Should a resume include references​ ?

When you’re building your resume, it’s natural to wonder whether you should list references directly on the page. Some applicants prefer to include them to show credibility early, while others keep their resume focused on skills and achievements. So — what’s the right approach today?

The short answer: In most cases, you don’t need to include references on your resume.

This article explains why references usually don’t belong on a resume anymore, when they do become useful, and how to handle them professionally during a job search.

Why References Used to Be Included on Resumes

For a long time, references were a standard part of every resume. Before LinkedIn, online applications, and automated screening systems, recruiters relied heavily on direct testimonials to verify a candidate’s credibility. Listing references — or even the famous line “References available upon request” — was seen as a sign of professionalism and trust.

Today, hiring has changed. Recruiters focus first on your skills, results, and potential impact. Reference checks only happen later in the process, once they’re already interested in you. Still, many job seekers worry that not including references might seem incomplete or unprofessional — especially early in their careers.

The reality is reassuring: employers no longer expect references on your resume, and they know they can request them when needed. Saving that space allows you to better highlight what truly matters — your value.

Why You Shouldn’t Include References on a Resume

Changing Application Trends

Modern hiring workflows, especially for larger firms, standardize reference checks as a distinct phase. Including them early can seem outdated and, in some cases, unprofessional.

Protects Your Contacts’ Privacy

References contain personal information (phone numbers, emails). Sharing that openly — especially if your resume goes online — puts them at risk of spam or unwanted contact.

Your Resume Space Is Valuable

Recruiters want to see your skills, results, and experience — not names they will only need later. Every line should prove your value.

It's Expected to Share Them Later

Hiring teams typically ask for references after the interview stage, not before. So including them upfront just isn’t necessary.

What About “References Available Upon Request”?

That line used to be standard… 20 years ago. Today, it is considered outdated because:

• It states the obvious

• It wastes valuable space

• It doesn’t tell the employer anything useful
  
  

Modern resumes focus on impact, not filler.

Instead of adding outdated lines, strengthen your resume with a powerful summary and quantified achievements. If you’re unsure how, SuperCandidate can help you tailor every line to what recruiters want — automatically.

When Should You Include References?

In certain cases, employers may request references early in the hiring process — for example in education, healthcare, or government roles.

If the job posting specifically asks for them, prepare a separate reference sheet rather than adding them to the main resume. Always follow the employer’s instructions closely to stay aligned with their application requirements.

What to Include Instead of References

Instead of listing references, use the space to highlight what truly matters to hiring managers:

• Achievements with numbers : Show the real impact of your work: revenue growth, project success rates, customer satisfaction scores, etc.

• Skills relevant to the role : Include keywords from the job description so your resume aligns with both recruiter expectations and ATS requirements.

• A targeted resume summary : A short resume summary that highlights your strengths and makes your value clear from the first glance.
  
  

These elements do far more to convince a recruiter to contact you — and that’s when references actually become important.

Conclusion

You do not need to include references on your resume — and adding them too early may even hurt your chances. Focus on the content that highlights your strengths and wait until the employer requests your references before sharing them.

A resume is a one-page opportunity to showcase your value. Make every line count.

Want a resume that highlights your strengths the right way? Try SuperCandidate and build a tailored resume that gets noticed — without the stress.