How to List References on a CV — Who to Choose and a Format Example

References still carry real weight in hiring — yet the reference section is one of the most misused parts of a CV. Numbers listed without permission, former managers who are never called, the tired "References available on request" line... This guide sorts out references from start to finish.

Should you put references on your CV?

The default answer: no, keep them separate. The modern approach is to hold references not on the CV but in a separate document you share when asked. Why:

• They take up space on the single page — that space could hold one more achievement instead (page rules).
• Your referee's phone number and email travel with the CV everywhere it's sent — which is questionable on data-protection grounds too.
• No one calls references early in the process; you'd be handing over the details before anyone needs them.

The exception: if the advert explicitly asks for a CV with references, or the sector is small (niches where everyone knows everyone), you can add 2 references at the end of the CV.

Should you write "References available on request"?

No. The phrase carries no information — an employer will ask if they want them anyway. Deleting that line wins you a line back on the CV. It's enough to mention at interview that your references are ready.

Who makes a good referee?

• Strongest: a former manager who worked with you directly — the first person a recruiter wants to call.
• Strong: a project team lead, a senior colleague you worked closely with, or a client-side contact.
• For recent graduates: a placement supervisor, a dissertation supervisor, a society staff advisor — not a relative or family friend.
• Risky: anyone at your current employer (word gets out that you're job hunting), or big-title names who barely know you.

The golden rule: permission first, briefing second

1. Always get permission before naming a referee.
2. Briefly tell them which role you've applied for and what you'd like them to highlight — "I've applied for a sales role at X; it would be great if you could mention how I exceeded my targets."
3. Warn them of the window when a call might come; a referee caught off guard gives a flat reference.

The correct format

In a separate document (or, if requested, at the end of the CV), for each referee:

• Full name
• Job title — Company
• Their relationship to you ("My direct manager, 2021-2024")
• Phone and/or email (that you have permission to share)

2-3 references is ideal. Rather than two people from the same company, names from different periods or companies give broader verification.

4 critical mistakes

1. Sharing a number without permission — both bad form and a data-protection breach.
2. Not briefing them — a "Who? I don't remember" answer can cost you the job.
3. Fake or inflated references — one phone call and it collapses, leaving a mark in your sector.
4. Out-of-date contact details — an unreachable referee leaves a worse impression than no referee at all.