References are generally not required for resumes. The references section is just optional. Skip it altogether, especially if you’re trying to fit more critical information onto your resume. Also, you don’t have to indicate “References available upon request” on your resume because it’s understood that you have them. You can wait until you’re asked to provide your references. If a job posting requires character references, be careful who you choose to include in your resume. These people should be able to vouch for your character and abilities, especially those who know you well and think highly of you (except for your family and friends). Your references could be present or past managers/supervisors, colleagues, professors/teachers, coaches, or clients. Ideally, these people are professional and articulate. There are other reasons why adding references to your resume can be a good strategy. You might know or have worked with someone well-known and respected in your industry. Or someone in an executive-level position, such as a university dean, CEO, VP, or director in your former company. You can impress the recruiter by including people with such stature in your references. Also, character references can boost your job application if you don’t have much work history yet. As a common courtesy, get the consent of the people you’ll enlist as your references before you share their contact information with recruiters. Let them know that someone might contact them and ask questions about you. When writing your references, include the necessary details: complete name, position title, mobile number, landline number (if any), and email address. Put the reference section at the bottom of the page.