References on a CV: When to Include Referees and What to Say

Use references strategically

How to handle CV references without weakening the rest of the document

Use this guide if you are unsure whether to name referees, add “references available on request”, or leave the topic off the CV entirely. The right decision depends less on tradition and more on stage of process, employer instructions, and how much space your stronger evidence still needs.

Default to leaving references off the CV unless the process says otherwise

For most job applications, references are checked after interviews or near offer stage. That means the CV should spend its limited space proving skills, outcomes, and relevance first. Listing referees too early can crowd out stronger selling points without improving your chances of getting shortlisted.

Follow the advert or application form if it specifically asks for referee names, job titles, or contact details.
Keep the CV focused on experience, achievements, skills, and education when no reference request appears.
Treat references as supporting material for later stages rather than a core CV section.

Skip “references available on request” unless you need it for context

That phrase is rarely harmful, but it almost never adds anything useful. Employers already know they can ask for references later, so the line often becomes filler. If you need every line of the CV to earn its place, this one is usually better removed.

Delete the phrase first if you need to save space on a one-page or tightly edited CV.
Use the room for evidence that helps shortlisting, such as a stronger bullet point or skills line.
Only keep a reference note if an industry, agency, or application norm makes that reassurance unusually relevant.

Choose referees who match the kind of proof the employer needs

When references are requested, quality matters more than status. A hiring manager usually wants someone who can confirm performance, conduct, attendance, or practical contribution. For students and early-career applicants, that may be a tutor, placement supervisor, or recent line manager rather than the most senior person you have met.

Prioritise recent supervisors, managers, clients, or tutors who have direct knowledge of your work.
Ask permission before sharing their details and confirm preferred contact information.
Brief referees on the role so they are ready to reinforce the same strengths your CV highlights.

Final check

Use this before you finalise the CV

Use this final pass to tighten the document before you send it. The strongest academic CVs often improve because the last review catches small issues in structure, clarity, and evidence.

Why this matters

Keep the CV focused on shortlisting evidence

A strong references decision usually means not turning references into a section at all. Save the space for proof of fit, keep referee details ready in the background, and only surface them when the employer actually needs them.

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1 Check whether the employer or application form explicitly asks for references at this stage.
2 Remove “references available on request” if it is only filling space.
3 Keep referee names and contact details off the CV unless there is a clear reason to include them.
4 Choose referees who can speak to recent performance, professionalism, or study.
5 Verify names, titles, organisations, email addresses, and permission before sharing any details.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

These FAQs cover when references should appear on a CV, whether “available on request” still helps, and how to choose the right referee when an employer asks.

Should I put references on my CV? Open

Usually no, unless the advert or application form asks for them. Most employers expect references later in the process, so the CV is better used for experience, skills, achievements, and other evidence that affects shortlisting.

Is “references available on request” necessary? Open

Usually not. Recruiters already know they can request references, so the phrase rarely adds useful information and often takes up space that could support the rest of the CV more effectively.

Who can I use as a reference if I have little work experience? Open

A tutor, placement supervisor, volunteer coordinator, or part-time manager can all work if they know your work habits and can comment credibly on reliability, attitude, or contribution. Choose the person who can give the clearest recent evidence, not just the most senior title.

Should I include full contact details for referees? Open

Only when an employer specifically requests them. If you do share details, make sure you have permission, the information is current, and the referee understands what role you are applying for.

Can I send references separately from my CV? Open

Yes, and that is often the better option. Keeping a separate reference sheet lets you protect personal contact details, tailor which referees you share, and keep the CV itself focused on your main case for interview.

Related resources

Keep exploring

These links help if your next step is tightening the full CV, running a final check, or deciding what other supporting details still deserve space.

CV Checklist Before Sending

Use the final checklist if you want to review references, formatting, tailoring, and other last-minute decisions together.

How to Write a CV

Read the full writing guide if you need to rebuild the wider CV before worrying about optional sections such as references.

Education on a CV

Open this guide if you are also deciding which education details still belong on the page at your current stage.

Student CV Guide

Use the student guide if your likely referees are tutors or placement supervisors and you also need help with the rest of the early-career CV.

Graduate CV Example

Review a finished graduate CV example to see how strong pages usually prioritise evidence over optional reference lines.

Browse all CV guides

Browse more guides if you want help with other section-level decisions before you send applications.