Leave names and “available upon request” off the resume
A resume should focus on your experience, skills, and education. Harvard College MCS specifically advises candidates not to list references, so use the page to make the case for your fit rather than attaching other people’s contact details.
The line “references available upon request” is unnecessary too. If an employer wants references, they can ask; the line does not give them new information and takes space from evidence about your own work.
Prepare a separate reference list
Create a simple document with each reference’s name, current title, organization, professional relationship to you, phone number, and email address. Match its typeface and header to your resume so it is ready to send when requested.
Choose people who have directly seen relevant parts of your work and can speak specifically about them. A former manager, project lead, client, instructor, or supervisor may be a stronger choice than a senior person who knows you only casually.
Ask before you share someone’s details
Contact each prospective reference before you include them. Confirm that they are willing, ask which contact information they prefer, and tell them the type of roles you are pursuing. This gives them a fair chance to refresh their memory and decline if necessary.
When an employer requests references, send only the requested number and let each reference know when to expect contact. The common mistake is submitting an old list without permission, leaving a potential advocate surprised or unreachable.
Sources consulted
This guide is an original synthesis of the following career guidance. Read the source material for its full context.