Is it advisable to provide professional references on a resume?

The choice indicating that it's not recommended to provide professional references directly on a resume reflects a common practice in job applications. Employers typically prefer candidates to include references only when they are specifically requested during the later stages of the hiring process, such as after interviews.

Including references on a resume can take up valuable space that could otherwise be used to highlight relevant skills, experiences, or accomplishments that directly relate to the position being applied for. Additionally, it may invite scrutiny or raise questions that could detract from the candidate's main qualifications. By saving references for a later point, candidates can maintain privacy for their contacts and create a more streamlined application that focuses on their qualifications and suitability for the role.

Moreover, it’s often expected that candidates will have their references ready to provide upon request, which they can only do effectively if they have established a rapport with those individuals beforehand. Therefore, the best approach is to keep the resume concise and focused on the candidate's qualifications, providing references when necessary.