How Many Referees On A Resume

How Many Referees Should You List on a Resume? The Definitive Guide

The question of how many referees to include on your resume is a surprisingly common one, and the answer isn't always straightforward. While some sources might suggest listing several, or even providing contact details directly, the best practice in modern resume writing is actually far more nuanced. This article will guide you through the optimal approach, helping you craft a resume that grabs recruiters' attention without overwhelming them with unnecessary information.

The Short Answer: Don't List Referees on Your Resume.

In most cases, the best strategy is to omit referees entirely from your resume. Instead, prepare a separate list of references that you can provide upon request. This saves space on your resume, allowing you to highlight your skills and experience more effectively. Recruiters rarely review referee details at the initial screening stage; they're far more interested in your qualifications and career history.

Why Omitting References is Best:

• Space Optimization: Your resume should be concise and visually appealing. Including referee details often clutters the document and detracts from the key information recruiters are looking for.
• Privacy: Protecting the privacy of your referees is crucial. Sharing their contact information without their explicit permission is unprofessional and potentially harmful.
• Professionalism: A well-structured and concise resume showcases your organizational skills and attention to detail – qualities highly valued by employers. Including unnecessary information can suggest a lack of these skills.
• Modern Recruitment Practices: Most recruiters use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) which may not be able to process referee information correctly, potentially hindering your application.

When You Might Mention References:

There are a few rare exceptions where briefly mentioning references might be acceptable:

• Specific Job Requirements: If a job posting explicitly requests referee information on the resume, then you should follow those instructions carefully. However, even then, only provide names and titles; omit contact details.
• Academic Resumes: Academic resumes might follow different conventions, sometimes including a brief "references available upon request" statement. However, this is typically the extent of it.

Preparing Your List of References:

Once you’ve submitted your resume, you’ll need a separate, well-prepared list of references ready to share. This list should include:

• Contact Information: Name, title, company, phone number, and email address for each referee.
• Your Relationship with the Referee: Briefly describe your working relationship with each person (e.g., "Project Manager," "Professor," "Supervisor").
• Permission: Always obtain explicit permission from each reference before including them in your list.

In Conclusion:

While the temptation to list referees directly on a resume might seem logical, it's generally counterproductive. Focus on crafting a strong, concise resume that showcases your skills and experience. Prepare a separate reference list, readily available upon request, and ensure you've obtained the necessary permission from each individual. This strategy ensures your application stands out for the right reasons, while protecting both your privacy and the privacy of your references. By following this advice, you significantly improve your chances of securing an interview and landing your dream job.