hipCV Logo

Is it necessary to include references on a resume?

Qualified references are a collection of sources you will present to hiring managers for them to learn more about you and your career. Recruiters respect referrals because they may obtain a third-party assessment of the value you will contribute to their organization. 

Considering references could be the last stage a prospective employer makes before providing you a job, so putting together a list of individuals who can speak for your performance is essential while searching for new chances. If references are a crucial part of the interview process, is it necessary to include them on your resume, which is the most prevalent initial point of contact with employers?

Referrals are usually requested after you have impressed the interviewer and the company is contemplating whether or not to give you the position. Many recruiters utilize references to validate many of the favorable traits they witnessed during the interview and to corroborate specifics of your job history that you may have revealed. 

Every phrase on your CV must be valuable. You usually have one-two pages to describe why you're suitable and well-qualified for the role, and employers only have a few seconds to review it. Since you don't have to provide references during the interview process, you are using up valuable resume space to present information that may be useless to the hiring manager during this stage.

Even having the term "references available upon request" on your CV might be insignificant. Recruiters will request credentials if their interviewing process involves them. In a few exceptional cases, having recommendations on your CV may be allowed. 

If you work in an area that allows case studies or endorsements on resumes like consultancy, it is beneficial to add the contact name and details. Furthermore, it is okay to add referrals if the job requirement requests and expressly indicates that to provide on your resume.

Otherwise, you should keep your list of references in a different file. When an employer uses your credentials, they are an essential aspect of the interview process. Employers frequently contact sources to learn more about your background, capabilities, how you collaborate with others and any other parts of your work pattern and record that they should know.

Ways to provide references on a resume

Image for part: Ways to provide references on a resume
  • The job posting must inform you all you should know about sending references or not. A reference requirement occurs throughout the online application step. In this situation, enter your connections here. If not, then follow the directions in the job specification. If there is no indication of providing references, submit your resume without any reference record until asked during the interview process.
  • If you have to give referrals, make a different reference list file to submit with your application unless the job posting requests you to add them to your resume. Compose the paper in the same way as you would your resume, but make it fundamental by including vital contact details for your referrals. Check the job requirements for any valuable information that the company expects you to mention. Generally, they may request the following information;
  1. Full Name  
  2. Job Title
  3. Company Name 
  4. Company Address 
  5. City, State, Zip  
  6. Phone  
  7. Email  
  8. An overview of your relationship with this individual
  • Evaluate who can present the appropriate abilities and expertise required for the role when determining who to add to your reference section. Individuals who can talk highly about your performance, approach, and significance with concrete examples are the ideal references. Immediate managers or supervisors, coworkers, advisors, business associates, educators, or even clientele and suppliers might fall into this category. 
  • If you insert someone in your reference section, be careful to obtain their consent first. Also, inform those contacts that the prospective employer may approach them. It's another factor why you should evade using the reference on your resume. If you're applying for many jobs, you might not be able to give your contacts enough notice.
  • To assist them in preparing, provide your connections with information on the position you're looking for and an up-to-date résumé. If they refuse, greet them and go on to your next choice gently.
  • Although references are beneficial to recruiters, you should take their instructions in determining how and when to submit them. Take guidelines attentively, whether they are written on the job requirements or requested by an employer.
  • If there is no request regarding references, then submit your resume without contact details and other necessary files such as forms or cover letters.


4.96
492 people have rated this
Person looking into mirror and seeing professional version of themselves

Create your resume in minutes for FREE.

Use resume templates that are tested and proven to fit the rules employers are looking for.

Create resume now