At the very end of your CV you should insert a simple line that says ‘References available on request’. Save space by doing this rather than listing the actual names and contact details of any references.
Remember that if you are selected for a interview and pass the screening and selection process then there is a very good chance that the recruiter will contact any references you provide. Therefore it is important to make sure you have selected and contacted your referees beforehand and obtained their permission to use their names.
Make sure that you know your referee well and that they are comfortable and willing to say something positive about you.
If you find that you have a real possibility of getting a job then inform your referees that they may be contacted.
Always try to get a referee who has supervised or managed you in your present or recent jobs. This is more likely to impress a potential employer. Avoid if possible references from years ago, try to have recent ones.
If for some reason you cannot get a reference that is related to your working life then look to provide a character reference. In this case try to find someone who has a professional job, for instance:
- Solicitor
- Police officer
- Teacher
- Councillor
- Pharmacist
Related topics:
Job profiles