Should You Put References on a Resumé?

Short answer: No. In Canada, references don't go on your resumé, and you don't need the line "References available upon request" either. Keep 3 to 5 references on a separate page with your name at the top, and send it only when an employer asks. Choose people who supervised you, and ask each one first.

Do references go on a resumé?

No. Alberta’s alis career site says plainly: “Make sure your references are not on your resumé” (alis, Resumé checklists). Job Bank, the Government of Canada’s job site, says to “keep references on a separate sheet and provide them only when they are specifically requested” (Job Bank).

There’s a simple reason. Job Bank notes that “an employer only requires references if they are seriously considering hiring you.” That usually means after an interview. Until then, your references are just taking up space you could use to show your skills.

What about “References available upon request”?

Leave it off. Settlement.org, a service for newcomers in Ontario, says “it is no longer advisable to include ‘References Available Upon Request’ on your resume or cover letter” (Settlement.org). Employers already know you’ll give references if they ask.

How many references do you need?

Have 3 to 5 ready. alis says “you should have 3 to 5 references ready for each job application,” and that at least three should have supervised you at work, at school or in a volunteer role (alis, Choose the right references). Senior jobs may ask for more.

Who should you ask?

Best: a supervisor or manager who knows your work. alis calls this “ideal.”

Good: a coworker who worked closely with you, a team lead, or a client you worked with directly.

If you don’t have much work experience: a teacher, coach, volunteer coordinator or community leader. alis says these personal references can help when your work history is short.

Don’t use: family members. alis says personal references “should not include family members, unless you have worked for them.” Settlement.org adds that people “who do not know you well” aren’t good choices either.

Always ask first. Settlement.org says you should ask someone “before you give their name to a potential employer.” Tell them what job you applied for, so they’re ready when the call comes.

How to set up your reference page

Use the same name and contact line as the top of your resumé, then the word “References.” For each person, list:

Full name
Job title and company
How you know them (for example, “My supervisor at Example Grocers, 2023 to 2025”)
Phone number and email

Sample (fictional):

Priya Shah Store Manager, Example Grocers, Mississauga, ON My direct supervisor, 2023 to 2025 905-555-0137 | priya.shah@example.com

When an employer asks for references

Send the page in the format they ask for, usually a PDF by email. Then give each reference a quick heads-up: the company name, the job, and one or two things you’d like them to mention.

What if the online form asks for references?

Some application forms have reference fields. If the field is required, fill it in. If it’s optional, it’s fine to leave it until later in the process. Follow the employer’s instructions over any general rule.

Sources

All accessed 2026-10-29.

Government of Alberta, alis. Resumé checklists. https://alis.alberta.ca/look-for-work/resumes-and-references/resume-checklists/
Government of Alberta, alis. Choose the right references. https://alis.alberta.ca/look-for-work/resumes-and-references/choose-the-right-references/
Job Bank (Government of Canada). How to write a good resume. https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/findajob/resources/write-good-resume
Settlement.org. What are references? Who should I ask to be a reference? https://settlement.org/ontario/employment/find-a-job/job-interviews/what-are-references-who-should-i-ask-to-be-a-reference