The "References" Myth: Why You Must Delete This Line
If you take nothing else from this guide, let it be this: Delete the phrase "References available upon request" immediately.
It is the most common mistake we see. Candidates believe it looks polite and professional. In reality, it screams "1990s." Here is a detailed breakdown of why this line hurts your application:
- It States the Obvious: Recruiters know you have references. It is a standard part of the hiring process. Telling them you have references is like a chef telling a customer, "Food available upon request."
- It Wastes Prime Real Estate: On a resume, space is currency. You typically have two pages maximum. That single line takes up vertical space that could be used for a valuable certification, a technical skill, or an award that actually helps you get the interview.
- It Disrupts ATS Parsing: Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are robots that scan your text. They are looking for keywords like "Project Management" or "Python." They are not looking for the word "References."
- It’s a Privacy Risk: Never list the actual names and phone numbers of your references on a resume. You cannot control where your resume ends up (job boards, third-party agencies). You do not want your former boss getting spam calls because you uploaded your resume to a public database.
The Rule: Unless the job description explicitly asks for referee contact details in the initial application (which is extremely rare), leave this section off entirely.
Strategic Ways to End Your Resume
So, if you remove the reference line, what replaces it? The answer depends on your "Candidate Persona." The end of your resume should reinforce your strongest selling points that didn't fit into the main body.
Here are five detailed strategies for closing your resume effectively.
1. The "Hard Skills" Closer (Certifications & Licenses)
Best For: IT, Engineering, Finance, Healthcare, Construction.
If you work in a regulated or technical industry, your experience tells the recruiter what you did, but your certifications prove you were allowed to do it. Ending with a dedicated "Certifications" section serves as a "Trust Badge."
- Why it works: It is high-impact and easy to scan. If a hiring manager is skimming for "PMP" or "AWS Certified," they often look at the bottom first.
- What to include: The full name of the certification, the issuing body, and the year.
- Example:
CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) – AICPA (Active)
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) – Level II Candidate
- Prince2 Practitioner – Axelos
2. The "Foundation" Closer (Education)
Best For: Experienced Professionals (5+ years of experience).
If you are a recent graduate, Education goes at the top. But for experienced pros, your work history is the lead story. Moving Education to the bottom is a strategic power move. It tells the recruiter: "My experience is the main attraction, but here is the academic foundation that supports it."
- Detailed Formatting: List your degree, the university, and the graduation year.
- What to cut: If you have a degree, remove your high school (A-Levels/GCSEs). They are no longer relevant.
- Example:
EDUCATION
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Manchester Business School | 2018
BA (Hons) Marketing
University of Leeds | 2015
3. The "Tech Stack" Closer (Technical Skills)
Best For: Software Developers, Data Analysts, Graphic Designers.
In the digital age, listing your tools is essential. This is critical for ats resume writing services because these software names are often the exact keywords the algorithm is hunting for.
- Strategy: Group them by category so it doesn't look like a "word soup."
- Example:
TECHNICAL SKILLS
- Languages: Python, Java, C++, SQL.
- Web: HTML5, CSS3, React, Node.js.
- Tools: Git, Docker, Jenkins, AWS.
4. The "Character" Closer (Volunteering & Affiliations)
Best For: Leadership Roles, NGO jobs, and companies with strong CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) values.
If you are applying for a senior role, you need to show you are a leader in your field, not just a worker. Listing professional memberships shows you are committed to industry standards. Listing volunteering shows you have empathy and soft skills.
- Why it works: In a tie-breaker between two candidates with equal skills, the one who serves on a charity board or mentors juniors often wins because they seem like a better "culture fit."
- Example:
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS & VOLUNTEERING
- Member: Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (MCIPD).
- Volunteer Treasurer: 'Tech for Good' Manchester (2021 – Present).
5. The "Proof" Closer (Portfolio & Projects)
Best For: Creatives, Architects, Writers, Coders.
Don't just tell them you are good; show them. Ending with a Call to Action (CTA) that directs them to your digital footprint is a modern, confident way to close.
- Strategy: Ensure the links are live and clickable (hyperlinked) in the PDF version of your resume.
How NOT to End a Resume: The "Red Flags"
To ensure you don't look like an amateur, you must avoid these formatting traps.
1. The "Widow" Page
In typography, a "widow" is a lonely line of text. If your resume spills over onto a third page just to display two lines of text (e.g., "Interests: Football"), you look disorganized. It suggests you cannot edit your own work.
- The Fix: Either edit your text to fit two pages perfectly, or expand the content to fill at least half of the third page.
2. The Signature and Date
We see this often in older templates. Do not sign your resume. Do not date it.
- Why? A resume is a living document. If you date it "January 2023" and the recruiter reads it in "March 2023," it looks stale. A signature is unnecessary clutter in a digital world.
3. Salary Requirements
Never list your current salary or your expected salary at the bottom of the resume unless the job advert specifically demands it in bold letters.
- Why? If you list a number too high, they screen you out. If you list a number too low, they will underpay you. Keep this negotiation for the interview.
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Conclusion
The ending of your resume is not just a place to stop typing. It is a strategic opportunity to reinforce your value proposition. By replacing the outdated "References available" line with hard evidence—like certifications, technical skills, or a link to your portfolio—you transform the bottom of your resume into a springboard for an interview.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should I put "Hobbies and Interests" at the end?
It depends on relevance. Include unique hobbies like "Captain of a Sports Team" or "Building Computers" if they show relevant skills. Avoid generic hobbies like "Socializing" if space is tight.
Is it okay to have a one-page resume?
Yes, a one-page resume is ideal for those with less than 10 years of experience. It shows the ability to prioritize information. Two pages are standard for senior roles.
How do I end a resume if I have no experience?
End with your "Skills," "Awards," or "Academic Projects." Highlight relevant academic work, like "Led a team to simulate a marketing launch, achieving a Distinction grade."
What format should I save my resume in?
Always send a PDF unless otherwise specified. PDFs lock formatting and ensure your resume looks as intended across all devices.
How can My Perfect Writing help if I live outside London?
We offer affordable resume writing services nationwide. Whether you’re in Manchester, Birmingham, or Edinburgh, our expert writers deliver premium services online via email, phone, and chat.
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