Writing the Perfect References on a Resume in 2023
Why are References on a Resume Important?
Having references on a resume is still important in the job market of 2023. A good reference can provide a potential employer with details about a candidate’s skills, abilities, and performance in a way that a resume cannot. This information can help employers make an informed decision about a potential hire and can be the deciding factor for who gets the job. Resumes are an important part of the job application process, but having references on a resume is just as important.
Who Should You Include as References?
When choosing who to include as references on a resume, you should select people who can provide a detailed and favorable account of your experience, skills, and abilities. It’s important to choose individuals who can provide impartial and honest feedback about your performance and character. Potential references can include former colleagues, supervisors, teachers, and mentors. If you have limited work experience, you may also consider including references from volunteer work or extracurricular activities. It’s important to get permission from the individuals you wish to include as references before listing their contact information.
What Information Should You Include?
When including references on a resume, you should include the full name, professional title, organization, phone number, and email address of each reference. You may also include the relationship you have with the reference, such as, “Former Supervisor” or “College Professor.” It’s important to include accurate contact information for each reference so that potential employers can easily contact them.
How to Format References on a Resume
References should be listed on a separate page at the end of your resume. If you have a one-page resume, you can include references on the same page. The reference page should include a heading that lists your name and the word “References.” This heading should be in the same font and style as the rest of your resume. When listing each reference, include the name, title, organization, phone number, and email address of each reference. Make sure to double check that all of the information is accurate.
What Not to Include
When listing references on a resume, there are some things you should avoid. You should never include personal information such as age, gender, marital status, or religion. You should also avoid including family members as references. Family members are not impartial and lack the professional experience necessary to provide a detailed account of your skills and abilities. Lastly, you should not include the phrase “references available upon request” as this phrase is redundant and doesn’t add any value to your resume.
Tips for Choosing the Right References
When choosing references for a resume, it’s important to pick individuals who can provide a positive account of your skills and abilities. It’s best to choose individuals who have supervised you directly and can provide a detailed account of your performance. If you have limited work experience, you can also consider including references from volunteer work or extracurricular activities. It’s important to get permission from the individuals you wish to include as references before listing their contact information.
Conclusion
References on a resume are still an important part of the job application process in the year 2023. When selecting references, it’s important to choose individuals who can provide a positive and detailed account of your skills and abilities. You should include the full name, professional title, organization, phone number, and email address of each reference. It’s also important to get permission from the individuals you wish to include as references before listing their contact information. Following these tips will help you create a perfect references section on your resume.