A resume is the most important tool in the job search process. In today’s competitive market, employers can receive hundreds of applications for the same position. The resume should provide the relevant information needed to grab the reader’s attention. However, does it make sense to include references?
Should references be included on a resume?
The answer is simple: no. The purpose of a resume is to showcase your skills, qualifications, and experience in your field, and detailed references don’t tell the employer anything about you. You have one to two pages to impress the hiring manager, and listing references is a waste of space. Some candidates choose to add ‘References available upon request’ to the bottom of their CV, but this is not necessary.
Why not include references in a resume?
There are several reasons not to include references on a resume. Here are a few:
Too early: The hiring process is long and employers do not need references in order to consider hiring a candidate. Although there are no formal guidelines for when an employer requests references, it is generally acceptable to provide references when an offer is on the table.
Settlement information: As resumes circulate online, there is a risk of compromising the contact details of a reference person. When references are listed on resumes, the reference person’s name, phone number, and email address are included. Some recruiters will use this information to cold call and offer their services.
current employer : Most people looking for a new job don’t want their employer to know they intend to leave the company, and adding their contact information as a reference can put the candidate at risk. For example, most companies don’t contact referrals until an offer is made. However, an inexperienced recruiter may mistakenly call a forward reference.
What are the three types of references that must be provided in the event of an application?
If you’ve received a job offer and the hiring manager asks for references, here are the three types of references to include:
Professional references: These are current or former employers who can attest to the candidate’s experience, skills, work ethic, and personality. When employers ask for professional references, they are looking for additional evidence beyond what the candidate presented on their resume.
Academic references: If the position requires specific qualifications, the employer must ensure that the candidate has these qualifications before being formally hired. This is when academic references are requested. These references are usually from professors or tutors who supervised the candidate during their studies.
Personal references: Unlike professional and academic references, personal references are not linked to the candidate’s educational or professional experience. Instead, they provide information about personal qualities such as reliability, integrity, and interpersonal skills. Personal references may be provided by people who know the applicant outside of a professional or academic setting, such as a community leader, mentor, or family friend.
References are very important during the hiring process. They allow employers to verify the accuracy of the information provided by a candidate and to determine whether or not the candidate was hired. Although references are the last step in the hiring process, applicants should ensure they know their references so that they provide their contact information promptly when asked.
Translated article from the American magazine Forbes – Author: Goldie Chan
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