I heard that it was not good to put "references available upon request" at the end of a resume because it...

Question

...it is "out of style". What is the truth about this? Should something else be put at the end about references.

Answer 1

The truth is, it's not required to write this, because the recruiters assume that you have references, so it's needless paper waste.

I asked my company's recruiter about this, and she said that it's pretty obvious when someone's trying to fill space at the bottom of the resume by writing "References on Request" but she says that it's definately not needed.

Bring the references with you to the interview though, because they are needed there!

Answer 2

I am not handing out the name of anyone I know to a company that has not pretty much decided to have me in for an interview. If I decide during the interview that I am interested in the job, I hand them my references and not until I decide. Just because you apply does not mean you will accept the job. But then I have experience. Before I had a long resume, I added references to fill in. I was a much older student at college and when they got to the begging for a job resume, I had to tell her-the professor-that there was no way. When you worry so much about what they think, they know they have you and bartering for all those perks and your salary become much more difficult. If you have doubts and your confidence level comes out as low, your salary will be low. If you have doubts about your resume and what to add or not add, go to the library and get a book on power resumes. It can give you some excellent ideas and you make up your mind what suits you. The person doing the interviewing has probably not heard what you heard. . .
After reading the comments of the above manager, that guy must be new. Where do they get middle management from these days? Beware of places that hire people with that type of attitude. It will be an unpleasant place to work.

Answer 3

The truth of the matter is that it really doesn't matter in the end. If you need to fill space on your resume, use it, if you don't, don't.

know up front that you WILL be required to provide references to the company interviewing you when you are interviewed. So, even if you don't put it on your resume, be prepared at the interview to present references because they will ask for them!! Be certain to have the references full name, address, telephone number, and email address if possible. Also, and I know this sounds crazy, be sure the people you are using for reference KNOW that you're using them. I don't know how many times I have called someone's reference to get, "I haven't heard from or seen her in over six years, what can I really tell you about her now?"

Good luck to you!!!!

Answer 4

I suppose it is less common at the moment, now that I think about it. I guess that it is just understood to be the case, nowadays, that an employer will ask for references if they want them. I haven't seen another version of the phrase about references at the end of any resumes.

But I really doubt you would hurt your chances of getting a job just by writing "references available upon request" at the end of your resume. There are many people now who specialize in resumes and feel they must justify their existence by fabricating "styles" or "rules" for resumes. It's mostly BS, really. There are certain fundamental rules to follow in writing a resume, sure, but there are many different ways to write a great resume and you should do what you think is best.

Answer 5

I still put this on the bottom of my resume. I work at a high school as an aide in a resource room. We have students who come to us for help with their career prep class, a class needed to graduate, and the teachers have taught these students to put "References available upon request" on their resumes for the portfolio for the class.

Answer 6

I work in recruitment and in all honesty, to be blunt, if an applicant cant be bothered to LIST thier references, i cant be bothered employing them... what other shortcuts will they take if i do employ them?
Thats how i see it...

EDIT: Towanda.... i work for an extremely reputable, successful worldwide recruitment and contract management agency. I deal with Multi-million dollar contracts in the coal mining industry and other Tade & Industial sectors. Attention to detail and safety etc is paramount in these positions. If i notice people taking shortcuts and not disclosing necessary information, it makes me extremely concerned about how they will conduct themselves on the jobsite. Also, i have an extremely high number of potential candidates for many many positions, where the competition is fierce. Why would i waste my time with someone who cannot fully and comprehensively compile a C.V? I am not going to waste mine, chasing up potential candidates to find out who their references are, only for them to give me the name of one of their mates posing to be a manager of theirs, when the next candidate in line has already provided their details along with "feel free to contact my references at any time".

At the end of the day, if you aren't willing to provide references upfront, it gives the impression you might be hiding something that you don want a potential employer to find out.

The question was "I heard that it was not good to put "references available upon request"".... you've heard it from the horses mouth so i dont understand how you think you have an argument there...

Answer 7

Not a big Deal........

Either do not mention references column in your resume or simply write the references you will give them on request prior to the request


Some things are too Simple , Do it!
Cheers!

Answer 8

It's a part of resume to include the references or "reference available upon request". some company need to know whom you know, but other doesn't matter at all whom you know as long as you are qualified to the position you are applying for.
To play safe, it is better to include it in your resume.
GOOD LUCK!