It's one of the most common resume questions, and one of the most outdated habits: should you put references — or the line "References available upon request" — on your resume? The short answer is no, and keeping either on there is quietly costing you space you can't afford to waste. Here's the modern rule, why it changed, and what to do instead.
The short answer
Don't list references on your resume, and drop "References available upon request" too. Employers know they can ask for references, and they will — when they're ready, usually late in the process. Putting them on the resume is expected knowledge stated out loud, and it eats space that should be selling your experience.
Why references don't belong on a resume anymore
- It's assumed. Every employer knows you'll provide references if asked. Writing "available upon request" tells them something they already know — it adds zero information.
- It wastes premium space. Your resume should ideally be one page (two at most for senior roles), and every line should earn its place. A references line could be another achievement instead. If length is a struggle for you, see how long a resume should really be.
- Timing is wrong. References get checked near the end, after interviews. There's no reason to surface them at the application stage — the resume's job is to get you the interview, not close the hire.
- It can expose your contacts prematurely. Listing names and numbers on a document you send everywhere puts your references' info into every applicant pool. Protect them until they're actually needed.
What to do instead
Use the space for something that sells you
Replace the references line with another strong, quantified achievement, a relevant skill, or a tighter summary. Everything on the page should push you toward the interview. If you're not sure your bullets are pulling their weight, the STAR method turns duties into results.
Prepare a separate references sheet
Have a clean, separate document ready with 3–4 references — name, title, company, relationship to you, and contact info. Match its header styling to your resume so it looks cohesive when you hand it over. Then it's ready the moment an employer asks, and not a second before.
Ask your references before you list them
Always confirm with each person first, and give them a heads-up when you're actively interviewing so a call doesn't catch them cold. A reference who's expecting the call and knows which role gives a far stronger endorsement.
Who makes a good reference
- Former managers — the gold standard; they can speak to your performance directly.
- Colleagues or cross-functional partners — good for how you work with others.
- Clients or mentors — useful for client-facing or senior roles.
- Avoid family and friends — employers discount them entirely.
While you're auditing your resume
The references line is one of several outdated habits that quietly weaken a resume — objectives that state the obvious, dense formatting, duties instead of results. If you want a fast read on what's helping and what's hurting, our free AI Resume Scorer grades your resume across the six dimensions recruiters and ATS software actually weigh and flags exactly what to cut and what to strengthen. It pairs well with our roundup of resume mistakes that get you rejected.
Frequently asked questions
Should I ever put references on a resume?
In rare cases — some academic, government, or very traditional applications explicitly request them. If the instructions ask for references, include them. Otherwise, leave them off and keep a separate sheet ready.
Is "References available upon request" ever okay?
It's not harmful, but it's pointless — it states something universally assumed and uses a line better spent on your qualifications. Modern resume guidance is to drop it.
How many references should I have ready?
Three to four is standard. Aim for a mix — ideally at least one former manager — and confirm each is willing and briefed before you pass their details along.
Bottom line: keep references off your resume and skip the "available upon request" line entirely. Employers assume both. Use that space to sell your experience, keep a separate references sheet ready for when it's actually asked for, and always brief your references before the call comes.