How to make a reference list
A reference list is a separate page with 3 to 5 people who can speak about your work. Employers usually ask for it near the end of the hiring process.
1. Keep it on its own page
Don't put references on the resume itself, and skip "References available upon request". Have the list ready to send when asked.
2. Choose people who've seen you work
Former supervisors are best, then coworkers, clients, or people you volunteered with. Family members don't count as references. For a first job in years, a volunteer coordinator or community leader can work.
3. Always ask first
Ask each person if they're willing, confirm their current phone and email, and ask how they'd like to be contacted.
4. Include the right details
Name, current job title and company, how they know you ("My supervisor at XYZ, 2018–2024"), phone, and email. Use their work contact details if they prefer.
5. Prepare them
Tell each reference which job you've applied for and what you'd like them to mention, such as your reliability or a project you led together. Send them your updated resume.
6. Thank them
A thank-you message after they've been contacted, and news if you get the job, keeps the relationship good for next time.
Fictional sample
Fictional sample: "Robert Haines" is made up. Every name, business, number and date below is invented to illustrate the advice. It isn't from a real customer.
Robert is a made-up job seeker. His references are fictional too.
ROBERT HAINES · References
robert.haines@example.com · (555) 010-0123
Janet Cole
Operations Manager, Riverside Distribution (fictional)
My direct supervisor, 2019–2025
(555) 010-0150 · janet.cole@example.com
Luis Ortiz
Shift Supervisor, Riverside Distribution (fictional)
Coworker and shift partner, 2020–2025
(555) 010-0151 · luis.ortiz@example.com
How we can help
We can format your reference list to match your resume as part of any resume order. Just paste in the details your references agreed to share. Go to the order form.
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| What you get | Price | Ready in |
|---|---|---|
| Resume refresh We rewrite and reformat your resume for the kind of job you want. Up to 2 rounds of changes. | $59 | 2 business days |
| Resume + cover letter The resume refresh, plus one cover letter for a specific job. | $79 | 2 business days |
| Cover letter only One letter for one job posting. Send us the posting and your resume. | $25 | 1 business day |
We'll email you a draft; pay only after you approve it. If it isn't right, tell us what to change. You owe nothing until you approve it.
An honest note: we use AI to help
We use AI writing tools to help draft and format your resume. A real person reads, checks and edits every page before it reaches you.
- We never make anything up: no invented jobs, dates, degrees, licenses or skills. If something is unclear, we ask you.
- We take out your phone number, email and street address before using any AI tool and put them back at the end.
- You can ask us to delete your information at any time. See our privacy note.
What we won't do
- We will never ask for passwords, PINs, bank or card numbers, or your Social Security number. Please don't send them. Anyone who asks you for these is not us.
- We don't log into job websites or accounts for you.
- We don't give legal, medical, or financial advice, and we don't make those decisions for you.
- We can't promise you'll get a job or an interview. Nobody honestly can.
Related guides: Resume for a job fair · Changing careers after 50 · Auto technician resume
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