Resume Tip of the Week - March 29, 2010

Should references be included at the bottom of a résumé?
Should you send a separate list of references with your résumé?
Should you write “References Available Upon Request” at the bottom of a résumé?
The simple answer to all of these questions is NO. Many of you may be surprised by this answer, but when you send a résumé to a potential employer, it’s too early in the process to include reference information. If you list references at the bottom of your document or include a separate page, it increases the length of your résumé and gives recruiters additional paperwork to sort through and more interruptions to deal with. Remember, you want the reader to focus attention on your qualifications, not be distracted by extra information. Also, by listing references and contact information, you’re giving recruiters, and possibly the entire Internet, personal names and phone numbers of people who may not want their information publicized. Think about it: Recruiters are always trying to network to find additional candidates and contacts. By providing names and phone numbers of others in your field, you may entice a recruiter to contact someone they believe is a stronger candidate than you. Don’t undercut yourself.

Finally, including the words “References Available” at the bottom of your résumé simply isn’t necessary. It’s like saying “The End”, and you don’t need to waste precious résumé space with useless information. Employers know that if they request reference information and you’re interested in their opportunity you’ll provide references. You may choose to bring a reference list to an interview in case the employer requests it, but there’s no need to refer to references on your résumé.