A lot of people may not be aware, that hiring managers aren’t the only ones who decide if a candidate gets a position or not.
Very often, there are other variables that have a say in the matter. Whether they need to consult senior management, work colleagues or the candidate’s references, there are other factors to consider when interviewing for a job and filling a position.
A candidate can be undoubtedly qualified, amicable and possess the right soft and hard skills. However, your reputation has a significant influence in whether you get the job or not. Meaning, what others say about you and the kind of impression you have with your network can ultimately decide if a recruiter ought to bring you into their organisation or not.
People need external validation sometimes and the people you list on your resume as references act as that validation for everything you say during the interview.
But, do you necessarily need to list references on your resume itself?
Should you list references on your resume?
The interview process usually consists of multiple sessions and activities before a decision is made. Ideally, references are most required during the intermediate stages of this process where candidates have been shortlisted and recruiters are close to choosing the person they think is best.
As such, within the first rounds of interviewing, you may not necessarily have to provide references. On other occasions, it will be acceptable to place references on your resume if the job description or recruitment officer asks for it. Therefore, there is no set instruction in stone about whether it should be included. Some recruiters may ask for it up front on your resume, others may request it after preliminary candidates have been shortlisted.
Therefore, in deciding whether to include it or not, simply look at the job description to determine if references are requested. If no such request is made, you can simply state, “References upon request” at the bottom of your resume. If the job posting asks for it, then surely include it.
How to list references on your resume?
The critical areas on your resume are your skills and work experience sections. Therefore, these should be at the top and centre of your resume. References are placed towards the end. To include who your references are, state their name, job title, the organisation they work for as well as their contact number. Make sure your references are well-informed that you’re including them on your resume and their job and contact information is accurate.
When listing your references, it is important to know carefully who they are. Past employers hold much more credibility as they have direct knowledge and experience of working with you. These persons should be at the top of your references. Therefore, your list should reflect the order of importance. People who can directly attest to your skills and qualifications are listed at the top.
How many references should I include on my resume?
Whether you are including them on your resume or not, three (3) to five (5) references should be sufficient for your recruiter. Generally new job seekers or individuals early in their career would have about three. Mature or experienced people, seeking a senior management role for example would likely provide more references to validate their character and competency.
Do they really call your references?
The order of importance is critical on your resume because your interviewers can easily determine who on your list is the most essential person to talk to. While it is certain that not all Human Resources departments will call every person you referenced 100% of the time, it is generally accepted that recruiters do in fact reach out and contact your references.
Recruiters want what is best for their company as well as the candidate. They do not want to hire someone who is unable to truly perform on the job and will be unhappy. Nor do they want to hire an incompetent candidate and have the operations of their organisations suffer. Therefore, ensure your reference list, whether on your resume or not, are accurate, well-informed and will support you with a positive review.
What not to include for references on your resume.
Interviewers are interested in you – your skills, competencies and the value your bring to their company. During the interview process, the focus is on you, not your references. References are simply to validate and add and extra layer of credibility. Therefore, in presenting them to your potential employer, only include their names, job title, place of work or occupation and contact information.
Do not include any personal information for your references. Personal background information, emails, address of residence and other intimate details about them should be left out. The recruiter is simply not interested and unnecessary information will make your application look unprofessional.
References on a resume template
Your resume highlights your personal information, education background, qualification & skills as well the most critical – your working experience. As mentioned before, if the job posting has asked specifically for it, references are included at the end of your resume as illustrated below:
References
Name of reference: ___________________________
Job Position: ________________________________
Organisation: ________________________________
Contact number:______________________________
Email: _____________________________
