List two or three referees. Under each name put their job title, employer, phone number, email address and a short line on how they know you. Put the section at the end of your resume, or leave it off and write "References available on request" if the job ad doesn't ask for them.
Do you need to put references on your resume?
Not always. Many Australian employers ask for referees later, once they are close to making an offer, and they usually tell you when they want them. If the job ad asks for referees, include them. If it doesn't, a single line saying "References available on request" is fine and saves space.
How do you list references on a resume?
Use the same layout for each referee so the section is easy to scan.
- Full name
- Job title and employer
- Phone number and email address
- One line on how they know you, such as "My manager at [employer] from 2023 to 2025"
Here is an example to adapt.
Jordan Lee
Operations Manager, [Employer]
0400 000 000 | jordan.lee@[employer].com.au
My manager at [Employer] from 2023 to 2025
Who should you pick as a referee?
Pick people who have seen you work and will say good things about it. A recent manager is the strongest choice. A supervisor, a senior colleague or a client you worked with closely also works. If you are a student or a graduate with little work history, a lecturer who marked your work, a placement supervisor or a society president can speak to your reliability and how you work with others.
Avoid friends and family. Recruiters want someone who has seen you in a work or study setting.
How many references should you list?
Two or three. One is thin, and more than three means the recruiter is unlikely to ring the extras. Pick the ones most relevant to the job you are applying for. A different mix can suit a different job.
Should you ask before you list someone?
Yes, every time. Send a short message to say what you are applying for, check they are happy to be a referee and ask which phone number or email they want used. Share the job ad and your resume so they can speak to the right things. A referee who is caught off guard gives a vague answer.
It also helps to tell them roughly when a call might come, so they pick up an unknown number.
What if you don't have a previous manager to list?
Use the closest thing. A client, a customer you supported over time, a volunteer coordinator or a lecturer all count. If you left your last job on bad terms, pick someone else there who worked with you, such as a team leader or a colleague who now has a more senior role. Our guide to reference checks in Australia covers what employers can ask your referees and what happens when a reference goes badly.
What should you do once you get an offer?
Before you accept, check the pay against what other people in the same role earn. The free AusCorp Vault salary check shows where an offer sits against the market for your role.
This is general information, not legal or financial advice.
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