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In today’s job market, adding the phrase “references available upon request” to your resume is largely considered unnecessary and outdated. In this article, we will explore what should be included on a modern resume and why this standard phrase should be omitted.
We will also discuss specific situations where including a mention of references might be beneficial. While it’s generally best to leave this line out, there are exceptions where it could work in your favor.
Key Takeaways:
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Including “references available upon request” on your resume is usually unnecessary and wastes valuable space.
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There are rare situations where adding this line may be appropriate, such as when your resume lacks work experience or features references from well-known individuals.
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It’s also important to exclude sensitive information, such as salary details and personal data, from your resume.
Reasons to Exclude “References Available Upon Request”
For most job seekers, the advantages of mentioning references on a resume are significantly outweighed by the reasons to omit them:
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Outdated. Including any reference to references makes your resume appear outdated and disconnected from current hiring practices.
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Too long. Best practices suggest that your resume should ideally fit on one page. If you’re struggling to condense your qualifications, this irrelevant line detracts from the focus on your skills.
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Irrelevant. Employers expect that applicants will provide references, so it’s redundant to state that you can provide them upon request.
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Weak closing. Ending your resume with an unnecessary line weakens your overall message. Instead, conclude with a strong showcase of your skills.
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Extra step. Some online job applications require references upfront. If you mention providing them upon request, you may complicate the process for hiring managers.
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Better options. Nowadays, it’s easier to connect with your references through platforms like LinkedIn, where you can showcase recommendations and endorsements. Consider creating a personal website with testimonials to impress potential employers.
What Does “References Available Upon Request” Mean?
If you’re new to job applications, the phrase “references available upon request” may be unfamiliar. This phrase was once a common resume practice, even considered a standard component decades ago.
In earlier times, candidates frequently included reference lists on a separate page, but as resumes evolved, the trend shifted towards concise, one-page formats.
Eventually, the phrase “references available upon request” became a placeholder, signaling to employers that you would provide references if asked. However, this practice has become obsolete; employers today assume that candidates will offer references when needed.
Currently, it’s more common to submit a separate page of references only when specifically requested by a hiring manager. Many organizations prefer to wait until they are seriously considering a candidate before asking for this information.
Reasons to Include “References Available Upon Request” on Your Resume
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First resume. If you’re fresh out of school and lack work experience, including references can help supplement your resume.
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Impressive references. If you have notable industry figures as references, mentioning them could enhance your credibility.
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Leading hiring managers. Including references might indicate to hiring managers precisely who you would like them to contact, which can positively impact their perception of you.
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Requires contact. Including a reference line gives hiring managers a reason to reach out to you, indicating they are seriously considering you for the position. This also allows you to prepare your references for potential contact.
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Privacy. Some references may prefer to keep their information private unless required. In such cases, it may be better to mention that references are available upon request rather than listing their contact details.
However, it’s worth noting that the vast majority of job seekers should omit the line “references available upon request” from their resumes, as it appears outdated and merely consumes space.
What’s This About a One-Page Resume?
The ideal resume is a concise snapshot of your professional achievements and qualifications. A resume serves as your elevator pitch to potential employers—quick and impactful.
It’s crucial to differentiate between a resume and a CV or curriculum vitae. If your profession or experience warrants more detail, a CV may be more appropriate. However, for most professionals, one page should suffice to capture your career highlights, provided you present it well.
If your goal is to create a resume that secures interviews, then eliminating outdated and unnecessary sections is essential. Even a single line like “references available upon request” can take up valuable space.
What Else to Omit from Your Resume
To create a streamlined and effective resume, avoid falling into the trap of outdated advice. Here are additional elements to exclude:
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References. It’s expected that you’ll provide references later in the process, so there’s no need to include them on your resume.
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References available line. This is redundant and should be left off.
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Career objectives. By applying for the job, it’s clear what your objective is—there’s no need to state it explicitly.
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Salary. Avoid mentioning salary expectations on your resume as it can limit your opportunities and may come across as unprofessional.
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Cliches. Strive to differentiate yourself from other candidates by avoiding tired phrases and buzzwords.
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I. Refrain from using first-person pronouns; this is a conventional rule in resume writing.
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Personal details. Given legal constraints regarding discrimination, including personal information such as age, marital status, or religion can backfire.
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Irrelevant and outdated work. Focus on your most recent and relevant positions; consider excluding jobs older than 10-15 years.
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Mistakes. Proofread your resume thoroughly to eliminate any typos or grammatical errors.
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Lies and opinions. Always be truthful and avoid inserting personal opinions on your resume.
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Anything negative. Avoid mentioning reasons for leaving past jobs or drawing attention to unfavorable experiences.
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Hobbies. Unless directly relevant to the job, listing hobbies is generally discouraged.
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GPA. For seasoned professionals, mentioning GPA is unnecessary; it’s more relevant for recent graduates.
Final Thoughts
In crafting your resume, adhering to contemporary standards is crucial. Professional resume writers agree that the phrase “references available upon request” is no longer relevant in today’s hiring landscape.
Your resume should be tailored for each job by highlighting relevant skills and experiences. Most recruiters favor a chronological format with clear action verbs and a clean layout that adheres to expectations.
Ultimately, a modern resume should focus on what hiring managers need to know without cluttering it with redundant phrases about references, which they already assume you will provide when requested.
Author
Kristin Kizer is an award-winning writer, television and documentary producer, and content specialist who has worked on a wide variety of written, broadcast, and electronic publications. A former writer/producer for The Discovery Channel, she is now a freelance writer and delighted to be sharing her talents and time with the wonderful Zippia audience.
