How to List Resume References (With Examples)

When you're writing your resume, you might be wondering: Who should I give as a reference? Do employers want references on a resume? After all, you're trying to make the best first impression possible—so having people vouch for you must be a good thing, right?

Well, not always. Knowing how to list references on a resume—and when to leave them out—is key to creating a professional, polished application that meets employer expectations in Canada. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about resume references, including who to list, how to format your reference page, and when to share it.

Should You Put References On A Resume?

Short answer: In most cases, no.

Unless a job posting specifically asks for them, you shouldn’t include references on a resume. Including them directly on your resume takes up valuable space and can feel outdated to many recruiters. Most hiring managers will ask for references later in the hiring process—usually after the interview stage—so there's no need to share them upfront.

That said, having a solid list of references ready to go is still important. You just don’t need to paste it right into your resume. Instead, keep it as a separate document so you’re prepared when they ask.

Who Should You Put As A Reference?

The best resume references are people who can speak to your work ethic, skills, and character—ideally in a professional setting. You want individuals who know your work well and can confidently recommend you.

Here are some great options:

• Former or Current Supervisors: They’ve seen your work firsthand and can speak to your job performance, reliability, and the impact you had on their team or organization.

• Colleagues or Coworkers: They’ve worked alongside you and can highlight your collaboration, communication, and ability to contribute to a positive and productive team environment.

• Mentors or Advisors: These individuals have guided your personal or professional growth and can vouch for your dedication, learning mindset, and long-term potential in your field.

• Clients or Business Partners: If you’ve done freelance or contract work, these people can confirm your professionalism, ability to deliver results, and success in client relationships.

• Professors or Academic References: Ideal for students or new grads with no work experience—they can speak to your academic strengths, work ethic, and any major projects or achievements during your studies.

• Volunteer Coordinators: They can highlight your initiative, commitment, and leadership skills developed through unpaid work. This is especially useful if you’re early in your career or switching fields.

• Internship Supervisors: Great for entry-level applicants—these references can vouch for your ability to take direction, learn quickly, and contribute meaningfully in a professional setting.

• Professional Association Contacts: If you’ve been active in an industry group or association, a peer or organizer can speak to your engagement and reputation in your field.

Pro tip: Always ask your references for permission first, and let them know what kind of role you’re applying for, so they’re not caught off guard if contacted.

What Are The Reasons For Not Including References On A Resume?

There are a few good reasons to leave references off your resume, especially if they fall into one of these categories:

• Friends or Family Members: It may seem convenient, but employers don’t view personal references as credible since they can’t speak to your professional abilities.

• Someone Who Doesn’t Know You Well: A reference should be able to provide real insight, not just say, “Yes, I know them.”

• Former Employers With Negative Experiences: If you didn’t leave on great terms, it's better to skip that reference and choose someone who can speak positively about your work.

These types of references can hurt your application more than help, so it’s best to stick with professional contacts who will vouch for your strengths.

How To List References On a Resume?

When you list your references, include their contact information (name, phone number, and email address), job title, and a little context on how you know this person or collaborated with them in the past. For example, “Was my supervisor for two years at XYZ Company.”

Also, if a job posting does request references, don’t include them directly on your resume. Instead, create a separate " References " page and submit it as a supporting document.

Here’s why this is the best approach:

• It keeps your resume clean and focused on your qualifications.

• It ensures your references’ contact info isn’t shared unnecessarily.

• It looks more professional, and most recruiters expect it.

This also gives you time to tailor your list. For example, if you’re applying to a project management job, you might list clients or team leads who can speak to those specific skills.

Reference Page For Resume: Template

Your references resume page should be simple, well-organized, and easy to scan. Include your contact details at the top (like on your resume), followed by a clear heading that says "References."

Here’s a structure you can follow:

Your Full Name City, Province | Email | Phone Number | LinkedIn (optional)

References

1. Jane Smith Marketing Manager, ABC Company jane.smith@email.com | (123) 456-7890 Managed my team from 2020 to 2023 at ABC Company

2. Robert Lee Professor of Business, University of British Columbia robert.lee@ubc.ca | (987) 654-3210 Academic advisor during undergraduate studies

3. Andrea Dupont Senior Project Manager, Freelance Client andrea.dupont@email.com | (555) 123-7890 Collaborated on freelance web design project (2022–2023)

Examples Of Resume References

Your reference list might look different depending on where you are in your career. Here are examples of strong resume references for different experience levels and backgrounds.

Entry-Level Job Seeker (New Grad)

• Academic advisor from your university

• Part-time job supervisor

• Volunteer coordinator

Mid-Career Professional

• Manager from your previous role

• Trusted team member or peer

• Client or stakeholder you worked with closely

Freelancer or Consultant

• Regular client

• Project lead from a contract job

• Collaborator from a freelance team

Career Changer or Returning to Work

• Supervisor from a relevant past role

• Volunteer organization leader

• Instructor from a recent certification or upskilling course

How To List References In A Resume: Final Thoughts

You don’t need to include references on a resume unless a company asks for them. Keeping them on a separate page is more professional (and strategic). That way, you’re not cluttering your resume and are prepared to send your references resume when the time is right.

Before applying, make sure your reference list is up to date and that each person has agreed to be contacted. With some preparation, your references can help you make a strong final impression and seal the deal on your next job offer.