The Most Professional Way to Include Personal References on a Job Application

When applying for a job, the most professional way to include personal references is to be strategic and consider the context. While there is a common practice of listing personal references in the employment history section, it is often counterproductive. In this article, we will explore why omitting personal references is the most professional approach and discuss the best practices to maintain positive professional relationships.

Why the Most Professional Way is to Omit Personal References

First and foremost, no one cares about personal references. They are rarely vetted by employers and serve little practical purpose. Even professional references can be questionable, as providing such a reference may come with an implied obligation to provide a positive assessment. In reality, personal references do not contribute to your professional image in the way that your skills, experience, and achievements do.

Moreover, including the phrase "References available upon request" can sometimes come across as a challenge rather than a helpful detail. This phrasing suggests that you have withheld information that you are willing to share only after being coerced, which does not present you in the best light. It is better to focus on the information that directly supports your qualifications for the position.

The Employment History: Focusing on Your Qualifications

Your employment history is where you should focus on listing your relevant experience, skills, and achievements. Simply adding a reference to your history section is a waste of valuable space that could be used to highlight your strengths and match them to the specific job requirements. Instead, you should keep this section concise and focused on what the employer is looking for.

Strategic Use of References

Instead of listing references in the application, keep a cordial relationship with past managers and maintain their contact information up-to-date. This not only ensures that you have reliable individuals who can vouch for your work ethic and skills but also keeps your network active and engaged. It is a good idea to reach out to these contacts periodically, even when you are not actively job hunting. During the holidays or every quarter, for example, you can reach out to say hello, share career stories, and ask if they would be willing to serve as a reference. This maintains a positive and human connection which can be crucial should an employer request references.

Conclusion

The most professional way to manage personal references in your job application is to strategically omit them from the employment history section and instead build and maintain a network of reliable references. This approach not only saves space on your application but also ensures that your qualifications and achievements take center stage. By keeping your references close and maintaining regular contact, you can be ready to provide endorsements when needed, without cluttering your application with unnecessary details.