References page template and example for Google Docs™
A separate page for your references, in the same style as your resume.
Templates
Jake's
Text reads cleanlyThe Jake's Resume layout rebuilt for Google Docs and Word. Dense, centered, made for tech internships and new-grad roles.
- 1 page
- Letter + A4
- Docs + Word
Plain
Text reads cleanlyNothing but text, left-aligned, in Arial. A safe default for any job when you don't want the layout to be noticed.
- 1 page
- Letter + A4
- Docs + Word
Classic
Text reads cleanlySerif type, centered headings and education first. The look many university career offices recommend for finance, law and consulting.
- 1 page
- Letter + A4
- Docs + Word
Modern Accent
Text reads cleanlyOne ink-blue accent on headings and rules, with a summary up top. Clean enough for any parser, with a little more personality.
- 1 page
- Letter + A4
- Docs + Word
Compact
Text reads cleanlyHalf-inch margins and tight spacing for people with more experience than one page normally holds.
- 1 page
- Letter + A4
- Docs + Word
Student
Text reads cleanlyEducation first, then part-time jobs and a section for clubs, volunteering and class projects. Made for a first internship.
- 1 page
- Letter + A4
- Docs + Word
Skills-first
Text reads cleanlySummary and skills come before work history. Useful when you're changing careers or coming back after a gap.
- 1 page
- Letter + A4
- Docs + Word
International CV
Text reads cleanlyA4, no photo, a professional summary at the top and room for two pages. Written the way UK and European employers expect a CV.
- 1 page
- Letter + A4
- Docs + Word
How to list a reference
Give each reference five or six short lines, in this order:
Priya Raman Engineering Manager, Dispatch Tools Northwind Freight priya.raman@northwindfreight.com | (312) 555-0161 Internship manager, May 2025 – Aug 2025
The last line tells the employer how you know each other. It saves them a question and helps them decide who to call first.
Who to ask
- A recent manager who saw your work up close. This is the one most employers want.
- A colleague, client or project partner who can talk about a specific piece of work.
- For students: a professor, a lab or club advisor, or a part-time job supervisor.
Three is the usual number. Ask each person first, tell them which jobs you're applying for, and send them your current resume so they know what you're claiming.
When to send it
Only when an employer asks, which is usually after an interview. Keep it as a separate file rather than adding it to your resume, and don't write “References available on request” on the resume itself.
Questions
- Should references be on my resume?
- No. Keep them on a separate page and send it when asked. That keeps your resume to one page and your references' contact details private until they're needed.
- Can I use a friend or family member?
- Not as a professional reference. If you have little work history, a teacher, coach or volunteer coordinator is a better choice.
- What if my manager left the company?
- List their current title and employer, and add a line saying they managed you at your old company, with dates.