I use to have a 1 page resume, but it just isn't possible anymore.
It's 1.5 pages.

At the bottom, I always list "References & Portfolio - Available upon request"

However, with this 1/2 page left, there is room to put my references right on the resume... that way, they could actually call my references and check me out before even calling me (if they so desired).

Is this advisable or no?
Why or why not.

I know many people do the same thing I usually do... but I feel that I have nothing to hide... check me out first if you want to.

Your thoughts?

Personally I think it's better to be "up front" rather than try to withhold info in hopes they'll be curious. However, I don't know the data to support the viability of each option.

It might depend on whether the references were perceived to be of folks of high value, or just the standard "my last manager/supervisor."

I use to have a 1 page resume, but it just isn't possible anymore.
It's 1.5 pages.

At the bottom, I always list "References & Portfolio - Available upon request"

However, with this 1/2 page left, there is room to put my references right on the resume... that way, they could actually call my references and check me out before even calling me (if they so desired).

Is this advisable or no?
Why or why not.

I know many people do the same thing I usually do... but I feel that I have nothing to hide... check me out first if you want to.

Your thoughts?

I think it doesn't matter much, but if you're going to identify your references, they should be made aware of it. Some people might not like the idea of their names and phone numbers being distributed all over creation.

It might depend on whether the references were perceived to be of folks of high value, or just the standard "my last manager/supervisor."

Well... as you just read my current situation (from a different post)... my business references include the following people with whom I have worked for and with, for the last 13 years... Quality Manager, General Manager, Human Resources Manager, former QE (now a Quality Manager elsewhere) and Quality Systems Expert.

Using a reference further back than 13 yrs almost seems pointless.

I think it doesn't matter much, but if you're going to identify your references, they should be made aware of it. Some people might not like the idea of their names and phone numbers being distributed all over creation.


I totally agree... and I have asked each and every one in advance.
But thanks anyway.

Your resume is too long. Condense back down to 1 page. You will have at least one line when you take out references to "References & Portfolio - Available upon request". Of course you have references and of course they are available. Would you put "I want a job that pays money" on your resume?

I'll bet that your resume tries to be everything to everyone. Tailor it to each position and reduce the content about things unrelated to the position. References are the same way: they need to be customized to the position. When someone asks, get their contact info and promise the information the next day via phone, email or fax. Contact your references first and brief them before you send the list.

There are multiple threads here on this topic. You will find some excellent advice in this search for Resume or Resumes (http://elsmar.com/Forums/search.php?searchid=767042).

PS> NEVER give a cold list of your references to anyone. You have no idea who might end up with the list. I know that some (bad) recruiters use a reference list as a hunting ground. This is the paper equivalent of copying your email address book to everyone in your address book, say hello to the spammers. Your references are one one of your two most valuable assets in a job search. Treat them that way. The other asset is your experience.

I'll bet that your resume tries to be everything to everyone.

How much would you like to wager?

I have a one pager, which is said to be best, and do the same. I have had one ask but never checked and I have had several put me down and have never been called.

How much would you like to wager?One free resume revision. Give me the information that you have in your possession for any job where you are planning to submit a resume. Give me your resume. I'll cut it to one page and I'll bet you a second revision that it gets you an interview.

I think it doesn't matter much, but if you're going to identify your references, they should be made aware of it. Some people might not like the idea of their names and phone numbers being distributed all over creation.

Yes, I think so.

In my humble opinion, just place a sentence that states: "References are available upon request."

In my humble opinion, just place a sentence that states: "References are available upon request."

Me too. I also mentioned "References are available upon request."

In my humble opinion, just place a sentence that states: "References are available upon request."
Me too. I also mentioned "References are available upon request."Sorry. This advice comes directly from 2 different friends of mine. Both of them write (and read) resumes professionally. That is, people pay them to write (and read) resumes. They both tell me that a "references available" line is a waste of paper.

Sorry. This advice comes directly from 2 different friends of mine. Both of them write (and read) resumes professionally. That is, people pay them to write (and read) resumes. They both tell me that a "references available" line is a waste of paper.Interesting! Did they elaborate on the reasoning? Did they say "references available" line is a waste of paper because

"everyone assumes you have references"
or
"nobody checks references"
or
"you must include your references"

You have to wonder if a hiring company wants references to find a reason not to hire rather than hire. They are not likely to call the references before they interview you. Unless you are clueless, you are going to provide references that are favorable and the only thing a hiring company can do is ask questions that give them doubt about you. If they are already having doubts at the interview stage than the references will not help and if they are interested, I can't imagine what they could learn from your references that they could not have learned in an interview.

I favor not providing references and also not even adding any line that says they are available.

Bill Pflanz

References on a resume? Nah, I wouldn't and I haven't. I'd like to know what companies call on references prior to a first interview? If you get an interview, take a list of references with you and IF THEY ASK, give it to them. Do not offer. Like it was said above, you never know where your references may end up.

I agree with the statements that you never know where your resume will end up. I searched for a job in May 2003 and I received a phone call during the summer of 2004 from someone who had a copy of the May 2003 resume. He wanted to know if I was still looking for part-time work and I wanted to know how he obtained my resume. He refused to tell me and I ended the conversation.

I'd still like to know how my resume ended up in the "wrong" hands...

Hmmm, I may be biased, but I haven't ever included references on a resume and haven't included the line that they are available since I first read "What Color is Your Parachute" sometime in the 1980's. In my opinion it's a wasted line or 2 that could be better used to either identify your credentials or expound/advertise your accomplishments. I believe for most professionals it's considered normal that you will be able to supply references when requested.

My resume is currently at 2 pages total with 30+ years of experience, BS in engineering, MBA, CQA, CMQ/OE, and ISO lead auditor. About 2/3's of the second page is dedicated to the details of the above acronyms. Surprisingly, some companies still want the info on the engineering degree which I received in 1974. I've even had to supply copies of my transcripts to companies within the last year - not certain what indication 30+ year old grades are to them versus solid accomplishments in challenging positions.

Interesting! Did they elaborate on the reasoning? Did they say "references available" line is a waste of paper because

"everyone assumes you have references"
or
"nobody checks references"
or
"you must include your references"
The reasoning is that everyone assumes you have references. If they are interested in contacting them they will ask you to provide them. Other than wanting to know the phone number for the registrar at Purdue so they can check my degree, I have only been asked for references once in about 30 interviews. They only wanted to verify that I had been employed there as Quality Manager and that I had indeed led the ISO9001 registration project as I was applying for a job as Quality Manager and they wanted someone to lead an ISO9001 registration project. As elaborated above, checking references is mostly a waste of time unless you want to check something very specific. Why would I give you a reference that will not give me a glowing recommendation? As mentioned in some other threads on this subject, most former employers are VERY reluctant to do anything other than confirm employment dates so they don't open themselves up to a lawsuit.

I have a long-term relationship with a local recruiter (spelled headhunter). He helped me get my 2nd job after college in 1989 and my 3rd in 1998 (I'm still at this job). I update my resume with him about once per year. Normally, if he has a position that he thinks I might interest me, he'll pass on the information and submit my resume AFTER he gets a response from me. About 2 years ago, he took leave of his senses and sent my resume to an electronics contract manufacturer without notifying me. He had spotted their ad in the classifieds and was doing some "here's what kind of people I can offer" marketing. They contacted me directly based on the information on my resume. Imagine my surprise when I find out that they are one of our suppliers! This could have become a very bad situation if they had contacted my boss first and told her that I was shopping my resume around. You just can't be too careful.

Thanks to everyone for your responses.
Due to privacy reasons (which I never thought of), I have chosen to exclude references from my resume.
The reason I had considered it was because my references are high profile (top management) people that I have worked with for the last 13 years.

I am still undecided on going back to a 1 page resume and perhaps your responses to this question will help me decide…

My 2nd page could be eliminated and saved for sharing in an interview.
It consists of 2 short paragraphs describing key notable accomplishments – such as cost savings of $1 million (in 1 year) during a six-sigma project.

How would you, as a perspective employer, view this type of information on the 2nd page of a resume (save it for the interview or share it up front to show potential employers what you are capable of)?

Also, please keep me in your thoughts and prayers… I have been contacted several times this week – including someone with an opening that I would consider my “dream job”.

Thanks again everyone!
Jane

My 2nd page could be eliminated and saved for sharing in an interview. It consists of 2 short paragraphs describing key notable accomplishments – such as cost savings of $1 million (in 1 year) during a six-sigma project.That ought to be a bullet on page 1.

Generated $1M cost savings as leader of Six Sigma project to eliminate scrap (for example)
OK, you've forced my hand. I'm going to share a generic resume here. This is one of the products of a $3,000 networking, interviewing and resume development course. It has been vetted by professional resume writers at 3 different companies.

I tried to embed the instructions but I'll elaborate here.

Make this fit on one page. Less than 1/2" margins are helpful.
Less than 1/2" margins don't give people room to write on your resume.
Don't give people room to write on your resume.
First and Last Name only. No middle initial. Use the name you go by at work. Don't use Charles and then tell everyone at the interview to call you Chuck.
Unless you are an M.D. or Ph.D no letters after your name. This means you all CQE, CQA, CQEABCXYZ's, etc.
PE, CPA, etc. is OK if you are applying for a position that requires a Professional Engineering or Certified Public Accountant, etc. LICENSE.
Use a reliable, private address
Don't use your cute wackygal5@aol.com email. Create a new one if necessary.
Customize the Objective Section for EVERY position. Research required.
The Qualifications Section should be customized to every position
Qualifications should generate a request from the interviewer for examples
Be ready to give examples of each qualification in an interview
Customize the Professional Experience section for each position
Reduce the size of the Experience description when it is less applicable to the position
Emphasize the details of more applicable experience.
Pare down your long descriptions so this fits on one page.
Current job first, first job last.
Education section, list your college degree first
Detail ONLY education that applies to the position. Most current training last.
Cram other less important, yet applicable training in the last sentence

IMHO... that is one of the busiest resumes I've seen.
I cannot glance at it and see things I am looking for.

On the contrary to your statement about not leaving room to write on a resume, I have double spaces between sections so it doesn't look so garbled, is more pleasing to the eye and easier to spot key qualifications.
Even as the person conducting an interview... I always take a note pad and attach my notes to the resume - so by not leaving room, you are not stopping the person from taking notes.

I do not list job duties (which can be redundant and lengthy) - only titles.
Specific day to day duties (again, IMHO) can be discussed at an interview... ie: What did you do as a Quality Engineer for XYZ Company.... How many people reported to you as a Quality Supervisor and what did that role encompass, Give me an example of abc...
Additionally... I have worked for 2 companies over the last 13 yrs, but held a total of 10 titles due to position eliminations and promotions. Listing duties for all of those would result in a 5 page resume, but by simply listing the positions held, potential employers can see I have continually been promoted and taken on a variety of new responsibilities.

Instead, of listing duties for every job, I have a section called "Qualifications"
These qualifications *do* apply to any position in the *quality* field. There are 3 columns of 7 rows - with very brief descriptions of knowledge and experience. A few examples: Six Sigma Green Belt, ASQ Certification, APQP, PPAP, FMEA, GD&T, SPC etc etc.

I'm hoping someone does not respond and say "things like SPC should not be listed because anyone in quality knows SPC"... because this is NOT true.

Just my 2 cents.

It has been vetted by professional resume writers at 3 different companies.



Maybe I'm mistaken, but the following things jumped out at me:

"EARNED a 2 promotions to Quality Manager on proven ability to improve quality and customer satisfaction."

Shouldn't that be "two" and eliminate the "a" in front of it?

It also seems that bullet points 2 & 3 under "Achievements" could use a comma (,) or two. I have to agree with Jane though, it appears too busy. Whitespace when used properly, can be your friend.

But hey, as long as it works, that is what counts.

Wayne

@wharmel
Picky, picky;). The additions based on my current position haven't been through as thorough a vetting process as the style (and the rest of the content). I did a quick update this morning as the only one I had electronically did not have my 2nd QM position on it. I did so because I thought that emphasis on the Quality resume might be more appropriate here. Note that numbers are not spelled out throughout, both to save space and emphasize numbers. White space is the enemy.

@jane
Of course it's busy. It's got a page and a half of info on one page. The last thing I want is for you to be able to GLANCE at this, I want you to READ it. I'm not stopping you from taking notes, I'm just stopping you from taking notes ON MY RESUME! Additionally... I have worked for 2 companies over the last 13 yrs, but held a total of 10 titles due to position eliminations and promotions. Listing duties for all of those would result in a 5 page resume, but by simply listing the positions held, potential employers can see I have continually been promoted and taken on a variety of new responsibilities.My format:
Final Position 2 - Company 2 2000-2007 (7 of your 13 years)
Promoted from first position to final position based on .... key examples of what made you successful or would make you a fit with the current company.
Final Position 1 - Company 1 1994-2000 (6 of your 13 years)
Promoted from entry position to final position based on... etc.

13 years summarized in 10-12 lines. Is listing all 10 positions over 13 years really more important than detailing the keys that got you promoted? I had 4 different titles for what amounts to "Manufacturing Engineer" at my last job. The difference between Manufacturing Engineer and Quality Engineer was the title and the department I worked in, not the work.

The details under Professional Experience are there because this resume is generically targeted at smaller ($10M to $75M) Electronics Manufacturing companies seeking Quality Management, Plant Management or major Process Equipment Change/Upgrade Management.

I didn't make this stuff up, it is advice and editing from professionals that I have received in exchange for payment or services. Let's not get too picky here, we're talking about how to get a resume to one page and why.
DUH: oh, yeah, and why you don't put references on a resume...we beat that to death already.

@jane
Of course it's busy. It's got a page and a half of info on one page. The last thing I want is for you to be able to GLANCE at this, I want you to READ it.

Icy Mountain,
I respect your opinion.
But if we all believed the same thing, it would be a very boring world and I'm getting the feeling (since caps generally mean an elevated voice) that you are very upset and offended that I am not agreeing with you on this. It's ok to disagree... you're not being attacked. We are simply sharing information, experiences, ideas and opinions.

That being said, I did not have the opportunity to take the $3,000 resume writing seminar you have, but I have had plenty of real life experience reviewing them for a potential candidate (I'm not implying that you haven't).
In my own personal, busy position (QE, QA Supervisor and Corp. Trainer), when I am reviewing 100+ resumes for a position, I don't have the time to sit and read through each and every one (I'm not implying that you do - or that you are not a busy person) but again, right or wrong, that's just my take on it. Do I risk overlooking an exceptional candidate? On occasion, I'm sure I do.


I want you to READ it.
My opinion is that at this point of the game... it's not about what I want... it's about what they need. Since I've been on both sides of the fence, I'm choosing to use my own thought process from the employer side of the fence.


I'm not stopping you from taking notes, I'm just stopping you from taking notes ON MY RESUME!

Again, I respect your opinion.
However, personally, I don't care if they write on my resume. It's not like I'm going to ask for it back and I'm sure they're not going to frame and hang it after the interview.

everyone goes about it differently. The resume gets you in the door. Basically, i use it to screen applicants for qualifications and nothing else. Two piles, ones that have qualifications and ones that do not. Then sub-piles between the qualified. I have several interviews to weed them out. I do not want to have to hire new people every few years.

But if we all believed the same thing, it would be a very boring world and I'm getting the feeling (since caps generally mean an elevated voice) that you are very upset and offended that I am not agreeing with you on this. It's ok to disagree... you're not being attacked. We are simply sharing information, experiences, ideas and opinions.Upset and offended? De nada:cool: . I was just emphasizing a point. I enjoy a lively debate:argue: . I often forget that Marc has nice forum software with underlining and italics for emphasis so I don't have to SCREAM! You've seen everything pertinent but the company names on my resume (I'm on my second QM job and my second QMS installation and 20 years down the road from college): My hide is pretty thick and I gave up upset and offended a long time ago (my BP averages 115/70 at my monthly donation by apheresis). I have, however, retained passionate.
However, personally, I don't care if they write on my resume. It's not like I'm going to ask for it back and I'm sure they're not going to frame and hang it after the interview.I don't care if they frame it or not. When they pass my paper on to the next person, I prefer that the authorship remain mine, without any extras.

A good question regarding References.

Personally I have never put them down put have always brought a couple to an interview should I be asked, though I have never been. I have been entered on other people references but don’t recall ever been contacted to provide any evidence?

Again personally, I think it looks a little out of place on a document that tries to demonstrate your own capability.

I think also its very different in the US to the UK (or perhaps Europe), I have been reviewing some CV's during my latest contract and have noticed the difference between European and US CV's. Europeans tend on average to have 3 pages and the US tend to cram everything into 1 or 2. Which reading this post seems to be the 'norm'. I just don’t think I get enough information from them to make a decision about if I should request a phone interview or not? Again my personal thoughts.

Out of interest I read a little sentence somewhere that tried to provide the reasons for over elaborating your CV:

. . . . "The best person for the job doesn’t always get the job because the best CV's get an interview, the best interviewee gets the job". . . . . Which leads you to think a person who is fantastic at their job but doesn’t have a good CV, or someone who again is fantastic at their job but are not the best at interviews or putting forward their skills, doesn’t get the job.

Out of interest my CV is 4 pages long. . . . I have just created a new internet site that contains all my contracted positions, perhaps it would be okay to shorten my CV and just reference my internet site for further information? Though I ask myself 'if I read that on a CV, how would I react?'

Upset and offended? De nada:cool: . I was just emphasizing a point. I enjoy a lively debate:argue:


Ah good... then I guess I would be more correct in saying that you are really enjoying yourself on this one :lmao:

Opposite opinions / Similar enjoyment :D

I personnaly feel that I should not put any references in my resume.:applause:

... "The best person for the job doesn’t always get the job because the best CV's get an interview, the best interviewee gets the job"...A resume/CV has two purposes (at least in the US)
1) Get you in the door and interviewing (past the sorting gatekeeper)
2) Get your interviewer to ask the right questions to get you the position.
Out of interest my CV is 4 pages long. . . . I have just created a new internet site that contains all my contracted positions, perhaps it would be okay to shorten my CV and just reference my internet site for further information? Though I ask myself 'if I read that on a CV, how would I react?'Unless I was offering a position for website creation, my reaction would be to put your resume in the "too much work" file.
Ah good... then I guess I would be more correct in saying that you are really enjoying yourself on this one :lmao:Absolutely! At least we got you to take the references off your resume! My best friend's wife does "outplacement". That is, her company is contracted to train and assist people in finding new employment when a firm lays off 500 people. She has a grey hair for every person that has had to be dragged, kicking and screaming, into a one page resume.
I personnaly feel that I should not put any references in my resume.:applause:You are truly wise.

At least we got you to take the references off your resume!

Actually, I had never put them on - I was debating in my own head and brought that debate here... but you did convince me to not put them on and I thank you for that.

Jane

And you are welcome. Another satisfied Cover!