'References Available Upon Request': Should You Still Use It?

An Outdated Tradition Wasting Valuable Space

For years, career advisors told job seekers to end their resumes with the phrase 'References available upon request.' The logic was that it was a polite way to signal that you had references ready to go, without taking up the space to list them. However, in the modern job market, this phrase is completely outdated, unnecessary, and wastes valuable real estate on your resume.

Including this line on your resume in 2024 is the professional equivalent of having a hotmail.com email address—it can inadvertently signal that you are not current with modern professional norms.

Why You Should Remove 'References Available Upon Request'

1. It's Completely Assumed: It is a standard and expected part of the hiring process that you will provide references if you become a serious candidate. Employers know you will provide references if they ask for them. Stating the obvious is redundant.

2. It Wastes Prime Real Estate: Your resume is a high-impact marketing document where every single line matters. That one line of space could be used for another powerful, accomplishment-based bullet point, a key skill, or a relevant certification that could actually help you get the interview. Why waste it on a phrase that adds zero value?

3. It Can Make You Look Presumptuous: In a way, it implies that the recruiter might not request your references, when in fact it's a standard step for final candidates. It's simply not a necessary piece of information for the initial application stage.

4. No Recruiter Has Ever Made a Decision Based on This Phrase: A recruiter has never looked at two equal candidates and thought, 'Well, this one says their references are available upon request, so I'll interview them!' They care about your skills and accomplishments, not this empty phrase.

So, What Should You Do Instead?

The correct strategy is simple:

1. Remove the phrase entirely. Go into your resume document right now and delete it. Use the newfound space to enhance your content.

2. Prepare a separate reference list. Create a new document that is formatted with the same header (your name and contact information) as your resume. On this document, list 3-5 professional references.

3. Structure Your Reference List: For each reference, you should include:

* Full Name

* Job Title

* Company

* Relationship to You (e.g., 'Direct Supervisor,' 'Team Lead,' 'Senior Colleague')

* Professional Email Address

* Professional Phone Number

4. Always Ask for Permission First: Before you list someone as a reference, you must contact them to ask for their permission. This is not only courteous, but it also allows you to give them a heads-up about the role you're applying for, share the job description, and refresh their memory about your accomplishments. A prepared reference is a much more effective reference.

5. Do Not Submit Your References Until Asked: Only provide your reference list to the employer when they explicitly ask for it. This typically happens after the final round of interviews, when they are ready to make an offer.

The verdict is clear: Free up that valuable space on your resume and remove 'References available upon request.' Use it to add one more compelling, quantified achievement that will actually help you land the interview.