The immediate and straightforward answer to whether professional references belong on your resume is generally no. Professional references are individuals, typically former supervisors or senior colleagues, who can attest to your work history, performance, and skill set for a prospective employer. Modern hiring practices have significantly shifted the traditional expectations for job application documents, moving the reference list to a separate stage in the process. This new standard prioritizes a streamlined resume focused exclusively on a candidate’s achievements and qualifications.
The Modern Standard for Resume References
The consensus among career experts and recruiters is that a resume is premium advertising space that should be reserved solely for showcasing a candidate’s accomplishments and relevant skills. Every line of text on the document must contribute to demonstrating fitness for the target role, making the exclusion of references a strategic choice. Listing references consumes valuable space that could otherwise be used to detail an additional project, quantify a significant achievement, or include another relevant certification.
Distributing a list of personal contact information to every company that receives a resume presents significant privacy concerns for the references themselves. Unsolicited calls or emails can be disruptive to their professional lives, and the information could be improperly stored or accessed if sent out widely. Furthermore, many Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are designed to parse formatted sections like experience and education. The inclusion of a separate block of names and contact details can sometimes confuse the software, which can hinder a candidate’s progress through the automated screening stage.
Should You Include “References Available Upon Request”?
The traditional phrase “References available upon request” has become an outdated formality that no longer serves a useful purpose on a contemporary resume. Recruiters and hiring managers operate with the understanding that any serious candidate will furnish a list of professional contacts when asked to do so. Including this boilerplate statement occupies a full line of text that could be better utilized for substantive content related to the candidate’s professional narrative.
Job seekers should assume that the request for references will come naturally once they have successfully navigated the initial screening and interview stages. Removing the phrase immediately frees up space for a more impactful bullet point or allows for a slightly increased font size for better readability. Its inclusion is redundant and simply adds unnecessary clutter to an otherwise focused document.
Creating a Professional Reference Sheet
Since references are omitted from the resume, candidates should create a separate, dedicated document known as a professional reference sheet for immediate delivery. This document must be meticulously formatted to present a polished and consistent professional image across all application materials. The header of the reference sheet should exactly mirror the design, font, and contact information block used on the resume.
Required Information
It is important to list the candidate’s full name, phone number, and email address at the top of the sheet, ensuring the information is identical to the resume. Below the candidate’s information, each professional contact must be listed clearly and systematically in a dedicated section. Accuracy is paramount, and candidates should verify all titles and contact details with their references before the sheet is finalized.
For every reference, the sheet requires the following details:
- Their full legal name
- Their current professional title
- The name of the company where they were employed when they supervised or worked with the candidate
- A professional phone number
- A current, professional email address
Presenting consistent and accurate information across all components of the application package reflects a high degree of organizational skill.
Selecting and Preparing Your References
The selection of appropriate references requires careful consideration, as the list should primarily feature individuals who can speak to the candidate’s performance in a supervisory capacity. Former managers and direct supervisors are the most impactful choices because they possess the clearest understanding of the candidate’s responsibilities and work ethic. Senior colleagues who worked closely with the candidate or professional clients who benefited from the candidate’s expertise also make suitable additions.
Candidates must secure explicit permission from every individual before their name and contact details are included on the reference sheet. Listing someone without prior consent can damage a professional relationship and may result in an uncooperative reference when a recruiter calls. The conversation requesting permission should also include an update on the candidate’s career search and the types of roles being pursued.
Once permission is granted, the candidate should actively “brief” the references about the specific job they are being considered for, especially if they reach the final interview stages. Sharing the job description and the company’s name allows the reference to align their commentary with the required skills and competencies of the role. A prepared reference can offer specific, relevant anecdotes about the candidate’s performance, which is far more persuasive than a general endorsement.
Providing References During the Hiring Process
The reference sheet is typically requested only after a candidate has successfully completed one or more rounds of interviews and the hiring team is seriously considering an offer. Requesting references signals that the candidate has been vetted for skills and experience and is now moving into the final stages of potential background checks and employment verification. This usually occurs late in the process to respect the time of the professional contacts.
The method of delivery often varies between organizations, so candidates should be prepared for different scenarios. Some companies will ask the candidate to upload the reference information directly into an online Applicant Tracking System portal. Other organizations will request the candidate to email the separate professional reference sheet directly to the hiring manager or the Human Resources representative.
Candidates should make every effort to provide the requested information within a few hours of the request, or at the very least, within the same business day. Promptness in delivery demonstrates professionalism and eagerness, helping to maintain the momentum of the hiring process. Delaying the submission of the reference sheet can slow down the final decision and create a negative impression of the candidate’s responsiveness.