References... to include or not to include?
More often than not, at the conclusion of their resume, candidates will provide a number of names and contact details of people willing to provide feedback regarding previous work performance or character background. Unless specifically requested, I would tend not to include references on your resume; rather, provide a reference list after the opportunity to attend an interview and if you are requested to do so at that time.
One of the reasons for not including reference details on your resume at the initial stages of sending in your application is that if you are replying to numerous advertisements, your poor reference may be contacted when unprepared as to what company you have been speaking to, and what relevant information they could provide or confirm. Providing references at the interview stage will allow you to retain control over who is receiving these contact details, plus allow you to touch base with your reference and pre-warn them of the upcoming reference check (perhaps send a short email to touch base and advise them). Quite often, the results of a reference check will either secure the job offer, or, unfortunately, lose the job offer, so the reference checking procedure is crucial.
Another common concern among candidates regarding references is not being sure of whose name to put forward as a possible contact. This can be due to a number of reasons, some of which include:
- company closures, thus preventing you from locating managers, supervisors or colleagues;
- losing contact with previous bosses due to their leaving the company, and not knowing to where they have relocated;
- the inability to provide details of your current boss, as they are unaware that you are seeking other job opportunities and you fear jeopardising your current position;
- having been out of the workforce for some time and therefore not having a recent manager or boss who can verify your professionalism and abilities within a reference checking process.
When choosing a reference, it is far more beneficial to use someone who is able to confirm your abilities within a work context rather than, say, a close friend, relative or neighbor; however, for some job seekers, this is almost impossible.
If either of the above situations ring true for you, there are a number of strategies you can consider:
- Consider providing the name of your lecturer or tutor if you have recently completed professional development or courses. The course studied would presumably be relevant to the position you are targeting, so your tutor could confirm your academic achievements and knowledge in this area.
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