references
I was told thr new rule is not to add references upon request on your resume. that the employer will ask for a list of refrences when they are interested.
Karina,
I'm so sorry, this was actually supposed to be changed in the course; while this was for many years the standard for resumes, it is no longer considered appropriate to list 'references upon request' on a resume.
Elizabeth Kemler
As it said during the course, it is important to have your references on the resume. It lets the employer know that you are okay with them calling and asking about you.
Deborah,
That was the standard on resumes for decades; you are right that it is no longer considered wise to include that.
Elizabeth Kemler
Putting References Available Upon Request isn't necessary and takes up valuable space that could be utilized selling yourself and your skills. I don't believe you should ever submit your references before you have even spoken to anyone. The resume is submitted to get you a call for a possible interview, nothing more. No employer should spend time calling a candidate's references before they have even met with them to know if they are someone that should be considered. That would be like paying to do a background check based solely on the resume. Every candidate should have a professional list of references to take with them when they go to an interview. Not before.
I agree with this. In fact we have students list seperately a REFERENCE SHEET. This way they can put it in their folder along with their resume,, should the employer at the interview ask for it or so that they may have easy accessible when they are filling out the job application.
Maria Rosario,
Personally, I like this idea though not everyone agrees that this is the way to go. Ultimately I think that if the student presents themselves well, a reference sheet certainly couldn't hurt.
Elizabeth Kemler
Although "References Are Available Upon Request" is commonly stated on the bottom of the resume, I would prefer that the candidate prepare a separate page with at least three professional references who can vouch for their work ethic, skills, etc. The reference page must have the same format heading as the resume. Offering references at the onset of the job application is an indication that a candidate is serious about landing a position in the company. It somehow challenges the potential employer because the candidate is silently saying "feel free to call my references and learn more about me." It exudes confidence on the part of the candidate, especially when he/she did a wonderful job at previous employers, at school, in the community.
Deborah,
Yes, I agree, it is no longer suggested that people put 'references available upon request' on their resumes. It's great that you're working with students on preparing a list of references..it's such an important thing to have, and not always an easy thing to put together.
Elizabeth Kemler
I believe that putting "references upon request" is just a waste of space. Like putting the word "resume" at the top of your resume. Employers assume you will have references. In class we do work with the students to put together a list of people and right before starting their job searches they call each one to ask if they would be a reference
I do not suggest students to write the references in the resume, however yes to always have them handy for them to present them at the interview.
Carla,
This is a good point; it's a shame that we have to think about these kinds of things but alas, we do.
Elizabeth Kemler
This does sound like a good suggestion, and I can see that it would make an impression of being prepared, however, with the identity-theft age that we live in, I feel that it's not considerate to your references to have pages left behind or tossed in the trash with their contact information, especially if the information was not requested by the employer and he/she does not intend to use it.
I agree with this. I tell my students not to include the statement because "of course" you'll provide references when asked. I definitely them to be prepared with the accompanying Reference page to present when requested, and to make sure they've spoken with any/all that they list and get permission to share their name and contact information.
Thomas,
I like your thinking. I regularly do research on these issues and continue to find that there is divergent thinking on them. I think it depends to some degree on location.
Elizabeth Kemler
I believe it to be understood that references would be supplied by request. Threfore it is not necessary to have such a sentence at the end of a resume. I also believe it may be a mistake to wait for the employer to ask for references. If one were to bring references to the interview and leave them at the end of the interview then it would help make you, as the candidate, look proactive and be anticipating their need.
Amy,
People seem to have different ideas about this but I'm sure you know what's best for your students in this regard.
Elizabeth Kemler
I still believe it is important to add references available upon request. Many of our employers caught this and were not impressed that references were not placed as available on the resume.
Amy,
Everyone seems to have a different opinion on this but I would tend not to put it in the cover letter..but definitely to have the list with you when you go on interviews.
Elizabeth Kemler
yes, this only takes up space on the resume, it is to be understood the candidate will provide a reference list upon request.
