Struggling to get interviews?
In the past, people included personal references on their resumes, but this is no longer common.
Do not include references on your resume.
Don’t include references on your resume because:
1. It’s outdated
Including references on your resume, or the phrase “references available upon request,” is outdated.
Today, employers will review your LinkedIn for mutual contacts or contact previous employers if they want to know more about you. Listing references on your resume adds no value and can make a resume look dated.
2. It violates the privacy of your references
Listing your references’ names and phone numbers on your resume exposes their personal information to strangers.
If you upload your resume to job boards, that information can be collected by bots or sold to marketers, leading to unwanted calls or emails.
3. It wastes space
If you’re aiming for a one-page resume, every line counts, and references only waste space.
Even writing “References available upon request” uses space you could devote to skills or accomplishments that impress employers.
How to send references if asked by an employer
An employer may occasionally ask for personal references.
For example, some government job applications require you to submit references through an online application portal.
If a job listing requests references, include them. Omitting them suggests you can’t follow instructions.
Some people maintain a reference page — a complete list of professional references from their career. Keeping a reference page is fine, but you don’t need to send it to employers.
How to write an up-to-date resume
Resume standards evolve. Some things that were seen as professional 30 years ago (like including references) are now discouraged.
If your resume is outdated, you might get passed over for job opportunities even if you’re qualified for the role.
Fortunately, you don’t have to research the current best practices in resume writing if you use an online resume builder.
Take the pain out of making your resume
For more tips, check out our guide for how to write a resume that will land you a job.
About the Author
Nathan Soto is dedicated to providing practical guidance to job seekers, especially people with nonlinear career paths.
Nathan graduated from the University of Nevada with a double B.A. in French and Music. His articles and career advice have been featured on multiple platforms, offering insights into resume writing, interview preparation, and personal branding.
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