When does a reference become outdated or irrelevant?

by Joe
(Mayville, NY, USA)

I have a quick question I was hoping you could help me with.

I'm in the process of updating my resume for a position I'll be applying for. My question has to do with references.

I held a position almost ten years ago that is listed on my resume; however, the references I had for that position have either moved, retired or I've been out of contact with them for several years.

I'm wondering if these references are still relevant being that I held the position so long ago, and that I've been out of touch with them.

Does that make sense? Basically...when does a reference become outdated or irrelevant? Is it worth it to initiate contact with these references so that I can include them on my resume again?

Thanks for the help,
Joe

Answer: Joe... I have to agree. Those references are pretty worthless to an employer at this point. If the party can't comment on where you are in your career now and your most recent (last 5 years) performance, then I don't think anyone is really going to be interested... unless they're only looking for a character reference. Better to find more current references.