure to put the work experience section at the top.
• If you’re a backend intern, instead of writing your job title as “Backend Intern”, write it as a “Software Engineering Intern”. You should always write the job title mentioned in the job description.
• Don’t write 10-15 points covering your job responsibilities. Recruiters don’t have the time to go through all of the responsibilities. Keep it to 2-3 points max.
• Mention achievements in terms of how exactly you helped the company grow, reach quarterly quotas, and so on. Numbers play a big role when it comes to convincing your future employers what exactly you achieved.

Mention your Soft and Hard Skills

Now that you mastered writing your work experience section, it’s time to dive into your skills section. There’re 2 types of skills:

• Soft Skills: These are your personal skills like social skills, communication skills, personal traits, career attributes, leadership, critical thinking, and management.
• Hard/Technical Skills: Hard Skills are measurable skills that you can measure like how proficient you’re in that particular skill. The use of technical skills frequently requires specialized tools and the technologies needed to use them.

A good resume should cover both. However, it’s highly advisable that you should mention those skills in which you’re fluent and not just at a beginner level. To know more about how to list your key technical skills, read our article 7 Key Technical Skills to List on Your Resume in 2022 .

Once you list your hard skills with your experience level, double-check your skills section and remove any skill you feel you’re not confident in and don’t LIE even if your life depends on it. Lying about skills can get you in serious trouble later on and can get you blacklisted too.

Include your education

The next section is all about your educational background, achievements, and projects. We’ll keep it short and concise for you. List your educational background in this way:

• Program Name. E.g.: “MBA in Marketing”
• University Name. E.g.: “Mumbai University”
• Years Attended. E.g.: “06/2019-05/2021”
• (Optional) CGPA. E.g.: “CGPA: 8”
• (Optional) Academic achievements. If you have written any interesting papers or excelled in any courses, do describe them.

Let’s move on to some tips that will help you perfect your educational background, achievement, and project section:

• Only keep the last 2 educational qualifications or examinations you’ve given.
• Only add those projects which are relevant to your job opening – projects which have more number of features.
• Projects to list- API-based projects, Portfolio-based projects, and Full-stack projects.
• Add as many numbers as you can while listing achievements – add your highest ranking in CP or the highest number of problems you solved on GeeksforGeeks or XYZ. 
• Don’t add intra-college achievements as it put forth a negative impression on recruiters.
• Don’t add “President of the xxx club” if you’re applying for tech roles. 

Mention Other Sections (Optional)

All the sections we’ve covered are must-haves but there are a few more sections that are optional and don’t hold much significance. These are like booster sections that can give you an extra wow effect.

The following sections can be added to your resume:

• Languages – If you’re multilingual and can be handy with different languages, do mention that in your resume. However, avoid mentioning language that you’re not proficient in as it can get you in trouble later on if you’re not able to help your colleagues when they require your help with the said language.
• Hobbies and Interests – Have extra space in your resume? Add up your hobbies and interests. It shows how you’re as an individual.
• Volunteering Experiences – Some studies show that volunteering has a greater impact on hiring. It shows that you’re an empathetic person by nature and can be loyal to the company. 
• Courses, Certifications, and Awards – Do you have any certifications or awards that can show you off and is relevant to the job position you applied for? Note them down in the resume as it shows your expertise in the said field.

Customize Your Resume According to the Job Posting

We’re almost at the end of the article. It’s time to format your resume in such a way that ATS can scan your resume smoothly. To understand the term ATS better , you should know ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System . It is software used to manage the entire application process for employers. This system compiles, scans, and ranks all of the applications.

According to a survey done, 98% of Fortune companies are using ATS to scan their resumes. ATS segments resume into various sections: Work Experience , Education, Skills , etc. Next, it looks for precise keywords and qualifications to see if you fit the job description. So it’s important to tailor your resume as per the job description and for how to resume writing. Resumes that don’t comply with the basic requirements are automatically discarded. A job candidate’s resume is ranked based on its relevance (the best resume appears at the top of the recruiter’s pipeline).

Proofread Your Resume With Correct Formatting

Now that you’re done with your resume writing task, it’s time to do the most important task – Proofread your resume. Here’s the checklist we’ve for you:

• Resume fonts – Stick to Ubuntu, Roboto, Overpass, or traditional fonts like Helvetica, Garamond, or Georgia. Your font should be 10-11 and don’t ever go with Comic Sans (only if you want to look like a joker)
• Check tenses – Describe the current work you are doing in the present tense, and use the past tense to describe jobs from the past.
• Resume action words – Use resume action words like “Chaired”, “Controlled”, “Executed”

Also Read: Free Online Resume Builder By GeeksforGeeks – Create Your Resume Now! 10 steps to write an Effective Resume Resume Building – Resources and Tips

In conclusion, learning how to write a resume resume is a crucial step in advancing your career and landing your desired job. Start by selecting a clean and professional format , then focus on highlighting your key skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Tailor each section to the job you’re applying for, ensuring that your qualifications align with the employer’s needs. Building your resume is very beneficial for you so remember to use clear and concise language, and proofread your resume to eliminate any errors. By following these steps, you can create a resume that effectively showcases your strengths and sets you apart from other candidates, increasing your chances of success in the job market.

How to Build a Resume – FAQs

How can i write resume.

You can write your resume by following the methods given above or you can also use any resume templates that will help you a lot.

How to Resume Writing?

Resume writing can be done by some of the points given below: Choose the Right Format Start with a Strong Header Craft a Compelling Summary or Objective Detail Your Work Experience

How can I write a simple resume?

To write a simple resume, use a clean format with clear headings. Include your contact information, a brief summary, your work experience, education, and relevant skills. Keep it concise and focused on your most important qualifications.

How to write a resume for a job?

To write a resume for a job, tailor it to the specific position by highlighting relevant experience and skills. Start with your contact details, followed by a strong summary, detailed work history, education, and a skills section. Use action verbs and quantify your achievements where possible.

What are the 7 basic steps to writing a resume?

Here are the basic steps: Choose the Right Format Start with a Strong Header Write a Compelling Summary Detail Your Work Experience Highlight Your Skills Include Your Education Proofread and Edit

Please Login to comment...

Similar reads, improve your coding skills with practice.

What kind of Experience do you want to share?

Basic Principles of Reference List Entries

A reference list entry generally has four elements: the author, date, title, and source. Each element answers a question:

• author: Who is responsible for this work?
• date: When was this work published?
• title: What is this work called?
• source: Where can I retrieve this work?

Answering these four questions will help you create a reference entry for any type of work, even if you do not see a specific example in the Publication Manual that matches it. Consistency in reference formatting allows readers to understand the types of works you consulted and the important reference elements with ease.

To learn more about content and format of the author, date, title, and source, visit the page on reference elements .

Correspondence between source and reference list entry

This figure shows the first page of a journal article. The locations of the reference elements are highlighted with different colors and callouts, and the same colors are used in the reference list entry to show how the entry corresponds to the source.

Additionally, the in-text citation for a work corresponds to the reference list entry . For example, the in-text citation for the work in the example is Botto and Rochat (2018) or (Botto & Rochat, 2018).

View the reference examples to see the basic principles of references in action.

The basic principles of reference list entries are covered in the seventh edition APA Style manuals in the Publication Manual Sections 9.4 to 9.6 and the Concise Guide Sections 9.4 to 9.6

Related handouts

• Common Reference Examples Guide (PDF, 147KB)
• Creating an APA Style Reference List (PDF, 179KB)
• Scaffolded Reference Elements Worksheet (PDF, 150KB)

Punctuation in reference list entries

Use punctuation marks in reference list entries to group information.

• Ensure that a period appears after each reference element—that is, after the author, date, title, and source. However, do not put a period after a DOI or URL because it may interfere with link functionality. And if a title ends with a question mark, the question mark replaces the period.
• Use punctuation marks (usually commas or parentheses) between parts of the same reference element. For example, in a reference for a journal article, use a comma between each author’s last name and initials and between different authors’ names, between the journal name and the volume number, and between the journal issue number and the page numbers.
• Do not use a comma between the journal volume and issue numbers. Place the issue number in parentheses directly after the volume number instead.
• Italicize punctuation marks that appear within an italic reference element (e.g., a comma or colon within a book title). Do not italicize punctuation between reference elements (e.g., the period after an italic book title or the comma after an italic journal title).

Suggested citations

Some works contain suggested citations. These citations often contain the information necessary to write an APA Style reference but need editing for style. For example, you may need to change the capitalization of the title or the punctuation between elements. You may also need to put elements in the proper order of author, date, title, and source.