What to Put for References on a Job Application (Examples and Templates)

You've completed your work history, answered the screening questions, and uploaded your resume. Then you reach a section asking for references.

Who should you list: a former manager, a lecturer, or a colleague? What if you're applying for your first job and have never worked under a supervisor? Or what should you do if the form requires three references but you can only think of two?

What to put for references on a job application depends on the employer's instructions and who can genuinely speak to your abilities. Here's how to complete the section, choose suitable references, and handle common situations.

What Should You Put for References on a Job Application?

Start by checking the application instructions. Some employers request full contact details, while others ask whether you can provide references later in the recruitment process.

If the form requires individual reference details, you'll typically need:

• Full name: Your reference's professional name.
• Job title: Their current position, if requested.
• Organisation: Their current employer or institution.
• Relationship to you: For example, former manager, project supervisor, or lecturer.
• Email address: An address your reference has agreed to share.
• Phone number: A current number where they can be contacted.

Some forms request additional information, such as how long you've known the person. Provide what the employer asks for without adding unnecessary personal details.

Here's a basic template:

Full name: [Reference's full name]

Job title: [Current job title]

Organisation: [Current organisation]

Relationship: Former direct supervisor at [previous company]

Email: [Approved email address]

Phone: [Approved phone number]

If the person has moved to another company since supervising you, make your previous working relationship clear. Don't imply that they currently work for your former employer.

Who Should You Use as a Job Reference?

Choose someone who knows your work and can give specific, honest examples of your abilities. The most senior person you know isn't necessarily the best reference.

Depending on your experience, you could consider:

• A former manager or supervisor who can discuss your responsibilities, performance, and reliability.
• A colleague or project lead who worked closely with you and understands your contribution to a project.
• A lecturer or academic supervisor who can discuss relevant coursework, research, or projects.
• A client who can confirm the quality of work you've completed as a freelancer or independent contractor.
• A volunteer coordinator who supervised your work in a volunteer position.

Choose references whose experience with you relates to the job you're pursuing. For example, if you're applying for a marketing role, a supervisor who can discuss your campaign work may be more useful than someone who knows you socially.

What If You Have No Professional References?

Not having professional references doesn't automatically mean you're unqualified for a job.

If you're applying for your first role, changing careers, or returning to work after a long break, consider people who can speak to your relevant abilities even if they haven't supervised you in a traditional workplace.

For example, a student might use an academic supervisor who knows their research or project work. Someone who has volunteered could approach the person who supervised their responsibilities. Other possibilities include a former client or a manager from an earlier role.

Check the employer's requirements first. Some employers accept academic or alternative references, while others specifically request professional references.

If you cannot provide the requested type of reference, ask the recruiter what alternatives are acceptable. Never invent a reference or share someone's contact information without permission.

How to Ask Someone to Be Your Job Reference

Contact your chosen references before submitting their details. This gives them an opportunity to agree, confirm their contact information, and prepare to discuss your experience if an employer reaches out.

You could send a message like this:

Subject: Request to Use You as a Professional Reference

Hi [Name],

I'm applying for a [job title] position and wanted to ask whether you'd be comfortable serving as a professional reference for me.

I thought of you because we worked together on [project or role]. If you're happy to help, I'll share the job description and confirm which contact details you'd prefer me to provide.

Thank you for considering it.

Best,[Your Name]

If the application deadline is approaching, ask the recruiter whether you can submit your references later. Don't assume that leaving a required field blank or entering a placeholder will be accepted.

What If You Don't Want Your Current Employer Contacted?

You may be applying for a new role without informing your current employer.

Check whether the application asks for permission to contact your current employer, and answer accurately.

If the form allows an explanation, you could write:

Please do not contact my current employer at this stage of the recruitment process. I can provide alternative professional references upon request.

Use this wording only when the form permits it or the recruiter has indicated that alternative references are acceptable.

If the application specifically requires a reference from your current employer, contact the recruiter to discuss your options rather than providing misleading information.

Job Application References: Examples and Templates

Here are examples showing how to describe different types of references.

Example 1: A Former Manager

Name: [Former manager's full name]

Job title: [Current job title]

Organisation: [Current organisation]

Relationship: Former direct manager at [previous company]

Email: [Approved email address]

Phone: [Approved phone number]

Use this format when the employer requests a professional reference and your former manager has agreed to be contacted.

Example 2: An Academic Supervisor

Name: [Lecturer's full name]

Job title: [Academic title]

Organisation: [University or institution]

Relationship: Academic supervisor

Email: [Approved email address]

Phone: [Approved phone number]

This may suit a student or recent graduate, provided the employer accepts academic references.

Example 3: Requesting an Alternative Reference

If you're applying for your first professional role and aren't sure whether an academic reference is acceptable, you could ask the recruiter:

I'm applying for my first professional role and would like to confirm whether an academic supervisor or project supervisor would be acceptable as a reference.

Send this as a message to the recruiter rather than entering it in a mandatory reference field.

What If the Form Doesn't Require Reference Details Yet?

If the application asks whether references are available but doesn't request names and contact details, you could write:

Professional references are available upon request.

Only use this response when it matches the form's instructions. It won't replace individual reference details when those are mandatory.

How Many References Should You Provide?

Follow the number specified in the application or job advertisement.

If the employer requests two references, provide two suitable contacts. If it requests three and you only have two, ask whether you can submit two initially or provide an alternative reference.

Don't duplicate someone's details or invent another contact to complete the form.

If no number is specified, prepare a few suitable contacts so you can respond when references are requested.

Should You Put References on Your Resume Too?

Usually, no. Providing references on a job application and including them on your resume are different things.

When an application specifically requests reference details, enter them in the appropriate fields. Your resume should generally focus on your experience, skills, qualifications, and achievements unless the employer requests otherwise.

If you're preparing or updating the resume that accompanies your application, Preplink.ai’s Resume Builder can help you organise your resume sections, including your education, work experience, and skills. 

For more guidance, see our article on How to Write a Resume for Job Applications in 2026.

Mistakes to Avoid When Providing References

Before submitting your application, check that you haven't made these common mistakes:

• Listing someone without permission: Confirm they're willing to serve as your reference and share their details.
• Providing outdated information: Check their contact details and current job title.
• Choosing someone who barely knows your work: Select someone who can give specific examples of your abilities.
• Using friends or family when professional references are required: Follow the employer's instructions.
• Entering fake details: Ask the recruiter how to proceed if you cannot provide the requested information.
• Assuming references are always optional: Follow the form's instructions rather than automatically writing "References available upon request."

Final Thoughts

When an application asks for references, choose people who can speak honestly about your work, skills, or relevant experience.

Check the employer's requirements, obtain permission from your references, and confirm their details before submitting the form. If you're applying for your first job or cannot provide the requested number of references, ask the recruiter whether an alternative is acceptable.

The goal is to provide accurate information and choose references who can genuinely support your application.