Should I Include References

Article on frequently asked resume question "Should I Include References"

One of the biggest concerns that people drafting resumes have is whether or not they should include references as a part of the document. While, of course, references are very important to have as they offer proof that you are what you say you are-as regards your career history, etc-there is definitely a certain protocol required in how they relate to your resume-which serves your hiring manager as well as the references themselves.

The purpose of references are-as noted-for the objective of offering confirmation that you worked at a certain place of employment and your title was a certain title, etc etc; but it also, serves as a means of characterizing you as a worker-from whatever perspective your professional reference is. So, your colleague or supervisor will most likely be asked your working style, any strengths/weaknesses, and any other background information as it relates to your career goals and manner. It is the one means that an employer can verify all that you say is true, and that you are-in fact-the stellar candidate you say you are.

This in mind, do you include them? While on applications for part time jobs or entry level blue collar positions; you will most likely be asked to list your references’ personal name to include contact and name information-it is not common to expect this information on a resume for a white collar position. Why is this, you may think, if references are so vital? Simply, because-depending on who you apply to-your resume can shift between a number of hands; and just this alone, is giving your professional reference a disservice-as regards the privacy of their personal information. This is why the best and most often accepted means of referring to the fact that you have references without discussing their details on every copy of your resume you may have, is to write that “References are Available upon Request”. Write this at the bottom of your resume, and perhaps allude to it in your cover letter-and if the employer is interested-they can request this information from you.