The current job market is an interesting space to navigate. From identifying the correct position to aligning with the potential salary, searching for a job is likened to an Olympic sport. However, the resume is one tool that can determine the success of the job search. And building a resume can come with a ton of questions and unknowns.
How long should your resume be? Are all of your past experiences relevant to your work? What format should the resume be in, and do you include references on the document?
Because of the different opinions about listing references, many job seekers don’t have a clear idea of what to do. AFROTECH™ is here to bring that sense of clarity to the situation.
Your resume walks in a room before you do, and having a qualified and curated list of references could be the catalyst that pushes you over the edge. Check out these four resume tips from Indeed that will help remove the pain of listing and providing references for your next job application.
1. Select Relevant References
Choose individuals who best attest to your qualifications, such as former supervisors, mentors, or colleagues. Ideally, select three to five people familiar with your skills and work history that align with the role you’re applying for.
2. Include Key Details
Ensure each reference has their name, current job title, organization, phone number, and email address listed. This information should be up to date and accurate to make it easy for employers to contact them. Also don’t forget to include a reference description that ties into your work relationship.
3. Ask Permission
Always notify your references and get approval from them before including them. This gives them time to prepare, ensures they’re comfortable speaking on your behalf, and avoids surprises if they are contacted.
4. Format Clearly
Present your references on a separate “References” page to maintain a professional and organized look. Ensure the formatting is consistent with your resume, and keep the details clear and concise to facilitate easy access.
@trezanderson_ Got to get the story straight before they call #treztiwaun #funny #comedy #oneminute ♬ original sound – La’Trez Anderson
If you decide to use references on your resume, always be honest. Sometimes, close friends and family can advocate for your career. However, you don’t want to find yourself having to create narratives that could backfire if and when a company reaches out to them.
Another practical tool for gathering references is contacting people who best describe your work and work ethic. Remember, this is your time to shine.
Think of the roles and moments where you thrived and tap into the people who can speak truth to power concerning your work, prompting your application to stand out among the hundreds of others submitted.
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