How to List References on a Resume: 6 Examples + Builder

Most resumes do not list references. Employers ask for them later, usually after an interview, so you need a clean reference page ready to send. Knowing when to include references, who to pick and how to format them helps you move fast when the request comes.

Below are 6 examples, including a reference page, a resume section and the emails you need, followed by a free builder with three starting points. Make your own, then print it or copy it.

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The people, employers, addresses, phone numbers and emails in these examples are fictional. Replace them with your own real references.

6 Reference List Examples

Quick jump: Reference page Resume section Ask a reference Thank a reference Relationship notes Send to employer Free reference page builder

Reference Page With Three References

Professional References for Jessica Johnson
Charlotte, NC | (555) 010-1800 | jessica.johnson@example.com

Robert Miller
Regional Sales Manager, Summit Insurance Group
120 Trade Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
(555) 010-1801
robert.miller@example.com
Current manager. Supervised my work for 4 years.

David Thompson
Team Lead, Summit Insurance Group
120 Trade Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
(555) 010-1804
david.thompson@example.com
Former coworker. Worked beside me for 3 years.

Dr. Steven Walker
Business Instructor, Central Piedmont Community College
1201 Elizabeth Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204
(555) 010-1806
steven.walker@example.com
Adviser and mentor. Guided my professional development for 3 years.

References Section at the Bottom of a Resume

REFERENCES

Robert Miller, Regional Sales Manager, Summit Insurance Group
(555) 010-1801 | robert.miller@example.com

Linda Carter, Operations Manager, Brightline Communications
(555) 010-1802 | linda.carter@example.com

Angela Brooks, Senior Account Executive, Summit Insurance Group
(555) 010-1803 | angela.brooks@example.com

Use this short format only when the job posting asks for references on the resume.

Email Asking Someone to Be Your Reference

Subject: Reference Request: Michael Brown

Hello Ms. Davis,

I am writing to ask whether you would be willing to serve as a reference for me. I am applying for a sales manager job at Harbor Retail Group, and I enjoyed working with you at Lakeview Market for three years.

If you agree, I will send you my resume and the job description so you know what the employer values. I will also let you know when to expect a call.

Thank you for considering this.

Best regards,
Michael Brown
(555) 010-1810

Email Thanking a Reference

Subject: Thank You for Being My Reference

Hello Ms. Davis,

I am writing to thank you for serving as my reference. I received an offer from Harbor Retail Group, and your support made a real difference.

I am happy to return the favor anytime, and I will keep you updated on how the new job goes.

With thanks,
Michael Brown

Reference List With Relationship Notes

References for Emily Taylor

Sarah Mitchell, Nursing Director, Mercy Valley Hospital, Denver, CO
(555) 010-1820 | sarah.mitchell@example.com
Former manager. Supervised my work on the medical-surgical unit for 3 years.

Nicole Harris, Charge Nurse, Mercy Valley Hospital, Denver, CO
(555) 010-1821 | nicole.harris@example.com
Coworker. Worked the same shifts with me for 4 years.

Kevin Walker, Nurse Educator, Lakeside Community Hospital, Aurora, CO
(555) 010-1822 | kevin.walker@example.com
Mentor. Trained me during my first year as a nurse.

Email Sending Your Reference List to an Employer

Subject: References for the Account Manager Job: Daniel Smith

Hello Ms. Thomas,

I am writing to send my references for the account manager job at Greenfield Financial Services, as you requested after my interview.

The attached page lists three people who know my work well, with their phone numbers and emails. Each one knows to expect your call. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,
Daniel Smith
(555) 010-1830

Free Reference Page Builder

Which Starting Point Fits You?

Your situation	Builder choice	What to include
Your boss knows you are job hunting	Current manager	Current manager, plus a coworker or mentor
You left on good terms	Former manager	A former boss and a coworker who saw your results
You work closely with senior staff	Senior colleague	A senior colleague, plus an adviser or mentor

How to List References in 8 Steps

Step	What to do
1. Check the posting	Do not put references on your resume unless the posting asks for them
2. Remove the old line	Drop the line saying references are available upon request
3. Choose people	Pick managers, coworkers, former direct reports, advisers or mentors who know your work
4. Ask first	Ask permission and tell each person about the job you want
5. Add details	Include name, position, company, address, phone and email, plus a one- or two-sentence note on how you know them
6. Match your resume	Use the same fonts and headings as your resume
7. Follow the count	Give the number the employer asks for; if none is given, three is a common choice
8. Say thanks	Thank each reference afterward

Who Makes a Good Reference?

Good choice	Why it works
Current or former manager	Can speak to your results and reliability
Coworker	Has seen your teamwork day to day
Former direct report	Can describe how you lead
Adviser or mentor	Can speak to your growth and character
Client or vendor	Can describe your service from the outside

Mistakes to Avoid

Listing references without asking. Always get permission first.
Using the old upon-request line. Leave it off.
Skipping contact details. Give phone and email for each person.
A page that does not match. Use your resume’s fonts and headings.
Typos. Proofread twice.

Reference List Checklist

Tick each item as you finish. Your reference list is ready when the counter reaches 10.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I list references on a resume?

Only do it if the posting asks. Put a short REFERENCES section at the bottom with each person’s name, position, company, phone and email. Otherwise, keep references on a separate page and send them when asked.

Should I write references available upon request?

No. Indeed advises leaving that line off, because employers assume you will provide references when asked.

How many references should I list?

Follow the employer’s number. If none is given, three is a common choice.

Who should I choose as references?

Managers, coworkers, former direct reports, advisers or mentors who know your work well.

What details should I include?

Name, position, company, address, phone and email, plus one or two sentences on your relationship.

Should I ask permission first?

Yes. Ask each person, tell them about the job and share your resume so they can speak to the right strengths.

Should the reference page match my resume?

Yes. Use the same fonts, headings and header so the two pages look like a set.

Can I use a personal reference?

Use a professional reference first. Add a personal reference only if the employer asks for one.

When do I send my references?

When the employer asks, often after an interview. Send the page quickly so the process keeps moving.

Should I thank my references?

Yes. A short thank-you email after the process keeps the relationship strong.

Conclusion

A ready reference page shows you are organized and respected by people who know your work. Choose your references, ask each one and keep the page in the same style as your resume. Use the builder above to make yours today.