How the Gatekeepers Think

This is by no means an attempt to portray the gatekeepers as anything other than the magnificent beings they are. (Whew! That was tough to get out.) All kidding aside, when I refer to the gatekeepers, I’m talking about anyone whose job involves screening resumes, which puts headhunters squarely in the mix with the gatekeepers. What you have to understand is that screening resumes is boring. And there are normally dozens (if fortune is smiling on the gatekeeper that day) but more than likely, hundreds of resumes to go through.

When you look through that many resumes, one after the other, it gets to be a pain in the ass when you reach the bottom of the page and see this:

References Available Upon Request

Let me give you an idea of what the gatekeeper is thinking when she sees that statement on resume #107.

References available upon request.

• Really? How nice of you! You mean if I ask, you’ll provide references?
• How about a drug test? If we want to hire you, will you agree?
• By the way, are you available to interview?
• If I ask for your GPA, or to see a transcript, will you provide them?

Okay, I’m being a little harsh—maybe even a lot harsh—but think about it. Stating that references are available upon request is like going into a restaurant and, at each table, there is a sign that reads, ‘silverware available upon request.’

Or walking into a grocery store and seeing a sign that says, ‘carts available upon request.’

Yes, it’s that ridiculous.

Back to the Resumes

If you’re willing to do all of these things I mentioned, why not put them all on the resume? I’ll tell you why, because your resume would look like this:

• GPA: Available upon request.
• Transcript: Available upon request.
• Interview: Available to interview with one week notice.
• Drug test: Assuming job offer is acceptable, will agree to take one.
• Relocation: Available to relocate almost anywhere, except…
• References: Available upon request.

Damn Ridiculous, Isn’t It?

I want you to think about this. If having all of these reasonable requests on your resume is ridiculous, isn’t having any of them just as ridiculous? One of the most important tools you have when putting your resume together is common sense. Make sure you use it.

Bottom Line

This is your career you’re messing with. Take a little time and be sure it’s done right. And please don’t put things like this on your resume. Headhunters and gatekeepers know that references are available if we want them. There is no need for you to take up valuable space reminding us.

For a good list of what you shouldn’t have on the resume, get the No Mistakes Resumes checklist; it’s free when you subscribe to the newsletter. For a more detailed list, get the No Mistakes Resumes book; it only costs about two cups of coffee.

What do you think about it? I’d love to hear your opinion.

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Tags: careers, gatekeepers, references, resume tips, resumes