We’ve all applied to jobs, and we’ve all (hopefully) created a resume. A resume is literally the most pivotal aspect of getting a job. It’s what potential employers see before they even consider you for an interview.

That little piece of paper means so much, so why is it that so many people find a way to mess it up? I’m talking about references. New studies are showing that sixty percent of hiring managers who surveyed resumes on a regular basis said that the majority of people listed as ‘references’ on resumes either had no idea they would be considered a reference, or had bad things to say about said person.

That’s a huge number. When applying for your future career, make sure you have pristine records with those you are listing as references, or at least let them know you’re planning on listing them. This is extremely important, seeing as the other side of the study found that eighty percent of employers actually do contact references, some even before the actual interview.

Resumes should be taken seriously, and as women trying to dominate the work force, make sure yours is prim and proper.

Ally | Elite.