Recommendation on Resume

Should You List Recommendation on Resume

It is highly beneficial to list recommendations on your resume, especially when applying for competitive positions or transitioning into a new industry. Recommendations serve as third-party endorsements that vouch for your professional skills, work ethic, and character. However, the practice of including recommendations varies by country and industry. For instance, in the United States, it's more common to include them than in some European countries.

Why to List Recommendation on Resume

Credibility Enhancement:

Recommendations can significantly boost your credibility with potential employers, as they provide an external validation of your abilities and qualifications. This can be particularly important when transitioning into a new industry where you may not have extensive experience.

Competitive Advantage:

In competitive job markets, a strong recommendation from a reputable source can help you stand out from other candidates with similar qualifications. It demonstrates that respected figures in your field believe you are capable of excelling in the role.

Network Expansion:

Recommendations can also lead to networking opportunities with influential individuals who may be able to provide guidance, mentorship, or introduce you to new job opportunities in the future.

Where to List Recommendation on Resume

The best place to list recommendations on your resume is typically in a separate section labeled "References" or "Recommendations." In some cases, you might choose to include a recommendation as part of the relevant work experience section if it directly pertains to the job you're applying for.

Examples of How to List Recommendation on Resume

Reference Section:

References

[Name], [Position], [Company] "John is a highly motivated and talented individual who consistently exceeds expectations. His strong work ethic, combined with his technical skills, make him an asset to any team."

[Name], [Position], [Company] "I have had the pleasure of working with Jane for several years, and I can confidently say that she is one of the most dedicated professionals I know. Her attention to detail and ability to handle complex projects are truly impressive."

Work Experience Section:

If a recommendation directly relates to your work experience, you might choose to include it in the relevant section:

Software Engineer | ABC Company | [Dates]

• Developed and maintained software applications for clients
• Recommendation from Client A: "I have worked with many developers over the years, but John's technical skills and work ethic are unmatched. He consistently delivers high-quality results on time."

What to Avoid While Listing Recommendation on Resume

How to List Online Recommendations (linkedin, Etc.) on Resume

Best Practices for Listing Online Recommendations

• Highlight Key Skills: Include a brief summary of your key skills or achievements supported by the recommendation, focusing on how they align with the job you are applying for. For instance:

  • "Received a LinkedIn recommendation from a manager highlighting my exceptional project management skills and ability to lead cross-functional teams effectively."

• Mention the Platform: Clearly specify the platform where the recommendation is located, such as LinkedIn or an online professional networking site, to give context and make it easy for potential employers to access if they choose to do so.

  • "Access my recommended profile on LinkedIn: [Your LinkedIn Profile URL]"

• Quantify Results: When possible, quantify the results achieved as a result of your work, as this will help demonstrate the impact you've made in previous roles.

  • "A LinkedIn recommendation from a former client commending my ability to exceed sales targets by 20% year-over-year."

• Choose Relevant Recommendations: Select recommendations that are most relevant to the job you are applying for, as this will help highlight your qualifications and make a strong impression on potential employers.

  • "Received a recommendation from a former supervisor praising my technical skills and ability to troubleshoot complex issues quickly in a fast-paced IT environment."

• Keep it Brief: Summarize the content of each recommendation concisely, focusing on the main points that are most relevant to the job you are seeking. This will help keep your resume organized and easy to read.

  • "A LinkedIn recommendation from a colleague emphasizing my strong collaboration skills and ability to work effectively in team settings."

Example 1: Online Recommendations (linkedin, Etc.) on Recommendation Resume

When submitting your resume directly to an employer for a position that requires recommendations, you can include a section specifically dedicated to online recommendations. For example:

Online Recommendations

• LinkedIn Recommendation from [Name and Position]: "John Doe is an exceptional project manager with a keen eye for detail and the ability to deliver results under tight deadlines." ([LinkedIn Profile URL])

Example 2: Online Recommendations (linkedin, Etc.) in Recommendation Context

If you are applying through an online application process that doesn't allow direct upload of recommendations, you can still provide context for your online recommendations in the relevant sections of your resume. For example:

Professional Experience

• [Company Name and Position]: "During my tenure as a Project Manager, I consistently received positive feedback from colleagues and supervisors. You may find a LinkedIn recommendation from a former team member praising my leadership skills." ([LinkedIn Profile URL])

How to List Industry-specific Recommendations on Resume

Best Practices:

• Highlight your unique skills and experiences: Tailor the recommendations to showcase your industry-specific knowledge and abilities that make you an ideal fit for the role. For example, "Recommendation from a senior manager in the Finance sector, commending my exceptional financial modeling skills and strategic decision-making."

• Choose the right recommendation context: Position the recommendation within the correct context of your industry or field. This helps hiring managers understand your relevance to their organization. For example, "Recommendation from a project manager at XYZ Corporation, emphasizing my strong project management skills and ability to lead cross-functional teams in the Manufacturing sector."

• Quantify your achievements: Wherever possible, use numbers or percentages to demonstrate the impact of your work. This can help showcase your success in achieving tangible results within your industry. For example, "Received a recommendation from a former supervisor, highlighting my 25% increase in sales leads generated and 10% reduction in cost per lead in the Advertising industry."

• Include relevant keywords: Use industry-specific keywords throughout your recommendations to ensure they are easily scannable by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and showcase your expertise to hiring managers. For example, "Recommendation from a senior executive at ABC Software Company, praising my strong understanding of Agile methodologies and ability to lead complex software development projects."

• Keep it brief but impactful: Keep each recommendation concise yet informative. Aim for 2-3 sentences per recommendation, providing just enough information to pique the reader's interest without overwhelming them.

Example 1: Industry-specific Recommendations on Recommendation Resume

Industry: Healthcare Position: Registered Nurse

• Recommendation from a Chief Nursing Officer: "John is an exceptional Registered Nurse with a deep understanding of patient care. His ability to manage critical situations, communicate effectively with patients and their families, and provide high-quality nursing care sets him apart in the healthcare industry."

Example 2: Industry-specific Recommendations in Recommendation Context

Industry: Information Technology Position: IT Project Manager

• Recommendation from a Project Sponsor: "As the project sponsor for the CRM implementation at XYZ Corporation, I can confidently say that Samantha is an exceptional IT Project Manager. Her technical expertise, leadership skills, and ability to manage complex projects within budget and on time make her a valuable asset in the technology sector."

How to List Character References on Resume

Listing character references on a resume can be a valuable addition when applying for positions that require personal and professional integrity, such as jobs in education, healthcare, or public service. Here are some best practices:

• Identify the Right Contacts: Choose individuals who know you well enough to provide an honest assessment of your character. This could include close family members, spiritual leaders, coaches, teachers, or employers from part-time jobs.

  Example 1: Character References on Recommendation Resume In your resume, list your mother, who has been a stay-at-home parent throughout your life, under the 'Character References' section. Explain her role as a consistent and influential figure in your life, emphasizing her understanding of your values and character traits.

• Provide Context: Offer brief context about each reference, explaining their relationship to you and why they are qualified to vouch for your character.

  Example 2: Character References in Recommendation Context When listing a former coach under the 'Character References' section, mention the years coached and the sport, along with the position held within the team. Highlight their ability to observe your behavior both on and off the field, demonstrating your commitment, work ethic, and teamwork skills.

• Contact Permission: Always seek permission before listing someone as a character reference, ensuring they are aware of the context and willing to provide a positive reference.

• Consistency: Maintain a consistent format for all character references, providing enough information without overloading the section.

• Professionalism: Use a formal tone and avoid abbreviations or slang when listing character references. Keep the content concise and professional, focusing on the qualities that make you an ideal candidate for the job.

By following these best practices, you can effectively list your character references on a resume while showcasing your personal attributes and commitment to integrity in a clear and organized manner.

How to List Academic Recommendations on Resume

Best Practices for Including Academic Recommendations:

• Specify the Recommender's Role: Mention the relationship between you and the recommender, such as a professor, academic advisor, or department head. This helps contextualize their perspective and expertise.

• Professor John Doe, Department Head of Computer Science

  • Advisor for your capstone project, "Artificial Intelligence Applications in Healthcare"

• Provide Recommender's Contact Information: Include the recommender's email address and phone number, making it easy for potential employers to contact them. You can use the international format (e.g., +1 555-123-4567).

• Professor Jane Smith, Department Chair of Mathematics

  • Recommender for your application to the Ph.D. program in Applied Mathematics

• Contact Information: +1 555-987-6543, jane.smith@university.edu

• Highlight Relevant Accomplishments: Briefly mention some of your achievements that the recommender can attest to, such as academic honors or significant projects. This demonstrates your strengths and helps employers better understand your capabilities.

• Dr. Robert Johnson, Professor of Mechanical Engineering

  • Recommender for your application to graduate engineering programs

• Your work on the development of a novel heat exchanger design was recognized with an ASHRAE student award

• Describe the Context of the Recommendation: If possible, provide some details about the recommendation's context, such as the program or position you are applying for. This shows that the recommender is familiar with your career goals and can speak to your qualifications for the role.

• Dr. Mary Brown, Director of the Environmental Science Program

  • Recommender for your application to the environmental consulting firm, Green Solutions Inc.

• Dr. Brown oversaw your research project on climate change mitigation strategies in coastal ecosystems

Example 1: Academic Recommendations on Recommendation Resume

In this example, you are applying for a Ph.D. program and want to include academic recommendations from professors who can attest to your research skills and potential for success in the program.

Academic Recommendations

• Professor John Doe, Department Head of Computer Science

  • Advisor for your capstone project, "Artificial Intelligence Applications in Healthcare"

• Contact Information: +1 555-123-4567, john.doe@university.edu

• Professor Jane Smith, Department Chair of Mathematics

  • Recommender for your application to the Ph.D. program in Applied Mathematics

• Contact Information: +1 555-987-6543, jane.smith@university.edu

Example 2: Academic Recommendations in Recommendation Context

In this example, you are applying for a position at an environmental consulting firm and want to include academic recommendations from professors who can speak to your expertise in the field.

Recommendations

• Dr. Mary Brown, Director of the Environmental Science Program

  • Recommender for your application to Green Solutions Inc.

• Your work on climate change mitigation strategies in coastal ecosystems was under the supervision of Dr. Brown

• Contact Information: +1 555-897-6543, mary.brown@university.edu

• Dr. Robert Johnson, Professor of Mechanical Engineering

  • Recommender for your application to graduate engineering programs

• Your work on the development of a novel heat exchanger design was recognized with an ASHRAE student award

• Contact Information: +1 555-789-6543, robert.johnson@university.edu

By following these best practices, you can effectively list academic recommendations on your resume and provide valuable context to potential employers about your qualifications.

How to List Professional Recommendations on Resume

Listing professional recommendations on your resume can significantly enhance your credibility and increase your chances of landing an interview. Here are some best practices for including this subcategory:

• Position the section appropriately: Place your professional recommendations at the end of your resume, after the cover letter or any other supporting documents. This ensures that hiring managers focus on your skills and qualifications first.

• Label it correctly: Use a clear and concise label such as "Recommendations" or "Professional References." Avoid using abbreviations to make it easy for readers to quickly understand the purpose of the section.

• Include contact information: Provide the full names, job titles, email addresses, and phone numbers of your recommenders. This allows potential employers to easily reach out to them for references.

• Limit the number of recommendations: Ideally, you should include 2-3 professional recommendations on your resume. More than that can make your document appear cluttered, while fewer may not provide a comprehensive reference picture.

• Obtain permission: Always ask for permission before listing someone as a reference. Include a statement such as "References available upon request" to show that you have obtained consent from your recommenders.

Example 1: Professional Recommendations on Recommendation Resume

In the following example, a job applicant named John has worked as a project manager for three years and is now seeking a similar role at a new company. He includes professional recommendations in his resume to demonstrate his strong relationships with colleagues and supervisors:

Professional Recommendations

• Jane Doe, Senior Project Manager, XYZ Corporation Email: jane.doe@xyzcorp.com Phone: (123) 456-7890

• Bob Smith, Director of Operations, ABC Inc. Email: bob.smith@abccorp.com Phone: (098) 765-4321

Example 2: Professional Recommendations in Recommendation Context

In this example, Sarah is a marketing specialist applying for a promotions coordinator position. She has decided to include professional recommendations as part of her recommendation section, which also includes a link to her LinkedIn profile and a personal statement about her skills and qualifications:

Recommendations

• For more information about my skills and experience, please visit my LinkedIn profile at [www.linkedin.com/in/sarahjones].

Personal Statement

As a highly motivated and results-driven marketing specialist with over five years of experience in the industry, I am excited to bring my unique blend of creativity and strategic thinking to your promotions team at XYZ Company. In addition to my strong technical skills, I have developed excellent communication and leadership abilities that allow me to work effectively with clients and colleagues alike.

Professional Recommendations

• Maria Garcia, Marketing Director, DEF Corporation Email: maria.garcia@defcorp.com Phone: (345) 678-9012

• Michael Johnson, Assistant Marketing Manager, GHI Inc. Email: michael.johnson@ghiinc.com Phone: (234) 567-8901

Outdated or Irrelevant Recommendations:

Ensure that any recommendations you include on your resume are current and relevant to the position you're applying for. Old or outdated recommendations may not accurately reflect your current skills and abilities.

Vague or Non-specific Recommendations:

Avoid including vague recommendations that do not clearly demonstrate your qualifications for the job. Recommendations should be specific, highlighting your strengths and achievements in a way that makes you stand out to potential employers.

Excessive Use of Recommendations:

While recommendations can be valuable, it's important not to overuse them on your resume. Including too many may dilute their impact or raise questions about the quality of the recommendations if they appear to be from lesser-known sources. Aim for a balance between credibility and brevity.