The phrase “References available upon request” has been a long-standing fixture on professional resumes, signaling that a candidate has contacts willing to vouch for their work history. This practice stems from a time when paper applications and physical correspondence dominated the job market. As technology and hiring practices have rapidly evolved, the relevance of this traditional inclusion has come into question. Understanding modern expectations of hiring managers and Applicant Tracking Systems is necessary to optimize a job application today.
The Current Consensus: Why You Should Not Include It
The modern consensus among recruiters and talent acquisition specialists strongly advises against including the phrase “References available upon request” anywhere on a resume document. The primary reason for this omission is that the availability of professional references is now an understood assumption in the hiring process. Hiring managers implicitly know that any serious candidate will have a list of people prepared to speak on their behalf when the time comes.
Including this phrase unnecessarily consumes valuable space that should be utilized to showcase professional achievements, quantifiable results, or industry-specific technical skills. A resume should be a concise marketing document focused entirely on demonstrating value to the prospective employer. Using even a single line for implied information detracts from the space available to include targeted keywords.
Furthermore, Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which digitally screen the majority of incoming applications, derive no benefit from reading this generic statement. These systems parse and score documents based on action verbs, job titles, and specific competencies related to the job description. The inclusion of the reference phrase does not increase the candidate’s score or improve their chances of passing the initial digital screening phase.
Recruiting teams typically only request a separate, formatted reference sheet much later in the hiring cycle, usually after two or three successful interview rounds. Providing the names and contact information of former managers and colleagues before this stage is considered premature and potentially exposes those individuals to unnecessary contact. Removing the phrase ensures the resume is focused solely on the candidate’s qualifications and impact.
Historical Context and Why the Phrase Existed
Placing the reference phrase on a resume was largely a matter of etiquette and practicality in a pre-digital employment landscape. Before email and online applications became standard, the resume was often a static, mailed document. Including the phrase signaled a candidate’s readiness and professionalism, formally indicating that necessary professional contacts had been secured.
The phrase also served as a protective measure for the references themselves. Listing contact information directly on the resume meant employers could potentially contact those individuals at any point, even before screening the candidate. Stating that references were “available upon request” ensured the candidate maintained control over the timing and introduction of their contacts to the prospective employer.
When and How to Prepare Your References List
While the phrase is obsolete, preparing the actual reference list remains an important step. The list of contacts must exist as a separate document from the resume, never combined into a single file or submitted with the initial application. This document should only be provided when explicitly requested by the employer, typically after the candidate has progressed beyond the initial screening and interview stages.
Maintaining a separate document ensures the candidate can quickly and professionally supply the list when requested, often with short notice. The list should be formatted to visually align with the resume and cover letter, creating a cohesive application package. This means using the same professional font, header design, and consistent margin spacing across all documents.
Aesthetic consistency demonstrates attention to detail and polish in all professional correspondence. The reference sheet should include the candidate’s name and contact information at the top, mirroring the resume header. Candidates should aim to have at least three, but no more than five, professional references prepared and readily accessible. This preparation allows for rapid response when a hiring manager needs to take the final steps before extending an offer.
Formatting and Content for the Reference List
The separate reference document requires a precise and standardized format to ensure the hiring manager can easily access the necessary information. For each person listed, the document must clearly present their full name and current professional title. Following this information, include the name of their company and their direct, current business phone number.
Email correspondence is often the preferred method of contact, so a professional and current business email address must also be provided for each reference. Presenting this contact information in a clean, stacked format makes it easy for the employer to quickly copy and paste the details without transcription errors.
In addition to the contact details, a brief but explicit description of the professional relationship with the reference must be included. This description should clearly state the capacity in which they know the candidate and the dates of the working relationship. Examples include “Direct Supervisor, 2018-2022,” “Project Lead on X Initiative, 2020-2021,” or “Senior Colleague in the Marketing Department.”
This contextual detail saves the hiring manager time and immediately frames the reference’s perspective for the recruiter. The document should maintain professional integrity, using proper capitalization, punctuation, and consistent spacing. The entire sheet must be saved as a PDF to preserve formatting integrity across different operating systems.
Handling References During the Application Process
Managing the logistics and interpersonal aspects of the reference process is important. The most fundamental step is securing explicit permission from each person before adding their name and contact information to the list. Listing a reference without confirmation is unprofessional and can lead to a negative endorsement if they are caught off guard by a phone call.
Once permission is secured, the candidate should proactively brief each reference on the specific job they are applying for and the company that will be contacting them. Providing the reference with the job description, the company’s website, and even the candidate’s resume allows them to tailor their remarks and speak directly to the necessary competencies. This preparation ensures the reference provides a highly relevant and impactful testimonial that aligns with the hiring team’s expectations.
Finally, candidates must notify their references immediately once a prospective employer has formally requested the reference list and confirmed their intention to call. This notification should include the name of the hiring manager or recruiter who will be calling, the company name, and an expected timeframe for the outreach. This simple courtesy prepares the reference for the incoming call, ensuring they answer promptly and are ready to provide a thoughtful endorsement.