References on a Resume [Should You List Them]

References on a Resume Should You List ThemReferences on a Resume?September 23, 2019 By Mark Slack, CPRW When in doubt, dont add a list of references to yur resume. Although this is one of the most agreed upon rules among resume experts, job seekers continue to ask whether its acceptable.Build My Resume NowShould I Include References on my Resume?No. Nope. Never References do notlage belong on a resume, period. The space on your resume is valuable real estate, so dont waste it by adding information that 99.9% of employers dont require up front. Instead, you should use this space for an additional resume skills section, a resume introduction, or more accomplishments for resume bullet points. Including behauptung details will be much more enticing to employers than a list of names and phone numbers.References do not belong on a resume, period.In most cases, references arent requested until after the final in-person bewerbungsgesprch or near the end of the hiring process. HR department s dont have time to contact every candidates list of references its much more efficient for them to wait until they have narrowed down the candidate pool to 23 final applicants. So, if you reach this point in the hiring process and the manager asks you to provide a list of references, then whats the best way to present them? TipReferences arent the only thing that dont belong on a resume. Learn exactly what to put on a resume (and what not to put) with our expert guide.How To List ReferencesBefore you begin your job hunt, gather your references onto a Professional Reference Page.Include each references name, title, organization, phone number, and email address. TipList your references starting with yourmost impressive or important reference.Although some people suggest that you provide the addresses of your references, we recommendthat you leave them off for two reasons. First, hiring managers wont be contactingyour reference via snailmail. Second, your references most likely dont want you to share all of their personal information. Dont forget to clarify your relationship with each reference and how long you have known them.Creating a reference page is actually simple, but if you want to save time, then download our free reference list templateClick Here to Download Our Reference Page TemplateWant more free resources to aid your job search? Check out our downloadable resume samples and cover letter examples.How to Choose your Professional ReferencesYour OptionsThe best references are managers or former colleagues because they have first-hand knowledge of your skills and abilities in a work environment. However, for a student or recent graduate, finding a set of professional references can be difficult. So, for those wholack work experience, teachers, professors, coaches, advisers, and guidance counselors are all suitable alternatives to a professional reference.Teachers, professors, coaches, advisers, and guidance counselors are all suitablereferences for t hose who lack work experience. Neither friends nor family members are great options and should only be used as a last resort. Family and friends do not hold much weight for employers since they are likely to only say positive things and arent aware of your abilities in a work environment.Ask PermissionIts never too early to begin compiling a list of reference options. The more choices you have, the easier it will be to provide references to potential employers.However,before you can add anyone to your reference page, you must first ask their permission. Not only is it polite to do so, but it also allows them to prepare their response. TipDont forget to give your references a heads-up before you start applying for jobs. Listing someone as your reference without asking permission could be detrimental to your job hunt. An unprepared reference will lack a well-thought-out response and could end up making you look bad in front of a potential employer.Target Your ReferencesUnfortunately, you cant add every person who you know is willing to put in a good word for you. HR departments arent going to call dozens of your acquaintances. Many employers will limit you to only three references, so you have to choose wisely.There are a few details you should consider when choosing who to includeWhich of my references are most relevant to the job I am applying for?Do I have references that work in the industry I am applying to?Which person would best highlight my skills that are applicable to the specific position?Who is not suited to giving me a reference for this particular job?Asking yourself questions like these will ensure that you narrow down your list to a few highly targeted references.Offering an employer a tailored listof recommendations will maximize your chances of being hired over the other final candidates.Finally, after you get the job remember to thank your references. They helped you convince the employer that you were the right candidate for the position. Th e least they deserve is a nice thank-you note.