What Is a Reference List?
A reference list is a page of contacts who can confirm your skills, experience, or character. You may be asked for one in different situations, including:
- Job applications
- Rental agreements
- Loans
- Academic programs
- Volunteer roles
- Business partnerships
- Licensing or certification
Professional references often include supervisors or colleagues, while personal references may be friends or relatives. Always check if a reference list is required, how many names are needed, and what type of references to provide.
Letters to Pair With Your References
Need a companion letter? Pair your reference list with the right supporting document:
- Letter of recommendation
- Letter of recommendation for law school
- Teacher letter of intent
- Letter of intent for an internship
These are just a few examples of documents you may need. Legal Templates has 200+ free online legal contracts & documents you can use anytime.
How to List References on a Resume
A good reference list adds weight to your job application. Employers want clear, professional details, and the easiest way to get that right is with Legal Templates’ free reference list template. It keeps everything organized and ready to use.
Start by choosing the types of references you’ll include. Most employers want professional references, though some accept academic or personal contacts. If you mix types, group them under clear headings so the list reads cleanly. Before you add anyone, reach out to each person, confirm they’re happy to vouch for you, and verify their title, company, email, and phone.
Your list should include:
- Full name with title
- Job title and company (for work references)
- Relationship to you
- Phone number and email
Before you share references, double-check every name, phone number, and email. A single typo can cost you an interview. Wait to send the list until the employer asks. When they do, attach a separate references page instead of adding them to your resume.
Who Should I Include on My Reference List?
Choose people who know you well and can give specific examples. Good options include:
- Supervisors, close colleagues, internship leaders, or clients
- Professors, teachers, or mentors who guided projects
- Community leaders, volunteer coordinators, or long-time friends (if relevant)
Put the strongest professional references first so employers see the most relevant names right away. Stay away from casual acquaintances, since they can’t speak in detail about your work. Also, avoid anyone likely to give weak or outdated feedback, and instead choose people who know your recent experience well.
Should You Ask Someone Before Listing Them as a Reference?
Before adding anyone, always ask for permission. Let them know the role you’re applying for so they can give the right kind of support. Once they’ve confirmed, add them to your professional references template so it’s ready to share.
Sample Reference List
Below, you can see what a reference list looks like with our sample. When you’re ready to make your own, download our free list of references template available in both Word and PDF.
