References in a CV: How and When to Include Them?

A good CV reference can be a game-changer, but including them is optional. Decide to list them only if required or advantageous for your job application. When written well, they provide validation of your skills to recruiters and employers, helping them assess your fit for the specific job you’re applying for. This article guides you on when and how to use references effectively to enhance your chances of landing your dream job.

In this article, we cover:

• What are the references, and how to select them

• Best strategies to including references on a CV.

• When to include references?

• How to get good references?

• Common mistakes to avoid when adding references.

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What are CV references?

Whether you are a school leaver, student, or graduate, a professional CV reference comes from a past employer, teammate, or colleague who can vouch for your experience, achievements, or skills. These referees, who have worked with you in a professional environment, offer insight into your capabilities and personal traits. Recruiters can contact them for an objective opinion on your suitability for the job.

First time applying for a job? We’ve got your back! Discover our essential tips for writing an impressive CV for a first job!

This optional section can enhance your job application in the following ways:

1. Highlight your achievements: References validate your CV achievements and input in prior roles. For example, a former manager could confirm how you boosted sales by 20% within 6 months.

2. Compensate for lack of experience: If you have little to no work experience, references can vouch for your abilities and potential. For instance, a mentor from a volunteering role could testify to your commitment and ability to learn quickly.

3. Showcase your soft skills: They give insights into your soft skills, such as teamwork and communication. A colleague might provide a testimonial on how you effectively resolved conflicts within your team.

4. Demonstrate your career goals: References can highlight CV strengths that match the job requirements. For example, a previous supervisor might emphasise your attention to detail and ability to deliver high-quality work under pressure.

5. Show career aspirations: By choosing references strategically, you can align their endorsements with your career goals. For example, a client could endorse your expertise in digital marketing strategies, supporting your goal to move into a marketing manager role.

Where to add references on a CV?

Add references at the end of your CV, including their full name, job title, employer, and a brief description of your professional relationship. Whether you're aiming for a role in healthcare, retail, or hospitality, you can leave out the contact details and provide them upon request instead. If the recruiter asks for them, it means they consider you as a serious candidate, and you can tell your referees to expect a message or call soon.

Additionally, take a look at our blog article, which provides career advice for school leavers on different career paths and the next steps in your career.

When to include CV references?

A CV reference has numerous advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, it provides credibility to your CV by supporting claims about skills on a CV. It could sound impressive to a recruiter if you have a referee who can give valuable feedback or proof of your competencies, especially for roles in fire service or cabin crew. On the other hand, adding references requires space, which might be scarce if you have a decent amount of experience. Lastly, it could also be unnecessary, considering that you are only at the beginning of the application process.

Additional tips to consider when adding a reference:

• Mention the specific position of the reference.

• Reach out to the referee to request a reference and to thank that person.

• Keep in touch with your referees from time to time by connecting with them on professional sites such as LinkedIn.

• Don’t add someone as a reference who you know won’t be beneficial to you.

• Exclude outdated references unless you have a connection or good experience that you would like them to back up.

• Avoid including all your references and aim to choose a couple of references from your most recent experience or studies.

For more details, consult our cornerstone article on how to write a good CV.

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How to choose the best job references?

Whether you seeking an internship or apprenticeship, choosing the right one depends on the type of job you are targeting, specific experience, projects, or key achievements mentioned within your CV. By strategically incorporating references on a CV you can significantly increase your hiring chances. It gives a recruiter a glimpse into your personality, and key strengths through another professional. Therefore, it is crucial to choose the right referees who can give relevant and valuable insight into your qualifications and personal traits.

Avoid including a neighbour, friend, or family member as a reference because they can be biased in their judgements and might seem unprofessional to include.

If you are seeking a career change, consider asking a colleague or mentor to refer you or give advice on landing your desired job.

How to get a good reference? 

Ask for permission before adding someone as a reference. Otherwise, an email or personal message will suffice. Aim to find at least two or three references, including their name, title, and company name. If you're hesitant about adding a detailed section with contact details, you could also say 'References available upon request'.

If you’re unsure how to reach out to a potential referee, you can use this reference request email template below. This can also be used for a LinkedIn message if you do not have your hiring manager's email address.

See below the essential elements you should incorporate into your message:

• Clearly request a reference

• Explain your relationship with them

• Specify the skills or achievements to mention

• Offer to provide additional details or your CV

• Express appreciation for their support

If you are starting your career, consider references from school, university, or other types of experience. Although professional referees are preferred, these alternatives can still be beneficial for you. If, for example, this person has worked with you on a thesis, they can vouch for your organisational and research skills. Alternatively, ask your volunteer coordinator or internship supervisor to provide you with a reference.

If you’re unsure if you have a good reference or not, read our related blog article on creating an ATS-friendly or master CV.

Common mistakes to avoid when including references a CV

• Using the same references for every job application.

• Including friends, family, or strangers instead of using professional contacts.

• Submitting a reference without asking for consent.

• Choosing irrelevant referees who cannot vouch for the skills and experiences needed for the job you're targeting.

• Including references who are difficult to reach or are unavailable.

• Failing to include all the required contact information, such as position name, company name, or professional relationship

• Cluttering your CV with a long list of unnecessary details or extensive information.

• Choosing a referee who can provide negative or controversial information about your competencies.

For additional career guidance, refer to our related blog article on how to improve your CV.

Key takeaways

Including references on a CV is optional, but it can enhance your chances of getting noticed by providing proof of your qualifications. Choose references who can add value to your application and vouch for your skills. Ensure this section is concise and professional, excluding any outdated or irrelevant information. Proofread your CV carefully, and add the references section only after completing the essential sections of your CV. Either way, regularly update your CV to make use of our above recommendations to stay ahead of the competition!

Next steps?

Once you've decided to include references and may receive a call from a recruiter, remember to prepare your referees for a call. Inform them about the position you've applied for, ideally, sharing the job description and the organisation's name.

Ask your referees to highlight specific skills and achievements when they speak with the recruiter. Typically, recruiters inquire basic information about employment dates, reasons for leaving, duties, punctuality, strengths and weaknesses, or how well the applicant worked in and across teams.

If you're still struggling with deciding whether to include this section or not, reach out to our CV Writing Service who can assist you with ironing inconsistencies in your career documents, ensuring they are tailored to the specific job target. We also offer 150+ CV examples based on your specific industry and career goals.

For more inspiration, take a look at one of our related articles below:

• Top skills employers look for

• How to track job applications

• How to write a strong LinkedIn profile.

• How to enter the workforce after graduation

• How to create a LinkedIn profile

FAQ

Should you mention references on a CV?

The necessity of references depends on the job itself. If a company clearly states that you must add references to your CV, you do not have a choice. However, if they do not request this, it could be better to leave them out. Recruiters prefer a simple CV of no more than two pages, so you have to be efficient with space. Instead, it would be more advantageous to use it in the later stages of the application process. Listing references is most helpful if you lack work experience and want to fill in the blank spaces on your CV.

How many references are good for a CV?

Aim to include at least two or three references on your CV. Even though there is no strict requirement for a number of references to be mentioned in your application.

Who should I pick to be my reference?

Typically, these would be your supervisor or coworkers. It's better to request a reference from a person who has worked in your department and knows your strengths. Alternatively, you could ask your former client or supervisor during your internship.

Is it okay to include someone as a reference without asking their permission?

No, we advise asking for permission to use their personal data before marking someone as a reference on your CV. Ensure to contact each referee individually and explain the job role you're applying for. Doing so shows you respect their privacy and time, leaving a positive impression.

What should I do if the job ad asks for a separate list of references?

Create a dedicated document for references, including their full name, job title, employer's name, email address, and phone number. Make sure to describe your professional relationships to make it clear how they are relevant to your career. Format the list professionally to match your CV.

How to ask someone to be a reference?

Don't be worried about asking someone to be a reference, most people are very happy to help out! When asking someone to be a reference, reach out personally and explain why you are reaching out. Mentioning the job you’re applying for and any specific skills you'd like them to highlight. Offer to provide any additional information that could help them, and express your understanding if they’re unable to do it. Lastly, remember to thank them for their assistance.