References on a CV — what to write and who to ask

References are one of the most misunderstood parts of a job application. Most people write 'References available on request' without thinking much about it. Here's what you actually need to know.

Do you need to put references on your CV?

In the UK, the short answer is no. You do not need to list references on your CV and most career advisers recommend you don't — for several reasons:

• References are almost never checked at CV stage — only at offer stage
• Including them uses valuable space better spent on skills and experience
• Listing contacts without warning them creates an awkward situation
• "References available on request" is assumed — it doesn't need saying

What to include on a references document

When an employer asks for references, provide a clean, separate document with:

• Full name of the referee
• Their job title and company
• Their relationship to you (e.g. "Line manager at Acme Ltd, 2021–2024")
• Their professional email address
• Their phone number (optional but useful)

Who to choose as a referee

The ideal referee is someone who:

• Knows your work well and can speak to specific skills
• Holds a credible professional position
• Is enthusiastic about recommending you
• Will respond promptly when contacted

Standard choices: direct line managers, senior colleagues, clients, academic supervisors. Avoid: friends, family, anyone who might give a lukewarm reference.

How to prepare your referees

When you give a reference's name to an employer, brief your referee:

• Send them the job description and your CV
• Remind them of a specific project or achievement you'd like them to mention
• Let them know they may be contacted and roughly when
• Thank them — it takes time to write or give a reference

What if you don't have a professional reference?

For first jobs, or after a long gap, character references from teachers, community leaders, coaches or volunteering managers are acceptable. Be transparent: "I don't yet have professional references, but I'm happy to provide character references." Most employers appreciate honesty over a contrived list.

Can an employer give a bad reference?

In the UK, employers are not legally required to provide a reference, and most large companies will only confirm dates of employment and job title as a matter of policy. If they provide a fuller reference, it must be honest and not deliberately misleading — but "honest" can include noting performance issues. If you're concerned about a reference, it's worth having a frank conversation with the person before listing them.