To include a testimonial or not on a resume?

At Republic Resumes, we sometimes include a short 60-70 testimonial on the top of page one, below the contact details. They are usually from a former employer or client who knows your work well.

We use testimonials for a couple of reasons. They can be a selling aid when the resume is missing important KPI’s – and that’s not unusual with young people working in rote jobs.

We hit the recruiters straight up with a positive statement by a professional (not a mate), who knows you.

A short peer supported statement – in lieu of figures – a strong summary and relevant experience, can sometimes be enough to swing an interview.

We also use a testimonial where networking is important – we ‘name drop’. Can be handy for NFP’s and charities.

The reason we don’t use a referee in the testimonials, is because they are the people who know your work really well.

They are the people who will talk to recruiters and employers about what you did and what you achieved. We don’t provide the contact details of the people who provide testimonials.

If though, you’ve got no achievements, shown no initiative and just sat back and collected your pay packet, no testimonial or resume writer will help you get a job.

Put your best foot forward

Malcolm builds expert resumes, cover letters and LinkedIn profiles, which unleash an unbeatable business case to promote you as a ‘must have’ asset to an employer.