References in a resume are people in your professional or personal network who can speak to your previous roles, responsibilities, and character. Traditionally, it was common to list at least two references on a resume, with the first being a current or former employer and the second being someone who knows you well enough to provide a useful characterization
. However, in the digital age, it has become unnecessary to list references on a resume, and it is now more common for potential employers to ask for references once you near the end of the interview process
. Instead of listing references on a resume, it is recommended to proactively collect references and have them on hand in case an employer asks for them
. When providing references, it is important to include the reference's full name, job title, company name, work address, work phone number, work email, and a brief description of their relationship with you
. Therefore, it is not necessary to include references on a resume, and doing so can take up valuable space that could be used for more relevant information such as technical skills or job skills
