We all know that resume is a first impression of an applicant on an employer. Hence it should be well organized. Is reference section important in a resume? The answer is "No". However, one should be prepared with a reference letter when an employer demands for the same. The reason why you shouldn't add a reference section at first place is because you want the employer to schedule an interview and you need to decide if you are interested in the position they offer you. Thus, when you get that chance, you should be ready with the references adhering to the below information:
Significance of resume references
When you have made up your mind to add a reference section in your resume, you need not keep on wondering whether a reference section is important in a resume. You need to know the significance of it so that you do not carry a doubt about it and be firm on your decision. References make look more systematic and professional. An employer is already in a hunt of a reliable and honest candidate, hence a reference help present you in the best possible way and gives a chance to the employers to verify you on a professional front. But, are your references real or made up is a different story.
Always update current references
Generally, on providing references at the time of interview, it might happen that the employer contacts those references and if it is found that the ones you have listed are no more on the position then you would create a bad impression, as well as you would feel disappointed for sounding fake when you have actually mentioned the fact. So, it is very important to be updated on your current references. Be aware about the current affairs and news. Confirm about your references a day before your interview.
List your professional associates
You need to do your homework on listing your professional associates. Enlist the names of every individual who you think that best fits in the references and then shortlist the ones you have complete confidence on. You never know who will accept or decline your stand. Hence be very sure about the references that you mention. When you are done with the final list of associates to be contacted, you need to call them first to confirm few important things like whether they are fine to be contacted, if yes then what would be the feasible time to talk, on call or via an e-mail, on office/home or cell number. Your associate's ok is needed before giving any references about them. You need to discuss on common grounds like if they know you well and know what you expect from them to answer when your interviewer contacts them to verify. If you are a little cautious about the chosen one, then better delete him/her from your list and move on to the next.
Record personal contacts
Personal contacts are to be maintained to provide you with personality reference. Follow the same process like you did for listing out professional associates. Sometimes it may happen that your folks do not remember or miss out on your some features. In such scenario, help them recall and remind.
With all the above procedures to follow, you can question yourself, "Is reference section important in a resume?" because, in a way, it is a risk. Once you are completely convinced then you may go for it and highlight yourself.