Should you include references on your resume?

Why 'references available upon request' became obsolete

The phrase was standard in the 1980s and 1990s when resumes were mailed on paper and space was less of a concern. Hiring managers used it as a signal that a candidate was professional and prepared. By the mid-2010s, applicant tracking systems, one-page resume norms, and the sheer volume of applications made the line redundant.

Every recruiter assumes you can produce references. Writing the phrase is the equivalent of ending a cover letter with 'I am happy to answer any questions.' It states the obvious and uses a line you cannot afford to waste. Most resume guides in the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia now explicitly advise removing it.

What to put in that space instead

The bottom of a resume is valuable real estate. Use it for content that directly supports your candidacy. Good options include a second or third achievement bullet under a recent role, a short skills section if yours is thin, or a line of relevant certifications.

If your resume is already full and well-balanced, simply end with your most recent position. A clean ending is better than filler text. Recruiters do not expect a closing line.

• Add a quantified achievement you cut for space earlier
• List certifications relevant to the role (PMP, AWS, CPA, etc.)
• Expand a skills section with tools the job description mentions
• Include a short line of relevant volunteer or board experience
• Remove the line entirely and let the resume end naturally

When employers actually ask for references

Reference checks typically happen late in the process, after a final interview and before an offer is signed. At that point the employer will ask you directly, usually by email, for two to four references. Some companies use a third-party service such as Checkster or SkillSurvey and will send your references an automated survey.

Prepare a separate reference sheet that you keep ready but do not attach to your resume or send unsolicited. Format it to match your resume header so it looks like a companion document. Include each reference's full name, current title, company, relationship to you, phone number, and professional email address.

How to choose and prepare your references

A strong reference is someone who managed you directly, worked alongside you on a significant project, or hired you as a client or contractor. Former managers carry the most weight. Peers are acceptable when a manager is unavailable. Personal references such as friends or family are rarely appropriate for professional roles.

Always ask permission before listing anyone. Send a short message that explains the role you are applying for, the skills the employer is likely to ask about, and the timeline. Give your reference a copy of your resume so their comments align with what you submitted. A reference who is caught off guard gives a weaker endorsement than one who is briefed.

1. Identify three to five people who have seen your work directly
2. Contact each one before you start applying, not after you get an offer
3. Share the job description and your resume with each reference
4. Confirm their current title and contact details are correct
5. Send a thank-you note after the process ends, regardless of outcome

LinkedIn recommendations as a modern alternative

LinkedIn recommendations are publicly visible endorsements written by colleagues, managers, or clients. They serve a similar purpose to a reference call but are available to any recruiter who views your profile before they ever speak to you. A profile with two or three specific, detailed recommendations signals credibility early in the process.

Ask for recommendations from the same people you would list as references. A good recommendation names a project, describes a concrete outcome, and explains the working relationship. Generic praise such as 'great team player' adds little. If you write a draft for the person to edit, keep it specific and in their voice.

How Break-In Bad handles your resume content

When you enhance or build a resume through Break-In Bad, Omar asks up to 20 questions about your experience and checks every line against what you confirm. She will not add filler phrases like 'references available upon request' because they do not help your application score. The result is a tailored resume that uses every line to demonstrate fit for the specific role, which is what gets you past the applicant tracking system and in front of a recruiter.