Question: Should you include references on your Résumé?
That depends on the candidate and the position he/she is seeking. Most Résumé service providers (Including those at The Sports Resume, www.thesportsresume.com) advise against listing references on a Résumé. The reason is that references could waste necessary space. However, there is an exception to this theory.
COACHES: A coach or candidate for a coaching position should include references on his/her Résumé. The reason is due to the niche characteristic of the coaching profession. Most coaches either know or have heard of one another, athletic directors included. This is a very small community.
Many interview requests are initiated by phone calls to an athletic department (Often before a position is publicly listed). A job offer and acceptance can occur within days in the coaching employment environment. Therefore, references play a critical part. A candidate’s reference list choices can enhance his/her chances of securing a position (Résumé information, including a win/loss record is equally important).
Other (Industry Candidates): References are not required and should be omitted. Outside of coaching, the Sports-Industry employment environment is extremely large and global. Therefore, many hiring managers will probably not know one another. References are usually provided by the candidate at the potential employer’s request.
Be selective when listing references on your Résumé. Keep in mind that an employer can look for and seek Backdoor References as well.
