“Reference available upon request.”- Should you mention it or leave it off your resume?

Shricareer Thu, 10/06/2022 - 12:24

You saw a job opening for your profile in your dream company and you can’t wait to apply there. Now you are worried about whether your CV is up to the mark or not. After giving some final touches to your resume, you have finally perfected your resume. except there is one hurdle. should you include “references available upon request” and some other phrases on your resume?

They say your first impression is your last impression. And since your resume is your first impression on the recruiter, hence you will need to make sure that it is perfect, so that it can impress the recruiter and convince them to offer you an interview. You can create a better, more impactful resume by considering every phrase you include. In this blog, we will guide you on whether to include "References available upon request" and other phrases on your resume.

Why do applicants mention "References available upon request" on their resume

Applicants may write, “References available upon request” on their resume so that they are aware of when a potential employer wants to contact their references. This provides them a chance to contact their networks and let them know that a possible employer may be contacting them. Although this is a valid argument, still it is not necessary to add this part of the sentence. Hiring managers are aware that references will be available upon request. Including this phrase can take up valuable resume space, especially if an employer hasn’t asked for references yet.

Is it necessary to include the phrase "References available upon request" on your resume?

Well, it is best not to include the phrase, “reference available upon request” on your resume. This phrase is unnecessary, according to all career gurus. Few hiring experts called it a waste of one-line space. So, why is this phrase so ineffective? Because recruiting managers are aware that they can ask for references and anticipate getting them.

Your resume should generally be one page long, which is another issue. Most of the time you will need to fit everything on your resume within one single page. Therefore, you must cut any unnecessary sentences to finish it within a one-page template. So, including “reference available upon request” doesn’t even come close to earning a place at the table.

When should you include the phrase, “reference available upon request”?

If against all the chances you are still determined to include it in your resume, it’s better to mention it at the very bottom of your resume. The statement wouldn’t distract from your resume, and even if the hiring manager doesn’t see it, it won’t do any harm.

Using a footer to format “references available upon request” on a resume is a nice idea. By doing this, it up for your abilities section or job experience section-the sections of your resume the hiring manager is really interested in.

Exclude it from your resume.

It is not important to mention “References available upon request” on your resume. Because recruiting managers are professionals at what they do, they are aware that they are free to request references at any time. In addition to being redundant, there are more effective strategies to position yourself as a strong prospect.

Give a separate list of references

By making a distinct, professional document for your references, you may demonstrate to hiring managers that you are a prepared candidate. You have the option of sending this list immediately or saving it for when they inquire. Inform your connections that you are actively seeking employment and that they can anticipate a call or email at any time as you are ready to provide references. While creating a references list, make sure to include the following information about each of your references:

• Full name
• Position
• Company
• Company address
• Phone number
• Email address

Include some relevant information there.

Remember that your resume is a one-page summary of your pertinent experiences, abilities, and qualifications for hiring managers. Use these sentences for something that demonstrates your qualifications rather than filling up an entire line. Read the job description thoroughly before determining what to add to your resume. Pull out as many phrases and terms, as you can, to use on your CV. You may distinguish yourself from the competition by customizing your resume for the position you seek.

Other phrases you should consider excluding from your resume

When creating your resume, make sure you mention something more original than these terms.

Hard worker

There are plenty of more effective ways to characterize yourself and your work ethics, than "hard worker." Although working hard is a virtue, this expression is unimaginative. Try to come up with more intriguing methods to introduce yourself to potential employers. Do not forget that your resume is your opportunity to leave a lasting impression. Demonstrate to potential employers that you have more original and creative thought processes. You might want to use the following adjectives on your resume:

• Committed
• Earnest
• Determined
• Diligent
• Motivated
• Driven
• Focused
• Passionate

Go-getter

Job applicants have heavily overused words like “go-getter” or “self-starter”. What was once a unique approach to introducing yourself has turned into a cliché. You can demonstrate to hiring supervisors that you have a unique style of thinking by being as novel as you can. Consider investing more effort in your work experience in addition to using better word selections. Consider how you can utilize examples to demonstrate that you are a talented and ambitious candidate.

Out-of-the-box

Idioms can help you come off as relatable, but they don’t always work well in application materials. Employers may notice you more if you demonstrate a little individuality, but you should still use polished, professional language. Consider going with a novel method of phrasing something rather than a term. Your resume could seem novel and original to hiring managers.

Advantages and Disadvantages of including the phrase “reference available upon request”

ADVANTAGES

Appears relevant

Full referee information presented on a CV is frequently considered out of date. Companies want to make sure they are interviewing individuals who are knowledgeable about the most recent industry trends and who understand how to properly convey their skills. references are frequently irrelevant throughout the application stage because they are typically not requested until after interviews are finished, making it the final step before a position is offered. A resume can concentrate on what’s most important- why you’re qualified for the job- by leaving out references and substituting “reference available upon request.”

Opens up your possibilities.

By including referee information on your CV, you commit to utilizing these individuals as references. Ultimately, a job offer can depend on these recommendations, so it’s critical to ensure that their input will be intelligent helpful, and appropriate for the position. You can have more possibilities if you substitute “references available on request” for the entire referee details; this lets you modify your mind if you subsequently realize another person could be a better fit as a referee for the position. Additionally, it gives the chance to brief and pre-emptively talk with referees, giving them a heads-up. If they are aware of the specifics of the position, they will be able to respond to you more specifically.

Protects privacy

This option enables you to preserve the privacy of your referrals by withholding their information until it is required to do so.

DISADVANTAGES

Takes up space

Even while saying “references available on request” is much shorter than listing each referee’s entire name and contact information, it still takes up important space on a resume. This area could be used to emphasize skills and accomplishments relevant to the position, enticing the employer to arrange an interview.

Prolongs the process

The phrase “reference available upon request” adds a step to the employment process because the employer must first ask you for the referees’ contact information. This can be a drawback for positions that need to be filled quickly. When time is of the essence (especially applicable for temp recruitment) going up against someone who has references included may be a disincentive.

Not the best way to end.

It’s not particularly memorable to end your resume with “references available upon request”. The entire point of a resume is to make a good first impression, therefore it could be more effective to conclude with a noteworthy achievement or another item that will pique the reader’s interest.