Resume: Reference Guide

Among all the resume mistakes, it seems the most mistake job seekers make has to do with references.  Although resumes can be complicated and nerve-wracking to develop, they are actually a lot easier to write than originally thought. With that in mind, there are still many problems or complications that arise. For many resume writers that problem has to do with references.


On your resume, there is always the need for you to list references. These references can typically come in two different formats. These formats are personal references and professional references. This is important because many employers actually like to see a combination of them both.  Also, on average, most hiring companies like to see at least three references on their job applications and resumes.

Now that you know what many companies look for, in terms of references on a resume, you will have to start listing your references right away if you have not done that. While this approach is one that you can take, you need to proceed with caution. As previously stated, one of the many mistakes that resume writers make involves their references.  Some of the most common mistakes, as well as ways to prevent those mistakes from happening, are outlined below for your convenience. So please read on.

One of the biggest mistakes that a job seeker, possibly just like you, makes involves listing no references at all.  If you are simply submitting your resume, you may be able to get away without having any references listed, but I bet you will not want to take any chances.  If you are currently still lining up your references, you may want to have the phrases “references available upon request,” under the heading of references on your resume.  Should you fill out a job application and are asked to provide references, you will definitely have to do so.  Omitting information on a job application may cause your application to be overlooked.

Another mistake that many job seekers make, in terms of their resume references, is not asking to use a reference in the first place. That you know Mr B does not just qualify him to be listed among your references.  In almost all cases, you will find that your references are checked.  That is why it is important that you ask each individual that you would like to have listed on a resume or a job application before officially listing them as a reference. You also have to make sure the person will live up to expectation. If you have already submitted your job application and resume, without asking first, you will have to let each individual know, as soon as possible, that you used them as a job reference and that they may be receiving a phone call.  This is important, as you do not want your references to be caught off guard, as it may impact their responses and that can cost you the job.

As already stated, most companies like to see a combination of professional and personal references on their job applications and on all submitted resumes. This is a mistake that many job seekers also make and one that you will want to not make.  For that reason, you may want to consider listing four references on your job applications or resumes.  This would allow you to have an even number of personal references and professional references.

The above mentioned mistakes are common mistakes that many job seekers make when writing a resume for themselves. By keeping these common mistakes in mind, you can ensure that you do not make similar ones. This should automatically improve your chances of landing the job of your dreams or at least a job interview.