How To Do References On A Resume

Delta Littel 12 Jun 2025

How to Do References on a Resume- Your Simple Guide

Thinking about putting your professional contacts on your job application? It's a common question, really, especially as job hunting changes. What was once a typical thing to do, including a list of people who could speak about your work, has actually shifted quite a bit. You might be surprised to learn that for most job openings today, those looking to hire don't expect to see a list of contacts right away. It's just not how things are typically done anymore, you know?

The folks in charge of bringing new people onto a team, like a hiring manager or someone who helps find new talent, often have a lot on their plate. They usually don't have the spare time or the extra resources to get in touch with everyone's contacts who sends in an application. This holds true even for those who get invited in for a chat about the job. So, in a way, sending in a contact list too early just doesn't quite fit with how most companies handle things these days.

Instead of getting those contact details right at the start, they usually wait and ask for them later on, if they really think you're a good fit. This means you have a chance to prepare things properly, which is pretty helpful, actually. Understanding this small but significant shift can really help you present your best self when you're looking for a new role. So, let's talk about how to manage your contacts for job applications in a smart way.

Do you really need to put references on your resume?
Why the old way of how to do references on a resume isn't common
When is the right moment to share your references?
Getting your reference list ready for how to do references on a resume
How do you ask people to be your references?
Making sure your contacts are prepared for how to do references on a resume
What's the best way to format your reference sheet?

Do you really need to put references on your resume?

It’s a question many people ponder when they're getting ready to apply for a job: should I include my professional contacts on my application document? The simple answer, for the most part, is no, you usually don't need to put them directly on your main job application. Most places that are hiring don't ask for those details right at the very beginning of their process for bringing new people in. So, you shouldn't just stick them onto your main application paper when you first send it in for a potential role. This is, you know, a pretty common misunderstanding for many job seekers.

If the folks doing the hiring are truly thinking about you as a potential person for the job, they will, in fact, reach out and ask you for a thorough list of people who can speak about your work history and character. This usually happens later in the process, perhaps after an initial chat or a few interviews. So, in that case, there's no real need to give them that information until they specifically request it from you. It's a bit like waiting for the right moment, you could say.

Your main application document, the one that outlines your skills and past jobs, has very valuable room on it. You only get so many pages to work with, as a matter of fact, when you're putting together your job application. It's important to use that room wisely to show off your best qualities and experiences. Because of this, putting a section for your contacts or even just adding the phrase "contacts available upon request" just ends up taking up space that could be used for something more impactful. It's almost like using up prime real estate for something that isn't needed yet.

Why the old way of how to do references on a resume isn't common

The old custom of putting a list of people who can speak about your work directly on your job application isn't the usual practice anymore. Employers don't really expect folks looking for work to hand over this kind of information right at the start. A person who handles hiring or someone whose job is to find new talent just doesn't have the spare time or the extra things needed to get in touch with contacts for everyone who sends in an application for an open position. This is true, too, for everyone they might bring in for a conversation about the job. It's simply not a practical way for them to go about things, you see.

Instead, what usually happens is that they will ask for these contacts later on. This means that including these contacts on your main application document is, pretty much, a waste of precious room. The space on your application document is very valuable. As you probably know, when you're putting together your application, you only get a certain amount of pages to share your story. Don't use up that important room by putting a section for contacts or by adding the words "contacts available upon request." It's just not something that adds value early in the process, so why give up that space, right?

Think about it this way: your application document is your first chance to make a good impression. Every bit of room on it should be working hard to show why you're a great fit for the job. If you use up space for contacts that won't be checked until much later, you're missing out on a chance to talk more about your achievements or your unique abilities. It's a bit like trying to pack too much into a small bag; some things just have to wait. This approach helps you focus on what really matters in that first impression, you know, when thinking about how to do references on a resume.

When is the right moment to share your references?

So, if you're not putting your contacts on your main job application, you might be wondering, "When is the best time to share them?" The truth is, checks on your contacts usually happen toward the very end of the hiring journey. This is typically done to confirm the details you've shared about your past work history. Because this is the case, many people wonder why contacts would even be needed on a job application in the first place. The reality is that unless you are specifically asked for them, contacts should be left off when you are putting together your application. It’s a pretty clear rule, actually.

The general rule is to hand over your contacts as soon as you're asked for them, but not a moment sooner. Most job postings don't ask for contacts, so don't include them in your first application. You should, generally speaking, list your contacts on a separate, dedicated page for this purpose, to be added as the very last page of your application packet. However, if the job advertisement doesn't specifically ask for contacts, then do not include them with your application. Also, do not add the phrase "contacts available on request." It uses up valuable room on your application, and if the person looking to hire wants contacts, they will simply ask you for them directly.

There are some very specific times when including contacts on your job application can be helpful, even if it's not always needed. Here are some simple guidelines on when to include them. If the job posting or the employer clearly asks for contacts, then you should include them with your application materials. You can either list them directly on a separate sheet. This is the main exception to the rule about not including contacts. If an employer specifically requests that you provide contacts on your application, then you should absolutely do it. Just make sure you provide the right kind of contacts, too. If they don't say what kind, it's a good idea to start with professional contacts. Then, if they want personal contacts, they can get in touch with you to ask for those.

Getting your reference list ready for how to do references on a resume

When you start putting together a list of people for employers to call on during the hiring journey, there are some steps you can follow to help guide your document. First, you'll need to figure out how many contacts to include. The number of contacts you list often depends on where you are in your working life. For someone just starting out, a couple might be fine. For someone with a lot of experience, perhaps three to five would be more fitting. It's about finding a good balance, you know?

You'll also want to learn when and how to include these contacts with your application, along with examples and helpful hints. Find out the best way to arrange, structure, and adjust your contact section or page for different situations and types of jobs. This preparation means you're ready when the time comes, instead of scrambling at the last minute. It's pretty much about being smart and prepared, actually.

A separate list of contacts is a very smart alternative to putting contacts directly on your main application document. Besides being easy to get ready ahead of time to make sure you have a contact list handy for any interested employers, they can also be quietly added to your application if a job posting happens to ask for them. This flexibility is pretty useful, honestly, when you're thinking about how to do references on a resume.

Before you even think about putting people down as contacts, whether on a separate sheet or if by chance they ask for them on your main application, there are some things to consider. These thoughts will help make sure everything goes smoothly. It's about being thoughtful and respectful of those who are helping you out.

How do you ask people to be your references?

One of the most important steps in this whole process is reaching out to the people you'd like to list as contacts. Before you put anyone down, whether it's on a separate document or if you're emailing them, you really should get in touch and ask for their permission first. This isn't just about being polite, though that's a big part of it. It's also about making sure they know a call might be coming their way. If they're aware, they have some time to think about what they might say in advance, which is pretty helpful for everyone involved, wouldn't you agree?

Once you've gotten their go-ahead, it's a good idea to follow up with a thank you. A simple note or email expressing your thanks can go a long way. It shows you value their time and their willingness to help you out. People appreciate being acknowledged, and it helps keep your professional connections strong. This small act of kindness can, in fact, make a big difference.

You should only put contacts on your main application document if the employer clearly states so in the job advertisement or in the instructions for applying. Otherwise, keep your contacts off your main application and onto a separate document. This is a pretty firm rule for most job applications these days. It helps keep your main application focused on your skills and experience.

Making sure your contacts are prepared for how to do references on a resume

After you've gotten permission from your desired connections, you'll want to create a separate document just for your contacts. This document should not be the main page of your application. This way, it's ready to go when an employer asks for it. It's about being prepared, which is pretty much always a good thing when you're looking for work.

It's also a good idea to check in with each of your professional contacts beforehand. Just a quick reminder that they might get a call can be helpful. This ensures they're still happy to speak on your behalf and that they're ready to share positive things about your work. This little bit of effort can really make a difference in how well your contacts can support your job search. It's a bit like giving them a heads-up, so they're not caught off guard, you know?

This preparation also means that your contacts can think about specific examples of your work or character that they might want to share. If they know what kind of job you're applying for, they can even tailor their comments to fit what the employer is looking for. This makes their feedback much more powerful and useful to the hiring team. So, in a way, you're setting them up for success, which in turn helps you.

What's the best way to format your reference sheet?

When you're building your separate contact page, you'll want to pick three to five contacts, or the number that was asked for. Be very selective about who you choose. Aim to include three to five contacts who can really speak well about you in a work setting. These should be people who know your work ethic, your skills, and your professional character. They should be able to give a strong, positive recommendation. It's pretty important to pick the right people, honestly.

Once you have your chosen contacts, list your very best ones at the top of the page. This way, if an employer only gets through part of your list, they'll at least speak with the people who will give you the most glowing recommendations. This is a smart move, you see, to make sure your strongest supporters are heard first.

After you've gotten their permission, make a separate document for your contacts that is not the main page of your application. Put your contact information at the top of this separate sheet, and include a title like "Contacts for [Your Name]." Then, list each of your contacts and include their details. This should include their full name, their current job title and the company they work for, their email address, and their phone number. Make sure all this information is accurate and up to date.

An example of how to list contacts on a separate sheet can help you decide what you need to do. Here, we have a few different scenarios for you to think about. If you are adding a dedicated contact section to the bottom of your main application, which is rare but sometimes asked for, here's the format you should follow. However, for most cases, it's about that separate sheet.

For a separate contact list, it’s a good idea to have it ready to go.

Start with your name and contact information at the very top, just like on your main application.
Then, clearly title the page, something like "Professional Contacts for [Your Name]".
For each person, include:
- Their full name
- Their current job title
- The company they work for
- Their email address
- Their phone number
- A brief line about your relationship (e.g., "Former Manager," "Colleague on Project X")

This kind of structure makes it really easy for the hiring team to get in touch with your supporters. It's pretty straightforward, actually.

Having a separate list of contacts is a very smart choice, a good way to go instead of putting them directly on your main application. Besides being easy to get ready ahead of time to make sure you have a list of contacts handy for any interested employers, they can also be quietly added to your application if a job posting happens to ask for them. This method makes your life a bit easier, you know?

The biggest good point of including contacts in your job application, when asked, is that it will help your future employer learn more about how you approach your work and what kind of person you are during the interview process. If given the choice to interview someone, having those contacts ready can show you're prepared and have people who can vouch for you.

So, instead of putting contacts on your main application, type them up on a separate document. On this separate page, include the person's first name and last name, their current job title and the name of their company, their email address, and their phone number. Be sure to check with each of your professional contacts ahead of time, as we discussed. This preparation ensures everything runs smoothly.

Online recommendations are also a thing, like on professional networking sites. These are pretty much an online version of your contacts. The only real difference is that they are online and can be seen by everyone (if you choose to make them public). And you can ask for them anytime, so you don't need to think about whether you should include them with your application or not. In short, they can make things a little bit simpler for you.

Knowing how to manage your contacts for a job application, including when to share them and how to set up that separate list, can really make a difference. It's about being prepared and presenting your information in the most effective way possible for today's job market. Remember, your main application is for your skills and experience; your contacts are for when the employer is truly ready to learn more about you through others.

"Do" vs. "Does" – What's The Difference? | Thesaurus.com

Do — learning English auxiliaries — English Reservoir

Using Do vs. Does Properly in Questions and Sentences | YourDictionary

PoliticalForecast

How To Do References On A Resume