Which item should be avoided on a résumé?

Which item should be avoided on a résumé?

• A. Including 'References available on request' at the bottom.
• B. A brief professional summary tailored to the job.
• C. A concise list of relevant certifications.
• D. Bullet points showing measurable achievements.

Answer: (A)

Focusing on what matters most in a resume, space should be used to show what you can do and what you’ve achieved. The line about references available on request is best avoided. It’s an outdated convention that takes up space that could highlight your qualifications. Employers usually assume you can provide references if they want them, and listing this line doesn’t add value or speed things up. In fact, it can feel like you’re wasting room or postponing the real details they care about. The other options reinforce credibility and fit: a brief professional summary tailored to the job quickly signals why you’re a good match; a concise list of relevant certifications proves you meet required credentials; and bullet points with measurable achievements demonstrate concrete impact in patient care or operations. If you’re aiming for a strong nursing résumé, prioritize those elements and omit the references line.

Focusing on what matters most in a resume, space should be used to show what you can do and what you’ve achieved. The line about references available on request is best avoided. It’s an outdated convention that takes up space that could highlight your qualifications. Employers usually assume you can provide references if they want them, and listing this line doesn’t add value or speed things up. In fact, it can feel like you’re wasting room or postponing the real details they care about.

The other options reinforce credibility and fit: a brief professional summary tailored to the job quickly signals why you’re a good match; a concise list of relevant certifications proves you meet required credentials; and bullet points with measurable achievements demonstrate concrete impact in patient care or operations. If you’re aiming for a strong nursing résumé, prioritize those elements and omit the references line.