Should You Put References on a CV: Examples & Tips

Deciding whether to include CV references can feel tricky: most job adverts don’t mention them, yet solid recommendations on a CV might boost credibility.

This guide cuts through the confusion, showing when you should put references on a CV, how many to list, and who makes the best referees. Read on for clear examples, expert tips, and a template to help you showcase trusted endorsements without cluttering your CV.

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What are references on a CV?

References on a CV are individuals, such as former managers, colleagues, or academic mentors, who can vouch for your qualifications and professional background. They offer a third-party perspective on your abilities and character traits.

While including a references section in a CV can strengthen your application, many employers now prefer them to be provided upon request.

Should you include references on your CV?

While many modern job adverts don’t explicitly request references, including them could save time and demonstrate proactivity. However, unnecessary references can clutter your CV and expose your contacts to premature outreach.

When to put references on a CV

Do you need references on a CV? Include them when:

• You’ve been explicitly asked to include references and list them on your CV. (If you’ve been asked to provide references but not in your CV, then put them on a separate references page.)
• It can help the recruiter out. If strong CV references will reinforce your professional achievements or show credibility, include those references directly on a CV.

When not to put references on a CV

Don't include references on your CV when:

• You are told not to include them. The reason for this is straightforward: putting references on your CV won’t do any good. Recruiters typically don’t need to contact referees until near the end of the recruitment process, or at the very least, after an interview. When the time comes, they’ll ask.

• You don’t know who your best-suited references are. You can really lock yourself in when you put references on a CV. Once you've had a chance to learn more about the company and the interviewer, you’ll be better equipped to choose the most effective referee.
• You have limited space on your CV. References will take up valuable space that could be put to much better use. All putting references on your CV will do is put your referees’ privacy at risk, lock you into making a stab in the dark when choosing them, and needlessly take up precious space in your CV.

Who can serve as a reference on a CV?

Above all, your referees need to be able to speak coherently about you as an employee. Friends and family are out of the question. Avoid colleagues whenever possible; your referee should be a supervisor or someone higher up in the hierarchy than you. 

Here are some options, in order of preference:

• Current employer
• Previous employer
• Director
• Manager
• Supervisor
• Mentor
• Customer/client with whom you’ve dealt regularly
• Lecturer
• Teacher

Certain personal qualities make a referee effective once the above criteria are met. If you’re lucky enough to be spoilt for choice when it comes to referees, then prioritise those who:

• Hold an impressive position or possess relevant expertise
• Are good with people, charismatic
• Are eloquent and authoritative

How many references should you include on a CV

As a common practice, you should list at least two professional references on your CV:

• For the first reference, include your most recent employer
• For the second, you could use someone who can recognise you in a professional setting

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How to put references on a CV

Writing a clear, professional references section requires careful planning. Follow these four ground rules and formatting tips to ensure your referees – and hiring managers – have all the information they need:

1. Gain explicit permission

• Always contact each person before listing them as a reference. Obtaining their consent is not only courteous but also crucial for compliance with data protection regulations such as the GDPR.
• Briefly explain the role and context so they can tailor their feedback.

2. Keep your referees informed

• Let them know when applications go out and the potential timeframe for outreach.
• Share your updated CV and job description so they can reference key skills and projects.

3. Verify contact details

• Confirm their preferred email and direct dial in writing.
• Avoid using generic office inboxes; a direct line or a personal business email is best.

4. Prioritise clarity & brevity

• Use a compact and consistent format (see the template below).
• Omit postal addresses to save space: phone and email suffice.

5. Be consistent about the order of references in your CV

The order in which you list your references is really up to you. Here are some guidelines to help you make an informed choice:

• If you’re listing referees from current and previous employers, then consider sticking to a reverse-chronological order, mirroring that of your CV.
• If you’re listing referees from the same employer, then list them alphabetically by surname, or starting with those who know you best as an employee.

References on a CV: template

• Full Name & Title: Include any relevant honorifics (Dr., Prof., etc.).
• Position & Organisation: Their current role and company name.
• Email Address: Direct business email.
• Phone Number: Include country code or extension if relevant.
• Relationship Descriptor: One brief phrase (e.g., “Former Line Manager”).

References on a CV: example

Should you put references available upon request on your CV?

You shouldn't use this phrase, even though it might be tempting to hedge your bets by adding the words ‘references available on request’ somewhere on your CV. However, the reason this phrase doesn’t bring any particular benefits is that it’s obvious to the recruiter. They know that if they ask for references, then you’ll come up with something.

See more tips for CV writing:

• Key CV Writing Tips for 2025 and Further
• Hobbies & Interests to Put On Your CV
• How to Write a CV for Any Job in the UK?
• What is a CV and Why Should You Write One?
• What is the Best CV Length in 2025?

You don’t have to be a CV writing expert. In the LiveCareer CV builder you’ll find ready-made content for every industry and position, which you can then add with a single click.

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I hope this has answered your most pressing questions about references on CVs. If you need more CV-writing or career advancement advice, feel free to explore other articles on our blog!

How we review the content at LiveCareer

Our editorial team has reviewed this article for compliance with LiveCareer’s editorial guidelines. It’s to ensure that our expert advice and recommendations are consistent across all our career guides and align with current CV and cover letter writing standards and trends. We’re trusted by over 10 million job seekers, supporting them on their way to finding their dream job. Each article is preceded by research and scrutiny to ensure our content responds to current market trends and demand.

Sources

• GOV.UK (2025), References: your rights
• Legislation.gov.uk, Confidential references - Data Protection Act 2018