Last Updated on October 15, 2025
When you start preparing your resume, you want it to stand out in the eyes of hiring managers. Many job seekers wonder whether they should include a resume template with references section or if references should be left off entirely. The answer depends on current hiring trends, what recruiters expect, and how you want to present your professional brand.
In the past, adding a line like “References available upon request” was common. However, in today’s competitive job market, resumes are expected to be concise, targeted, and focused on achievements. That means references are usually handled separately. Still, job seekers continue to search for resume templates that contain or allow space for references, especially when applying to companies that specifically request them.
This guide explores everything you need to know about references on a resume: whether to include them, why they are often excluded, and how to create a professional reference page. You’ll also find templates, examples, and practical advice on choosing the right people to vouch for you. By the end, you’ll understand exactly how to create a resume template with references section that works for your situation.
Do You Put References on a Resume?
The short answer is: usually no. Most recruiters and hiring managers do not want references listed on the resume itself. Instead, they expect candidates to provide references later in the hiring process.
There are two main reasons behind this:
Space is valuable – Your resume should ideally be one or two pages. Every line counts, and filling it with reference details means losing space that could highlight your skills, achievements, or keywords that Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) look for.
Recruiters want tailored information – Companies often request references only after they’ve decided to move forward with you. At that stage, they want updated, job-specific contacts, not a generic list attached to your resume.
That said, some industries, internships, or academic positions may still ask for a resume template with references section up front. In those cases, it’s best to use a clean, professional format that doesn’t overpower your main content.
The Main Reason Why You Shouldn’t Include References on Your Resume
The biggest drawback of adding references directly to your resume is that it distracts from your core value. Hiring managers spend an average of six to seven seconds scanning a resume before deciding whether to continue reading. If they see names and phone numbers of your past supervisors, it takes attention away from your measurable accomplishments.
Furthermore, references are private contact details. Sharing them widely in every application can compromise their privacy. It’s better to provide their details only when necessary.
Another critical point is ATS optimization. Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems to filter resumes. Including references in your resume doesn’t improve keyword rankings and may even confuse formatting. Instead of strengthening your application, it can weaken it.
This is why career experts recommend keeping references off the main document and instead preparing a separate reference page formatted to match your resume template.
How to Make a Reference Page for Your Resume
While you generally shouldn’t put references directly on your resume, you should always prepare a separate reference page in advance. This ensures that if a recruiter requests it, you can provide a professional document immediately without rushing. A resume template with references section becomes useful in this case, because it allows you to keep your formatting consistent across all documents.
Here’s how to create an effective reference page:
1. Create a Dedicated List of References Separate from Your Resume
Instead of squeezing references into the bottom of your resume, prepare a standalone page that matches the same style as your resume and cover letter. Use the same font, margins, and header design (including your name and contact information at the top).
This approach keeps your main resume focused on your qualifications while making it easy for hiring managers to find your references when they need them.
Your reference page should have a clear title such as “Professional References” or “References for [Your Full Name].”
2. Format Your Reference Details with the Most Relevant Person on Top
Hiring managers don’t have unlimited time. They may only call one or two people, so it’s best to put the strongest references at the top of your list. A strong reference is usually someone who:
- Supervised your work directly
- Worked with you in a leadership capacity
- Can provide detailed, positive feedback about your skills and accomplishments
For example, if you are applying for a project management role, list your previous project supervisor before including academic or personal references.
By ordering your references strategically, you ensure the most relevant voices are heard first.
3. Include the Appropriate Contact Information for Each Reference
Each reference entry should include:
- Full name
- Job title
- Company or organization name
- Professional email address
- Phone number
- Relationship to you (e.g., Former Supervisor, Academic Advisor, Project Lead)
Keep the formatting simple and consistent. For example:
John Smith
Senior Marketing Manager | ABC Corporation
Email: john.smith@email.com | Phone: (555) 123-4567
Relationship: Former Supervisor at ABC Corporation
Avoid including personal addresses or unnecessary details. Employers only need quick access to valid contact information.
A polished reference page not only demonstrates professionalism but also shows that you respect the recruiter’s process. Using a resume template with references section ensures all these details are presented neatly, without looking like an afterthought.
Professional References Template
When you prepare a reference page, having a consistent and professional template ensures that all information looks polished and easy to read. A well-structured format also reflects your attention to detail, which recruiters value.
Here’s a simple but effective professional references template you can adapt to your own needs. Notice how it mirrors the style of a resume:
Your Name
Your Address | City, State | Phone Number | Email Address
Professional References
[Reference 1 Full Name]
Job Title | Company Name
Email: example@email.com | Phone: (123) 456-7890
Relationship: Former Manager
[Reference 2 Full Name]
Job Title | Organization
Email: example@email.com | Phone: (987) 654-3210
Relationship: Academic Advisor
[Reference 3 Full Name]
Job Title | Company
Email: example@email.com | Phone: (555) 111-2222
Relationship: Project Lead
This type of structure is clean, ATS-friendly, and recruiter-approved. If you are using a resume template with references section, simply align the design elements (fonts, borders, or colors) with the rest of your resume documents.
Resume References Example
To see how a real reference page might look, let’s explore a practical resume references example. Imagine you are a marketing professional applying for a new role. Instead of cramming names at the bottom of your resume, you create a matching one-page document titled “References.”
Sophia Miller
Marketing Coordinator | XYZ Agency
Email: sophia.miller@xyz.com | Phone: (212) 555-7890
Relationship: Direct Supervisor
David Johnson
Senior Marketing Director | ABC Corporation
Email: david.johnson@abc.com | Phone: (415) 555-1234
Relationship: Department Head during major campaigns
Emily Roberts
Professor of Business Communications | State University
Email: emily.roberts@stateu.edu | Phone: (617) 555-4567
Relationship: Academic Mentor
This example highlights three strong references: one direct manager, one senior leader, and one academic advisor. Each contact is clearly listed, with professional details that recruiters can verify.
By formatting your reference page this way, you demonstrate professionalism and reliability. You also make it easier for employers to confirm your experience without overwhelming your main resume.
How Many References Should You Have?
The number of references you should include depends on the stage of your career and the type of job you are applying for. In most cases, employers expect three to five references. Having fewer than three may appear unprepared, while including more than five can seem unnecessary unless specifically requested.
For entry-level applicants, three strong references (such as professors, internship supervisors, or volunteer coordinators) are usually enough. Mid-level professionals often provide four to five references, especially if they have worked across multiple organizations. Senior executives or specialized professionals may prepare a longer list, but they should still present the most relevant contacts first.
The key point is that quality matters more than quantity. A few powerful references who can speak confidently about your achievements will make a stronger impression than a long list of people who only know you casually.
Who to Put as a Reference
Choosing the right references is just as important as formatting them. Employers want people who can confirm not only that you worked somewhere but also that you made a positive impact. Let’s break this down further.
1. Who Are the Best References for a Job?
The best references are professional contacts who directly observed your work ethic, problem-solving ability, and teamwork. These may include:
Former supervisors or managers
Team leaders or project coordinators
Colleagues who collaborated with you on major projects
Clients or business partners (if relevant to the role)
Professors or academic advisors (for students or recent graduates)
The stronger their professional credibility, the more weight their recommendation carries. For example, a reference from a direct supervisor at a reputable company is often more valuable than a reference from a casual acquaintance.
2. Should You Use a Friend as a Personal Reference?
Many job seekers wonder if it’s okay to use a friend as a reference. In most cases, friends are not ideal unless the job posting specifically allows personal references. Hiring managers prefer references who can evaluate your work in a professional or academic context.
That said, if you lack formal experience, you may use personal references who can highlight qualities such as reliability, leadership, or character. For example, a coach, community leader, or family friend who supervised you in volunteer work may be acceptable. However, casual friendships without a professional element should be avoided.
3. Who Should I Use as a Reference for a First Job?
If you are applying for your first job, you may not have supervisors from previous employment. In this case, you can still create a resume template with references section by listing:
Professors who taught you important skills
Academic advisors familiar with your strengths
Internship or apprenticeship supervisors
Volunteer coordinators
Leaders from extracurricular activities (such as sports coaches or club presidents)
These individuals can confirm your dedication, skills, and ability to learn quickly. Even though they are not from paid work experience, they provide valuable insight into your character and potential.
Final Expansion: Making Your Resume References Truly Work for You
So far, we’ve covered whether to include references on your resume, why they’re usually excluded, how to create a reference page, what templates and examples look like, how many references you should have, and who to choose. Let’s go a bit deeper into practical strategies that tie all of these ideas together.
Why References Still Matter in the Hiring Process
Even though references are not part of your resume’s main content, they still hold significant weight. Many employers make their final hiring decision only after checking references. At this stage, references serve as a verification tool—confirming your skills, professionalism, and the accuracy of what you wrote in your application.
This means a resume template with references section can still play a role when employers want all information in one place, or when you apply to smaller organizations that skip formal ATS systems. Being flexible ensures you’re ready for both modern corporate hiring and traditional practices.
Tips to Maintain a Strong Reference List
Always Ask Permission First – Never list someone without informing them. A surprised reference may give vague answers that hurt rather than help.
Keep Contact Information Updated – Outdated emails or phone numbers create a negative impression. Regularly check with your references to confirm their details.
Rotate Based on the Job Role – Different jobs highlight different skills. For a teaching role, include academic supervisors; for a management position, prioritize team leads or executives.
Show Appreciation – After someone agrees to be a reference, thank them. A short message of gratitude builds goodwill and ensures they remain supportive in the future.
Using Templates to Save Time
A resume template with references section is especially helpful for job seekers applying to multiple roles quickly. Instead of formatting from scratch each time, you can use a template that already includes a dedicated reference page. You simply swap in the relevant names and details depending on the position.
For example, a teacher applying to schools may keep two versions of references:
One featuring academic mentors and student-teaching supervisors.
Another featuring school principals and senior teachers from prior experience.
By aligning your references with the job description, you reinforce your suitability for the role.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even strong candidates make avoidable errors with references. Here are the most frequent ones:
Adding “References available upon request” – This phrase is outdated. Recruiters already assume you can provide them if needed.
Listing personal family members – Unless explicitly asked, relatives do not make credible references.
Using references who don’t remember you well – If a former boss has little recollection of your work, their recommendation may be vague or unconvincing.
Overloading the page – Keep the design clean. Too many references or cluttered formatting looks unprofessional.
By steering clear of these mistakes, your reference page adds value rather than creating confusion.
When to Use a Resume Template with References Section
Although most modern resumes exclude references, there are situations where including them makes sense:
Academic applications – Graduate schools or research institutions often ask for references upfront.
International jobs – Some countries still expect references on the resume itself.
Government roles – Certain agencies may require references during the initial application.
Creative portfolios – Freelancers or consultants sometimes include references or testimonials directly in their CVs to show credibility.
In these cases, having a resume template with references section already designed saves time and ensures consistency across your application package.
Final Thoughts
References may not appear on your resume’s front page, but they remain an essential part of the hiring process. The smartest approach is to prepare both:
A clean, focused resume without references.
A matching reference page using a professional template.
This balance allows you to meet modern hiring expectations while still being ready for employers who want immediate access to references.
By following the steps outlined in this guide—choosing the right references, formatting them properly, and using professional templates—you not only stay prepared but also show recruiters that you are thoughtful, organized, and serious about your career.
Ultimately, your references should act as your strongest supporters, confirming what your resume already proves: that you are the right candidate for the job.
