I have been looking at a variety of books on how to write resumes, and am confused about whether to include references on my resume. Some books say you can include a list of them, while others say to include actual quotes from the references. Still others say not to include references at all – only the words “References available upon request.” Should I include my references, and if so, in which format? What if I include the references and it forces my resume to two pages in length?

Answer: 

Dear Wondering,

As you can probably imagine, there are as many ways of doing a resume as there are people. With hundreds of books on the topic, it's hard to know which method to follow, since they all claim to be "the way."

However, for the last six years (and 800+ clients) I have used a format that includes the reference quotes right on the resume itself (at the end) – a technique that’s been tremendously well-received in markets as diverse as Dallas, Toronto, Cleveland, Denver, Tampa and even for one international client based in China. 

What are endorsement quotes and how do you get them from your references? I get endorsements from my clients’ current list of references. I simply call them or e-mail them and ask them what they see as my client’s strongest selling points to a potential employer. 

Their two-to-three sentence answers are then included at the end of the client’s resume, in much the same format as endorsement quotes on the back of a book. It’s a different way of showing upfront how others see you – valuable information to any potential employer.

Here are two examples:

"Joe is an insightful and motivational manager. He inspires others through his own positive example, and never hesitates to roll up his sleeves and pitch in when we're in a crunch. A great leader and an equally great individual."
      – Jane Colleague, Assistant Manager, XYZ Corp.

"...a positive and professional co-worker. Joe Smith has always come through in times of need, is dedicated to the company and yet is not afraid to speak his mind."
      – James Coworker, XYZ Corp.

• Yes, you can include these endorsement quotes at the end of your resume. And they are to be used in place of a list of references –  you see, they ARE your references.

• You should do what feels comfortable for you, and not necessarily follow everything you read in books. Some books are quite antiquated and follow the “old” rules of career counseling. Others are written by people who have simply read those old books and tried to make the language (but not the ideas) a little more contemporary. If you remember any rule at all, try this one: The job-seekers who are the most successful are also those most comfortable being themselves!

• The resume is as long as it needs to be to tell the story of who you are. This, of course, within reason (i.e., you don't need a four-pager unless you're at the CEO level). So don't worry about it if it goes to two pages. Worry more about whether it sells you well enough.

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