Resume Writing: Employment References

In this 4 part series on Résumé Writing, we will explore Proper Résumé Format, Listing Your Skills, Describing Job Duties, and Employment References.

Part One - Proper Résumé Format

Part Two - Listing Your Skills

Part Three - Describing Job Duties

The Reference section is the final segment on a résumé. It should list three reliable people you have worked for or with that will give you a positive recommendation to a potential employer. You should include the person’s name, job title, the company they work for and a phone number they can be reached at during the day. This is usually their work number, but some may prefer to list their cell phone number. It is always best to double-check with your references ahead of time to see what number they would like listed.

Reference's Name
Job Title
Company
Phone Number

Alternatively, you could simply type the words, “Available upon request” under the Reference heading and create a separate page solely for references. In this case, you would use the exact font, format and paper used for your résumé.

There are two schools of thought from professionals when it comes to listing references on a résumé.

Employment service providers believe that adding references gives someone else the power to create your first impression with the employer. They advise against include references on a résumé and recommend instead that you bring your references to the interview separately. If you chose this option, your reference page should use the same layout and font as your résumé, including your name and contact information at the top of the page.

Other experts believe that including your references on a résumé can improve your chances of securing an interview and possibly even the job. They feel that your résumé is your first impression with an employer, not your references. If your résumé is sufficiently impressive, the potential employer will then contact your references which have been hand-picked to give you the best recommendation.

In fact, most employers prefer to check references before scheduling interviews and encourage applicants to include them with their résumé. With glowing recommendations from your references in their mind during the interview, some employers are more inclined to hire you on the spot if the interview goes well.

Whichever school of thought you follow regarding references, always let your references know when to expect a call from a potential employer so they can be prepared to answer questions about you.

Lastly, remember to thank your references when you are hired.

My book, "The Job Hunter's Guide" is available to provide detailed help with your job search.

© 2011 Rosa Lee.
All Rights Reserved.