References on resume: when to list them, and how to format your reference list

No, in most cases. References on a resume take space that your experience and skills need, and the employer won't call anyone before deciding you're a serious candidate. The University of Cincinnati's career guide sums up the usual practice: you don't put references on a resume unless the employer specifically asks for them; you keep a separate reference list ready instead.

Expect the request to come. CareerOneStop, the Department of Labor's career site, notes that most employers ask for three references, either when you apply or at a job interview. Some online applications have a references section of their own: fill it in there, not on your resume.

• Don't include them on a resume sent for a business, nonprofit or government job.
• Include them only when the job posting or application explicitly asks for references with your resume. Then add them on a separate page, after the resume.
• On an academic CV, it's the opposite: Princeton's CV vs. resume guide says to always include references on a CV and not to include them on a resume. See CV vs resume.

No. The University of Cincinnati calls the phrase a former common practice that is no longer necessary: employers know they can request references, so the line only takes space. If you keep it anyway, the Purdue OWL points out the obvious: you must be able to produce the reference sheet when asked.

References are people who will speak positively on your behalf about your skills, abilities, work history and motivation, in CareerOneStop's words. It lists a previous supervisor, co-worker or client, a teacher, a mentor, a religious or spiritual advisor and a volunteer coordinator as people you could ask. It adds two rules: family and close friends usually don't serve as references, and past employers are the most influential.

• Professional references: a current or former manager (the strongest), a senior co-worker, a client, someone you supervised.
• Academic references: a professor, an academic advisor, an internship supervisor. Useful for students and recent graduates.
• Character references: a coach, a volunteer coordinator, a mentor or a faith leader who knows how you work. Useful for a first job.

Pick people who saw your work recently and closely, and who can talk about the skills the new job needs. Be careful with your current manager: ask only if they know you're looking. If someone prefers to write rather than talk, a letter of recommendation can complement the list.

Three is the usual number: it's what most employers ask for, according to CareerOneStop. The University of Cincinnati recommends between three and five. Give exactly what the employer asks for; if they don't say, give three, and keep one or two more ready in case someone can't be reached.

Your reference list is a separate one-page document. The Department of Labor's Employment Workshop guide recommends the same font and formatting as your resume and cover letter, an up-to-date phone number and a professional email address for each reference. For each person, list:

1. Full name
2. Job title
3. Company or school
4. Phone number
5. Email address
6. Your relationship, in one line: who they were to you, where and when

Order them by strength or by how recently you worked together, with your most recent manager first. Put your name and contact details at the top, as on your resume, so the page still makes sense if it's separated from your application.

Contact the person before you give their name to an employer. CareerOneStop's advice is direct: don't surprise them. The Department of Labor's workshop guide adds two habits: send your references a copy of your resume and the job posting, so they know what the employer has in front of them, and ask for their preferred time of day and way to be contacted.

Once you know a reference has been called, tell them how it went and thank them. CareerOneStop suggests a thank-you note when you know someone gave you a recommendation.

A reference check is usually a short call or a questionnaire. CareerOneStop notes the employer may ask your reference's occupation, how long you've known each other and the nature of your relationship. The questions the Department of Labor's guide lists as typical include:

• What were the candidate's strengths?
• What were the candidate's weaknesses, or areas to improve?
• Would you recommend them for this position, and why?
• How would you describe their relationships with coworkers, employees and management?

A reference check is not a background check. When an employer uses a background reporting company, the Federal Trade Commission explains that the Fair Credit Reporting Act requires it to tell you in a standalone written document and to get your written permission first.

No work history doesn't mean no references. A teacher, a coach, a club advisor, a volunteer coordinator or a neighbor you've babysat or mowed lawns for can all speak to how reliable you are. Still keep them off the resume itself; bring the list to the interview. See our high school student resume and resume with no work experience for what goes on the page instead.

The Kandiq resume builder has no references step: its steps are contact, experience, education, skills and your summary, the parts a hiring manager reads in the first seconds. Keep your reference list in a separate document using the same font as your resume, and send it when it's asked for.