Should I include references or a letter of recommendation with my job application?

Unless an employer specifically requests references submitted with your resume and cover letter, we do not recommend sending references or anything else unrequested. As an applicant, you want to keep every line of your cover letter and resume relevant to what the employer is requesting. Never send anything that is unsolicited because to the employer, it looks like you don’t follow directions and are not paying attention to the application instructions.

It’s great to have a list of your references ready to go, and make sure to bring them with you to an interview along with a printed out resume in case the employer requests them.

For more information on application dos and don’ts, check out our website and extended video on resume tips and tricks on our YouTube channel, linked below.