References List Sample & How To Guide

Common Practice

The most commonly used line on a resume for reference section is “References available upon request” or “References are available on request”. It is a common practice that we use this phrase instead of including references in the resume. And we make a list of references on a separate page that we can give to potential employers when they ask for them. This page will show you how to prepare a professional references list.

How to List References?

There is no certain rule for number of references you can put on the list. It is also a common practice that you should have a list of three to five references. You should always ask permission of your references and let them know about the job you are applying for. It is also a good idea to discuss about what kind of recommendation they will give to the potential employers.

All of your references are not equal; you should add the one you would most prefer someone to contact at the top of your list. Here are some tips to choose people as your references. He/she should have a good communication skill and know you well, so that he/she can describe your skill, knowledge, experience, achievement and something good about you very well.

Reference List Sample

The following is a commonly used sample of reference list:

Downloadable File

You can download this sample reference list in both  PDF and Ms Word file:

• Download Sample Reference List (PDF)
• Download Sample Reference List (Ms Word)

Why We Should not List References in Resume?

This is a question many people asked. Let me show you why. Example you are posting your resume on job search web sites. Listing references on your resume and making it available to multiple employers for review may result in calls to your references by employers you may not have even been in touch with directly. Obviously, you will want to avoid this kind of annoyance to people you are using as references. You do not want to abuse your relationship with them; therefore do not include a full listing of references on your resume if you are making it available to masses.

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