Category: Resume Writing FAQ
Should I include references on my resume?
No, do not include references or ‘References available upon request’ on your resume. This is outdated practice and wastes valuable space. Here’s why: Everyone knows you’ll provide references if asked, so stating the obvious adds no value. You should always prepare references but keep them on a separate document. When needed (usually later in the hiring process), you can quickly provide a formatted list. This approach also protects your references from being contacted too early or too often. Create a separate ‘References’ document with the same header as your resume (your name and contact info). List 3-4 professional references with: their full name, job title, company, relationship to you (e.g., ‘Former Manager,’ ‘Project Lead’), phone number, and email. Always ask permission before listing someone as a reference and give them a heads up when companies might contact them. Brief them on the roles you’re applying for and remind them of specific projects you worked on together. Choose references who can speak to different aspects of your work: a supervisor who can discuss your performance, a peer who can discuss collaboration, and possibly a client or direct report. Keep references recent (within last 5-7 years) and relevant to your target role.
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