Creating a resume can be a formidable task. You have got to condense your entire professional experience into a few short paragraphs in a way that will catch the eye of a recruiter or hiring manager. One common question people have is whether they should include references on their resume. Is it necessary? Will it help or hurt your chances of getting hired?
Pros
Including references on your resume shows that you are prepared and ahead of the game. It tells potential employers that you have already gathered a list of people who can attest to your skills and professionalism. It can also save time for the recruiter or employer because they will not have to ask for references later in the hiring process.
References from former managers, colleagues, or professors can help bolster your credibility. These individuals can provide a personal account of your work style, abilities, and character. If you are in a competitive job market, having strong references can set you apart from other candidates. It can also be helpful if you are in a highly competitive field or if you have worked with someone who is well-known in your industry and they are willing to vouch for you.
If you decide to include references on your resume, it can be a conversation starter during the interview process. Employers may ask you about your references or the person you included, and it can provide an opportunity for you to expand on your experiences, skills and projects.
Cons
While some job postings may require or suggest you provide references along with your resume, others may not. As a rule, it is always good to have references available for potential employers if needed. However, listing them on your resume is another story. Some recruiters and employers might think that references on a resume are unnecessary. It can even be a red flag for candidates who do not have enough work history or accomplishments.
When it comes to resumes, every word counts. You want to make sure that you are using your limited page space to showcase your skills and accomplishments. Including references can take up valuable space that you could be using to highlight your experience and achievements. Also, some hiring managers would rather skip them as they check up on references only at a later stage of the recruitment process.
While having strong references can be helpful, it can also lead to bias. Hiring managers may give too much weight to the opinion of your references, regardless of their qualifications. It can present a skewed picture of your abilities or work style.
While it is common to ask for references during the hiring process, it is important to remember that the people you include on your list may not want their information shared. Make sure you have their consent before including their contact information, and be respectful of their privacy.
How to Select a Reference
One thing to keep in mind when listing references, whether on your resume or not, is who you choose. It is important to select individuals who know you and your work and can speak positively about your abilities. You want to choose someone who can vouch for your work ethic or even reference some of your more outstanding accomplishments. Listing someone who does not know you well or has not worked with you directly may not reflect positively on you.
Alternatives
If you are still on the fence about including references on your resume, consider including a “References Available Upon Request.” Another option is to provide a separate reference sheet that you can bring to your interview or send after the interview. This will allow you to have more control over the information that is shared and can prevent your referees’ details from getting into the wrong hands.
Conclusion
Ultimately, deciding whether or not to include references on your resume should be determined by the specifics of the job. If the job posting specifically asks for references, or if you have a connection with the employer that warrants providing references upfront, it may be worth considering. Otherwise, it is best to wait until you have progressed to a later stage in the interview process and your potential employer has expressed interest in reaching out to your references. The most important thing is to make sure that you have strong, reliable references that will vouch for you.