No doubt, you have "Googled" this topic and have read lots of conflicting information. Some sources say that you should list the phrase "References Provided Upon Request" at the end of your resume. Others warn you that this is not a good idea. Why? Let me explain below.
Let's say that you've been looking for jobs online and came across a job posting that represents a perfect fit for you. Because you're conducting your job search online, it's safe to say that easily hundreds - or thousands - of other individuals could see this same job posting. Now put yourself in the resume screener's place. If (for example) 350 people apply for this job within a week (a typical scenario these days) and each person adds a 1-page references sheet to their application, then I would not want to be in the screener's shoes. Why? Each job-seeker has now obligated the screener to go through one additional page. Multiply that by 350 applicants; now, the screener has to sift through 350 extra pages of material - an action that could have waited until after the job-seeker has landed an interview.
The Exceptions
There are exceptions to the rule, though. Here are 3 career vocations where you HAVE to submit references with your resume.
Career Vocation #1: The education sector.
Why: Anyone working with children and youth under age 18 HAS to undergo police screenings to determine their trustworthiness when interacting with students. Parents put their faith in school board employees to guarantee their children's safety. Ultimately, forwarding the references sheet with the resume offers peace of mind for the hiring decision-makers.
Career Vocation #2: The law enforcement and security sectors.
Why: Similar to the education sector, hiring decision-makers want to be reassured that they are hiring the right people to uphold community safety.
Career Vocation #3: The interior decorating and design sectors.
Why: Interior decorators and designers will tell you that the competition for clients is fierce! Proper references will positively distinguish an applicant from other candidates.
If you are applying to jobs outside the above-mentioned 3 sectors, you can wait until close to the end of the hiring process to submit your references. Why? Screeners don't have the time to contact every applicant's list of references. They know it's far more efficient to wait until they have narrowed down the candidate pool to the final 2-3 applicants.
