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How Do You List References On A Resume

When Not To Include References

How to Create a List of Professional References

If a job posting doesn’t request references, don’t list them on your resume or otherwise include with your job application. Including references was a more common practice in the past, so doing so when not asked for them might peg you as an older candidate. In recent years, it has become more common for companies to not provide references as a matter of practice in order to avoid potential lawsuits. Because of this, companies are less likely to expect applicants to provide references.

There also are risks to including references. Even if you trust your references to provide strong recommendations, they might not do so. As well, it’s also possible they could be known to your potential employers and not respectedhurting your chances by association.

Where To Put References On Your Resume

If you have room and the employer asks for two or three references, you may be able to put them at the bottom of your resume. However, if you need to supply more references or the employer did not state a number, it is best to make a separate reference page. This way, you will have your reference list ready when you need it, and it will be suitable for all applications.

Why Are References On A Resume No Longer Used

Sort of like video killed the radio star, we can thank the internet for killing the idea of references on a resume. The short answer is: references on a resume are usually sensitive information and should not be widely distributed due to privacy concerns. Theres also the idea of digital etiquette, which dictates you shouldnt mention people will-nilly, opening them up to unexpected calls and messages.

Before the 1990s, when you couldnt send mail without licking a stamp, resumes were relatively private documents that were printed on paper, enclosed in an envelope and dropped in a mailbox. Sure, a resume might be passed around an office, hand to hand, but this didnt make the references names, addresses or phone numbers accessible to millions.

That all changed with the electronic revolution, which turned resumes into digital documents that actually could be accessible to millions. Today you can post your resume on LinkedIn or any number of other totally public job-search websites. So do you think your old boss would be thrilled to know that youve put his name, title, employer, phone number and email address in front of potentially billions of people? Probably not.

People today are far easier to find and much easier to contact no Pony Express needed. And if employers DO want references, you can send them in a personal email, which unlike a resume does entail a certain expectation of privacy.

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Who To Use As A Reference + How To Request Them

Choose your references carefully since they could be the difference between landing a desired job or continuing your search. You want to select people who can speak to your talents, skills, and abilities, especially if they are pertinent to the open position. Typically, the best people to include as references on your resume are:

  • Managers

  • Academic advisor

  • Client

Avoid using family and friends on your reference list. Your list should include only people who can speak of your professional abilities. If you worked for someone with whom you had personal ties, you might want to leave them off your reference list too.

When considering who to include on your reference list, make sure you are comfortable with these people knowing you are looking for a new job, especially if they are someone you currently work with.

There are times when you may be asked to include a personal reference. This is someone who can speak to your character, integrity, and personality. Good personal references may include:

  • Teachers

  • Volunteer leaders

  • Religious leader

Only include a personal reference if asked. Otherwise, stick to references that can speak to your professional abilities.

It’s good etiquette to ask if you can list someone as a reference before adding them to your resume. A quick phone call or email is all it takes. Ask if they are willing to be a positive reference in case a potential employer reaches out. Allow them to pass if they are unable or don’t have the time. That’s their right.

Salary Negotiation: Preparing For The Final Offer

Pin on resume references

What’s the last step in the interview process? The final offer letter. If you’ve made it this far, congratulations! You’ll want to be prepared ahead of time by checking out my article on how to negotiate your salary during an interview.

I’ll show you 3 simple negotiation tips that you can use to double your offer! While finding the courage to speak up about your salary and negotiating what youre worth can be tough, its an absolute must. If youre not negotiating your salary properly, youre leaving tons of money on the table. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to get paid what you’re really worth!

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Most Employers Do Not Require References Up Front

Employers and recruiters are sorting and sifting through hundreds of resumes to determine which candidates make the first cut and get an interview. During this first pass, they are not likely to contact any references. It would not be efficient to contact references during this stage. They would only waste time. They will want to talk to you first before putting in the effort to reach out to anyone on your behalf. If after the interview the recruiter or hiring manager would like to contact any references, they will ask for them. At this time , it is appropriate to give a reference page.

Read The Job Description Carefully

The job description should tell you everything you need to know about how you should send references. Often, a reference list is requested in the online application process. In this case, you can simply include your contacts here. If not, follow instructions from the posting carefully. If there is no mention of including references, simply send your resume with no reference list until it is brought up in the interview process.

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Do Resumes Need References

Your Do resumes need references images are ready in this website. Do resumes need references are a topic that is being searched for and liked by netizens today. You can Find and Download the Do resumes need references files here. Get all royalty-free photos.

Do resumes need references. To get a job you also need people who can sing your praises people who can attest that youre a star employee. Answer 1 of 3. If youre going to create a resume references section use a dedicated resume references page which you can add as the last page of your resume. Unscrupulous recruiters may strip.

How To List References On A Resume From thebalancecareers.com

I had to edit the paper for college but there was no way I could do it on time. References are an important aspect of your resume. Unless specifically requested references do not belong on a resume. Does it really matter if you a. Avoid the ubiquitous Resume references available upon request statement of the past. To get a job you also need people who can sing your praises people who can attest that youre a star employee.

How To List Your References:

How to format a list of job references for a resume

A detailed guide to listing references on a resume. Includes helpful tips and examples.

Determine the number of references to include.

The number of references you include in your reference list will depend on your career level. Entry-level positions generally require about three references, while more senior positions may require five to seven references from different times in your professional history.

For the most part, prospective employers will give you guidance on how many references they will want you to include on your reference page.

The best references usually include:

  • Current or former managers or supervisors.
  • Current or former coworkers.
  • Current or former employees or direct reports.
  • Academic advisors.
  • Professional mentors.

Try to choose only those references that can advocate your qualifications as they relate to the job you are applying for as well as those who you know will give you a positive reference.

Create a separate page for your references.

In general, you should list your references on a separate, dedicated “resume references” page to be added as the very last page of your resume. However, if the job ad does not specifically request references, do not include them in your resume.

Also, do not add the phrase “references available on request.” It wastes valuable space on your resume, and if the recruiter wants references, they will ask for them.

Use the same font as on your resume.

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How Many References Should You Include

When youâre asked to provide references, you should list three to four people who can attest to your professional experience and skills. If a professional reference isnât available, you can ask unrelated friends and acquaintances to serve as a character reference.

Rather than include your referencesâ contact information on your resume, itâs standard practice to create a separate list, and submit it as a PDF or Word document via email , using the same font and design details as your resume to create cohesion.

A reference tends to be a phone call or email that takes place during a job search. A letter of recommendation tends to be a one-page letter thatâs required for college and scholarship applications.

Will They Agree To Be My Reference Or Should I Ask Them First

And humans forget to ask the permission of our references before listing them.

Do not just list down names on your references. It is polite to ask first!

The rule of thumb is to ask permission of the person listed in the references first.

You can send them an email or call them. To do this, you can note this information from their professional LinkedIn ids.

If they grant you the permission, only then you should list them.

Do not worry! They are not cruel at all!

This helps you save your ass in case your employer calls them for verification. Now, they will know before hand.

Also you can make sure their contact information is correct.

When your job profile is closed or you get the job, you can thank them.

Drop in a polite email. If they are a bit close to you, you can also invite them to dinner.

Quick Tip: Provide them with the copy of your resume before hand. This helps them get familiar with your job profile and praise you if needed!

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What Not To Include In A Reference On A Resume

We have already covered the basics of what to include and how to format a basic reference â but what kind of information should be excluded from a reference on a resume.

Here is a quick breakdown of what kinds of information should be excluded from a reference:

  • Any personal information
  • Lengthy descriptions of your relationship to the reference
  • Personal anecdotes or other non-essential information
  • Too many references from the same company or employer

You ultimately want to provide concise references that are easy to ready quickly and clearly show why that person has been included as a reference.

Take a look at these two examples on correcting reference errors:

When including additional information, keep it to one line or less of the most relevant information.

Additionally, keep additional specific and donât use vague wording such as âseveral years.â

Incorrect:

When making your list of references you plan of including, it is important to not include too many from the same company.

You should only really include two references from the same company if each reference witnessed different skills or accomplishments of yours that the other did not.

Incorrect:

You worked at a corporate company in the communications department as a copywriter, and you have worked with both junior and senior level copywriters who you have included as references.

Correct:

How To Include References On A Resume

Resume references sample 2010

This article was co-authored by Adrian Klaphaak, CPCC. Adrian Klaphaak is a career coach and founder of A Path That Fits, a mindfulness-based boutique career and life coaching company in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is also is an accredited Co-Active Professional Coach . Klaphaak has used his training with the Coaches Training Institute, Hakomi Somatic Psychology and Internal Family Systems Therapy to help thousands of people build successful careers and live more purposeful lives. This article has been viewed 3,553,822 times.

Many potential employers ask for a list of references in a job application or at the end of a job interview. Thats why its a good idea to have a list of references handy when youre applying for a new job.

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How To Request For A Reference

Before writing down a name on your list, make sure he/she has agreed to become a reference. Give details on the person who might call them:

  • Name of Company
  • Name of Person or Designation
  • The position you applied for

Lastly, give them an idea of when to expect the call. The usual practice in recruitment is to contact references the same week as the job interview.

Listing a person as a reference without permission could be detrimental to your job application. First of all, it shows lack of courtesy to the person. Second, he/she will not be prepared and may give a response that is not well thought-out.

How do you ask someone to become a reference?

  • If you know the person quite well, it will be fine to ask permission over the phone. Invite them for coffee if they are not busy to make it more personal.If its been over six months since you last talked, remind them of who you are and what you worked on together. Then give a short rundown of what you are currently doing.A personal phone call is ideal for references from work like managers, supervisors or associates. Once you have received their permission to use their names as references, confirm the arrangement via email.
  • Above all, whether your request is accepted or declined, always thank the person for his/her time.

    Examples Of Resume References

    Awesome! At this point, you should have a few amazing people in mind to list on your reference sheet.

    You know the general rules of formatting, but we want to be absolutely sure that you get this right. Remember, that offer is so close you can taste it! Let’s not screw things up now.

    To help you get an idea of what to do , I’m going to share a few examples of bad resume references and good resume references:

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    Get Permission Prior To Including A Reference On The List

    If youre currently working, you might want to use your supervisor or a colleague as a reference, but you don’t want them to be contacted prior to letting them know about your job search. If you’re not ready to let your employer know you’re job hunting, consider choosing alternate references for your list.

    Before you write you up your reference list, youll need to figure out who will be your references. Be sure to ask them first.

    Make sure that youve requested permission from everyone you’ve asked to be on your reference list. Not only is this polite, but its also going to help them if theyre called upon to offer a recommendation. Theyll be better prepared to endorse you as a candidate if they know in advance that someone may contact them, as opposed to having to recommend you if they receive an unexpected phone call.

    Select references who are able to speak specifically about your qualifications for the job for which you are applying. Let them know about your job search and what types of jobs you are interested in so they will know which qualities to highlight.

    If you know in advance that your references may be contacted by a specific company, you can share your resume and the job description with them. You may also ask your references to write you a letter of recommendation.

    Decide How To Send Your Reference List

    How to List References

    The only time you should send your reference list with your resume is if the job posting explicitly requests references with the application. Otherwise, wait until a recruiter or hiring manager makes the request. Save space on your resume by removing references available upon requestrecruiters will request this list if and when they need it during the hiring process. If youre looking for additional guidance while creating your resume, review Indeeds list of resume samples.

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    What To Include On A Reference List

    Here are tips for creating a reference list, along with a sample reference page.

    Include the reference’s full contact information. List their full name, title, and company in addition to their street address, phone, and email. If the person prefers to use post-nominal letters or a title it is appropriate to include it with their name.

    Be sure to include full contact information for each of your references.

    Include your contact information. Dont forget to include your own name and contact information, just in case the list gets separated from your other application documents it is a good strategy to use the same header with your contact information on your reference page that you used for the first page of your professional resume.

    Add a title to the page. Give the document a title such as “References” or “References for Jane Doe” at the top of the page so that its clear what information is on the page.

    Be consistent with your formatting. Be sure to include the same information for each reference .

    Proofread your list as carefully as you proofread your resume and cover letter. You would not want to include an email address with a typo or a phone number that is missing a digit.

    Check for accuracy. Double-check to make sure the information is current, and that the names are spelled correctly. .

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