3 reasons why you shouldn’t include references on your resume

This is a friendly lil nudge to stop including references on your resume. It’s been drilled into us to include references at the end of your resume, but you really don’t need to.

When I write resumes for clients, I almost never include reference details on their resumes. The only time I do is if a job SPECIFICALLY requests references to be included on the resume.

Every other time? No mention of references. Not even a small “References Available on Request” tacked on at the end.

Here’s why I never include references on resumes, and why you shouldn’t either.

Because it gives you more control

The number one reason I don’t include references on resumes is because it gives you more control in the interviewing process.

By not having your references on your resume, you create an opportunity to send a natural follow-up email after your interview. With a quick “Thank you for the interview, here are my referees’ contact details” email, you can express your interest in the role without it feeling cringe.

It also means that you’ll also know when your referees are being contacted, so you can give them a heads-up that they might be getting a call.

Remember, a hiring manager won’t contact your referees until after they have interviewed you, so you’ll always have this opportunity to provide your referees.

Because of privacy

If you have your referees’ contact details on your resume, it means you're handing out their personal info every time you apply for a job.

By not including these details on your resume, you’re respecting and protecting their info.

Because of space

There’s limited space on your resume and you want to pack it full of your skills, achievements and experience.

By keeping your resume free of references, you’re freeing up space to make your resume really work for you.

Why I don’t include “References Available On Request”

I see a lot of resumes that include “References Available On Request” and I always remove it.

Why? Because everyone has references available, it’s a standard part of the job hunting process. Sticking this phrase at the bottom of your resume is redundant.

Still got references on your resume? Take five mins to delete them before you apply to your next job. Trust me, you won’t even notice they’re gone.