Parsing & Formatting3 min read

Resume References Format for ATS: Should You Include References?

The question of whether to include references on your resume has a clear answer in the ATS era: generally, no. References take valuable space that could be used for keywords and achievements. This guide explains the modern approach to handling references in ATS-driven job applications.

The Modern Approach to References

The overwhelming consensus among recruiters and career experts is: do not include references on your resume. This space is better used for keywords, achievements, and skills that improve your ATS score.

The phrase 'References available upon request' is also unnecessary—it's assumed. Including it wastes a line that could contain a keyword-rich achievement statement.

References are typically requested later in the hiring process, after the interview stage. The ATS doesn't score references, and recruiters don't need them until they're ready to make an offer.

ApproachRecommendationReason
Include references listNoWastes space, no ATS value, privacy concerns
'References available upon request'NoUnnecessary, wastes a line
Separate reference sheetPrepare but don't submitHave ready for when requested
LinkedIn recommendationsHelpfulVisible to recruiters who check your profile

When References Might Be Appropriate

There are rare exceptions where including references makes sense. Some government and academic applications specifically request references as part of the initial application. If the job posting explicitly asks for references, include them.

In some industries (education, healthcare, government), providing references with the application is standard practice. Follow the industry convention even if it's not the general best practice.

If you have a particularly prestigious reference (a well-known industry leader or someone the hiring manager would recognize), mentioning them briefly could be impactful—but only in the cover letter, not the resume.

Preparing a Reference Sheet

Instead of putting references on your resume, prepare a separate reference document that you can provide when requested. This document should include 3-5 professional references with their name, title, company, phone number, email, and your relationship.

Format the reference sheet to match your resume's visual style (same fonts, headers, contact information) for a cohesive professional presentation.

Always get permission from your references before listing them. Let them know you're job searching, what types of roles you're pursuing, and which companies might contact them.

Pro Tips

1

Do not include references on your resume—use the space for keywords and achievements

2

Remove the 'References available upon request' line—it's assumed and wastes space

3

Prepare a separate reference sheet to provide when requested

4

Get permission from references before listing them and keep them informed of your search

5

Exception: include references only if the job posting specifically requires them

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Including references on the resume, wasting 3-5 lines that could contain keywords

Adding 'References available upon request' which is unnecessary and takes up space

Not having a reference sheet ready when it's requested during the hiring process

Listing references without their permission

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I put 'References available upon request' on my resume?
No. This phrase is outdated and unnecessary. Employers assume you can provide references when asked. The line takes up space that could be used for a keyword-rich achievement or skill.
When will references be checked?
References are typically checked after the interview stage, before an offer is extended. Some companies check references after extending a conditional offer. You'll usually be asked to provide references at this stage.
How many references should I prepare?
Prepare 3-5 professional references. Include a mix of managers, colleagues, and (if relevant) clients. Having diverse references allows you to select the most relevant ones for each opportunity.

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