How Many References Should You Have
Most job seekers should have between three and four references on their reference page.
However, if youre applying for a position that requires extensive vetting like a senior-level role, you should include between five and seven professional references.
But remember that all of your references should be high quality. Each reference should be able to meaningfully attest to your professional strengths and character. Dont include more references just to hit a higher number.
Including References Available Upon Request On A Resume
Having strong references can give you a leg up during the hiring process. Learn whether you need to stick the phrase references available upon request on your resume and how to build a list of references you can feel good about.
If youre currently on the job hunt, you may be wondering about one of the most commonly asked questions for resume writing should you include the phrase, References available upon request, on your resume?
And although references are a great way to prove yourself in the job market, the short answer is: No, they do not belong on your resume.
Instead, use that space to add as much detail as possible about your hard and soft skills, employment history, and relevant credentials or accomplishments.
To further understand the role that references play when it comes to your job search, keep the following advice in mind.
Also, if you really arent sure how to go about writing your resume, consider using a resume writing services to give you a leg up.
Examples Of References On Resumes
Letâs take a look at a few examples of references on resumes to learn more about common mistakes made when crafting a reference and how to correct them.
It is highly important to include the necessary information to contact a reference â just a name and company is not enough. You should always include at least an official business number and an official business email in your references.
Incorrect:
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What Not To Include When You’re Writing A Resume
What shouldn’t you include in your resume? Because resumes are typically only one to two pages long, your resume should contain only information related to the job for which you’re applying. There is some information that should be included in every resume. There are also some things that don’t need to be listed.
The hiring manager should be able to skim through your resume and see your qualifications without knowing everything about you. It often makes sense not to include information on your resume that could hinder your chances of getting an interview.
Here are some items that you should avoid including on your resume.
How To Request A Reference
When you give out someone’s name as a reference, be sure that you have permission to use them as a reference and let them know they may be contacted. Provide some information about the job you have applied for, so your reference can relate your experience to the job and give you the best possible reference for the job. You also might provide the person with an updated resume or list of your skills and qualifications.
If possible, select people who can speak to your skills and qualifications as they relate to the job youre applying for. Only choose people who you know will give you a positive recommendation. These are typically employers, business acquaintances, professors, or even customers or vendors.
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What Information To Include On Your Reference Sheet
On your reference sheet, you should list each reference with the following information:
- Name
- Phone Number
- Email Address
- Reference Description: Write one sentence explaining how you know or have worked with this person, where, when, and for how long.
Theres no need to include your references home or work addresscompanies arent going to be mailing them anything. And if a reference expresses a strong preference for a certain method of contact, its OK to put next to that line on your reference list.
To keep things easy for the hiring manager, its also a good idea to include your own name, phone number, and email at the top of the sheet .
Ask For Permission First
Before you hand over your list of references to an interested employer, be sure youve done your due diligence and have asked for permission from each of your references.
Listing references without their knowledge is never recommended. Not only is listing a reference without their permission impolite, but it can hinder your chances of getting the job.
Unlike an unprepared reference, a reference whos expecting a call from your potential employer will have more time to prepare for the conversation, sort out their thoughts, and make note of any great experiences theyve had working with you that theyd like to bring up.
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Otherwise There Is No Need To Include References In Your Resume
Should i put references on my resume. In this case, you need to take care to properly. Listing your references on a resume that should be one page is a waste of valuable space. Ideally every line of information listed on your resume will be useful to the recruiter and hiring manager.
Below we show you how to write a reference page to pair with your resume, and provide examples and a template. Put contact information at the top and include a title like references for gabriel grey. list your references and include their. Should you put references available on request on your resume.
Should you put your references on your resume? If the job post specifically asks for references, then add a separate page for the list. Once youve gotten their permission, make a separate document for your references that isnt the main page of your resume.
Also, don’t simply name your resume resume when you save the file. Career coaches and hirers agree with this. As you create a resume that is designed to catch the eye of hiring managers and boost your chances of landing the job, you may wonder whether references need to be included.
Including references in your resume used to be more common in the past. She told me i was freakishly flexible. While the general rule is that a reference list is not a requirement for your resume, there are times when prospective employers specifically request that you send one.
Start With Your Personal Details
Provide your personal information.
Start your reference list with your name, phone number, and email address, just as it appears on your resume and cover letter.
Add a simple line under your contact information to clearly separate it from the rest of the information on the page.
Below your personal information, add a title such as “references” or “professional references.”
Select your most relevant references.
Most employers, if they ask for references, will limit you to three, so you will need to carefully and wisely select the most relevant references. This should include people who can discuss your talents that are specific to the job you are applying for. Therefore, consider:
- Whether the reference works in the same industry as the one you are applying for.
- Which reference can best highlight your skills applicable to the job you are applying for.
- Which references are not suitable to give you a reference for the particular job you are applying for.
Arrange your references to your advantage.
List those references that are most likely to give you a great recommendation at the top. If you are adding references for different fields of work, you can sub-divide your references into different sections to make it easier for the recruiter to read.
The best way to list your references would be to use the following format:
Do not list your reference’s personal address to protect their privacy, and because hiring companies no longer contact references by mail.
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Offer Them During The Interview
It can be helpful to prepare reference information for your interview. Consider asking when scheduling the interview if the hiring manager is interested in your references. If not, it’s not always necessary to mention them in your interview. You may also specify during your interview’s close that you can provide references on their request in case they have more questions about you. This can assert your confidence and show the hiring manager you are prepared and have a strong desire for the position.
How To List References
Before you begin your job hunt, gather your references onto a Professional Reference Page. Include each references name, title, organization, phone number, and email address.
List your references starting with your most impressive or important reference.
Dont annotate your application with resume references available upon request. This outdated practice only uses up valuable space and restates something that every hiring manager already knows.
Instead, create a dedicated references page separate from your resume, and attach it to your application.
Next, list each reference like this:
Proper professional references format
Company / University your reference works atFull address of your references company / universityPhone numberEmail address
Never include the personal address of your reference on your reference page, because hiring managers dont contact references via snail mail. Plus your reference may not want you to share their personal information with strangers either.
Underneath each entry on your resumes reference page, you should also make a note clarifying your relationship with the reference, and how long youve known or worked with them.
Finally, if you want to save time formatting your reference page, download our resume references template and fill it in yourself:
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Don’t Give Them The Chance To Guess Your Age
Yes, your age is included in personal data, but if you don’t want to be discriminated from a position because of your age, it’s time to remove your graduation date, says Catherine Jewell.
Doug Hadley of Mansfield, Texas, told MSN that he’s begun to leave out the fact that he’s a published author: “I don’t want to have to omit such things, but I feel as though I don’t even get considered if they are on my resume.”
Sara Player advises to take out higher education if it’s irrelevant to the position you’re applying for or if you keep receiving rejection letters stating that you’re overqualified.
References On A Resume: All You Need To Know About Job References
Securing a job at a company requires potential employees to go through several stages of screening. And, putting references on a resume can certainly give you an upper hand.
However, theres one stage when the hiring company is getting serious, which requires communicating with someone other than the applicant. This stage is called the job reference check.
Here we will show you how to put references on your resume the right way:
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How To Include References In Your Cv
When formatting a reference list for your CV, you can either include them at the end of your CV or format them as a separate document. Follow these steps to properly format your reference list in either case:
What Is The Purpose Of A Reference List
Your reference list should appear at the end of your paper. It provides the information necessary for a reader to locate and retrieve any source you cite in the body of the paper. Each source you cite in the paper must appear in your reference list likewise, each entry in the reference list must be cited in your text.
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Who Is A Good Reference For Your Resume
Its important that all the references in your resume are all deliberately selected individuals.
Everyones aunt thinks that they are special, but what does your previous manager think about your work ethic?
To figure out whos a good reference for you, you should take personal experience into consideration: that means what stage in your career youre currently in.
Why?
Because youd list different people at different points in your career.
If you are a student or recent graduate with little to no work practice, you would want to get references from:
- Guidance tutors or counselors
- Course teachers and professors
Any of these people can speak positively about your best skills, qualities, and experiences.
When you have some professional background, however, even at an entry-level position, you have more variety in selecting a good reference.
You could use former colleagues or managers as well as project, master, doctorate supervisors from your most current studies.
If you are a professional candidate, this process becomes simpler as your preferred references will be more acquainted with giving and requesting references.
Pro tips
- If you dont have a lot of professional references to count on, you can reach out to just about anyone that can provide you with a valuable character reference.
- If a friend works in the company you are applying to, you could also use them as a reference.
Other important things you should consider:
Understand How To Ask For Job References
Make sure you take permission from the person you want to use as a reference.
Have a friendly conversation and find out what they would say about your performance and character before listing them.
Also, let them know beforehand what you are applying for and when they can expect a call or letter.
Remember that when you provide your former managers contact information, the potential employer assumes youve told him/her to expect the call.
Its believed that he/she will be available to talk about you.
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When To Put References On A Resume
So, if it is typically not expected to have references included on an initial resume, when is the best time to include references on a resume?
Creating a reference section or page can be necessary depending on a number of situations, including:
- If the employer has specifically requested for references to be included in the job description
- If you have progressed further down the hiring process and have been asked to provide references before or after an interview
- If you are applying to governmental or institutional position, such as a federal job, that will require strong references and a background check
Quick Tip: If you have impressive references, such as a company CEO or another recognizable figure, be sure to make these the most noticeable references and the first ones you list in your reference section.
Overall, the golden rule is to wait to provide references until they are requested.
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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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.
Should You Include References On A Resume
The general common practice that the majority of resume experts agree on is that you should NOT add a list of references to your resume.
Why?
Because, generally, the HR department doesnt have time to go through every candidates list of references. They have a lot more important things to do than reach out to all the references every single candidate ever provided.
Thats why references arent requested until after your interview has gone well or right before you are hired.
But heres the thing:
Thats not an unshakable no.
If the job description explicitly states that you should include references on your resume, without question, include one!
This is very straightforward on its own, youll know when you see it.
Some consulting firms, for example, tend to ask for testimonials on your performance from previous employers before they hire you.
In this case, it’s best if you do include the contact information of the people providing you with their positive feedback, so the HR can check how legitimate they are.
Bottom line:
Every word on your resume should be full of value and quality. References add unnecessary space. Insert them only when required or if youre asked to submit testimonials.
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When Shouldn’t I Include References In A Cv
There are several situations where you should leave a reference list out of your CV, including:
- The job description instructs you to leave them out
- You have only one or two appropriate references
- If they aren’t necessary early in the application process
- If you have little to no room left on your CV
- The references aren’t relevant to the job industry