Resume References - Don't Make the Mistake of Including References on Your Resume

There was a time when business and personalDon't get me wrong. Business references are still
references were routinely found on resumes. Rightneeded; just not on the resume. The typical way to
there at the bottom of the page, just below maritalhandle resume references is to prepare a separate
status and a shopping list of hobbies and interests.reference page. It's not uncommon for prospective
Yes, and there was also a time when Nehru jacketsemployers to request 3 business references (and
were in style, pensions were a given, and businesssometimes 3 personal references), but only after
meetings concluded with a soak in the company hotthey have an interest in taking the interview process
tub. But the 60's are long over.to the next level. This is the page to have ready, and
If your resume contains references, you need to setto present in response to that request.
fire to that resume and start over. If you're readingWhat About Using "References Available Upon
from a "how to write a resume" book and it isRequest" On The Resume?
advising the need for references on the page, youDo it, but only as the last line on the resume, and
need to check the copyright of that book and thenonly if there is room. In other words, it's optional and
pitch it on the fire you just started.it's expendable. It's well understood that a candidate -
Resume References: How To Doom Your Chancesany candidate who has made it far enough to get a
For An Interviewresume into the hands of a hiring official - will be able
If you're looking for the quickest way to relegateto scrape up some references should the need arise.
your resume to the circular file, include references onSo an announcement of such is unnecessary. Still,
it. If a resume is a reflection of the person (and it is),from both a practical and a design point of view, it
you will immediately come across as dated and outprovides a nice closure to the resume. It lets the
of touch. Plus, those references have just hoggedreader know that he or she has reached "the end."
valuable space that could have been better spentBut if you're pressed for space, it should be the first
promoting your value to the prospective company.line that gets the boot.
References Are Still Needed