As you’re putting together your CV, you might be wondering whether it’s okay to include three references. After all, you don’t want to overload your CV with irrelevant information or make yourself seem desperate for a job. But the good news is that including three references on your CV is perfectly acceptable in most situations. Here’s what you need to know about choosing the right references and showcasing them on your CV.
What are references on a CV?
When creating a CV, one of the most important sections is the references. References are individuals who can vouch for the applicant’s work ethic, skills, and character. They usually have worked with the applicant, either as colleagues or superiors, and know their abilities well.
The references section of a CV usually includes the name, position, company, email, and phone number of three to four individuals who the potential employer can contact to verify the applicant’s qualifications. It’s important to seek approval from these individuals before including them in your CV.
References serve as a valuable asset for any job seeker, as they can provide insight into an applicant’s background and abilities. Non-verifiable references can weaken a candidate’s application. Hence, references play an important role in the recruitment process and are often used by employers to gain a more in-depth understanding of the applicant’s skills and experience.
There are different types of references that job seekers can include on their CV. Professional references are those who have a direct knowledge of the applicant’s work. They can be former bosses, colleagues, or subordinates. Also, academic references can be added on a CV, especially for entry-level positions; these are professors or academic advisors who have insight into the applicant’s ability to acquire knowledge and bring them into practical use. They can also provide proof of the applicant’s achievements in academia.
Another type of reference is the personal reference. The personal reference may not come from the workplace or academia but from other parts of the applicant’s life. A personal reference can be a long-time friend, mentor, or person responsible for an organization or club in the applicant’s life. Personal references are considered less valuable than professional or academic references, so it is best to use them sparingly. As a rule of thumb, at least two to three of the total three to four references should be professional or academic.
When including references in a CV, it is imperative to be strategic with the selection of people. Candidates should select references whose verification is relevant to the requirements of the job. For example, an individual applying for a managerial position in a bank should consider selecting senior officials or colleagues that had worked with him/her in a bank setting. Ideally, references should be people who can explain your achievements in a specific role relevant to the job you’re aiming for.
When seeking permission from references, it’s important to make sure they are willing to be contacted and have all of their relevant details such as phone number and email address ready. Give them an updated version of your CV and inform them of the specific company and role you’re applying for when seeking their confirmation to use their details in your CV. This helps them when they are contacted by the potential employer so that they can answer questions or write a character reference letter in favor of your application.
In conclusion, references are an essential part of a CV. They offer employers insight and reassurance that the applicant is the right fit for the job. It is important to seek approval from the selected references and include only professional or academic references in the CV that can add value to the application and relevant to the job applied for.
How many references should you include on your CV?
When it comes to listing references on your CV, there is no hard and fast rule about how many you should include. Generally, it is recommended to provide at least two references, but some job openings may require more. On the other hand, providing too many references may take up valuable space on your CV and could even be perceived as desperate or too eager to please.
In most cases, having two to three references is sufficient. These could be professional contacts, such as former managers or colleagues, who can vouch for your work ethic, skills, and achievements. However, you should always check the specific requirements of the job you are applying for, as some employers may have differing expectations.
If you are a recent graduate, it may be a good idea to include academic referees who are familiar with your coursework and can attest to your intellectual abilities. Alternatively, if you have been out of the workforce for a while or changing careers, you may need to seek personal references who can speak to your character and reliability.
It is important to choose your references carefully and make sure that you have their permission to be included on your CV. Be sure to provide their full contact details, including their name, job title, company, email address, and phone number. That way, your potential employer can get in touch with them if they need to verify the information on your CV or ask additional questions.
When it comes to listing references, you might consider using the phrase “references available upon request.” This shows that you have suitable references available, but also makes it clear that you won’t be listing them on your CV. This can be a better option if you are concerned about privacy, want to protect your references from unwanted calls, or just want to provide more space for other key information on your CV.
In summary, there is no hard and fast rule about how many references you should list on your CV, but it is generally recommended to include at least two to three. Choose your references carefully, provide their full contact information, and make sure you have their permission. If you have limited space on your CV or prefer not to list your references, consider using the phrase “references available upon request.”
Who should you ask to be a reference on your CV?
When it comes to finding references to list on your CV, it is important to choose individuals who can speak positively about your work ethic, skills, and experience. Hiring managers and recruiters use references as a way to verify information on your CV, as well as to gain insight into your character and work style. Here are three types of people to consider asking to be a reference on your CV:
1. Former Managers or Supervisors
One of the most common types of references to include on a CV is a former manager or supervisor. This person can provide insight into your work habits and skills as they relate to a specific role or industry. It’s a good idea to choose someone who can speak to your strengths in a professional setting, as well as provide specific examples of your accomplishments and contributions to the team.
When asking a former manager or supervisor to be a reference, be sure to ask for their permission first. You should also provide them with a copy of your CV and let them know what type of roles you are applying for. This will help them tailor their response to the specific job and position you are seeking.
2. Co-Workers or Colleagues
Another option for references is to ask co-workers or colleagues who you have worked closely with in the past. These individuals can speak to your teamwork skills, communication abilities, and work style. Co-workers and colleagues may also be able to provide insight into your overall character and personality, which can be helpful for employers looking for a good cultural fit.
When choosing co-workers or colleagues to list as references, it’s important to choose individuals who can speak positively about your work. You should also let them know that you are listing them as a reference and give them a copy of your CV. This can help them prepare a response that is tailored to the job you are applying for.
3. Academic Advisors or Professors
If you are early in your career or recently graduated, academic advisors or professors can be excellent references to include on a CV. These individuals can speak to your educational background, skills, and work ethic. They may also be able to provide insight into your future potential and areas of expertise.
When asking academic advisors or professors to be a reference, be sure to choose individuals that you have a good relationship with and who can speak to your strengths and accomplishments. You should also provide them with a copy of your CV and let them know what type of roles you are applying for.
In conclusion, when choosing references for your CV, it’s important to choose individuals who can speak positively about your skills, experience, and work ethic. Former managers or supervisors, co-workers or colleagues, and academic advisors or professors can be excellent choices, depending on your experience and career goals. Be sure to ask for permission, provide a copy of your CV, and let your references know what type of roles you are applying for.
How to include references on your CV?
If you have decided to include references on your CV, it is essential to know how to do it right. Here are four ways to include references on your CV:
1. Include at Least Three Professional References
When including references on your CV, you should aim to include at least three professional references. These references should be people who know you in a professional capacity and have worked with you, preferably in the same field you are applying for. You can choose to add more references depending on the specific requirements set by the employer.
Ensure that your references have your latest and most relevant work-related information, such as your previous job title, role, duties, and responsibilities. This information will help your references provide an up-to-date and accurate account of your work experience.
When selecting references, it’s important to choose people that you have a good professional relationship with. This way, they can speak highly of you and your work ethic, improving your chances of securing a job. It’s always better to ask someone to be your reference before you include their contact information on your CV.
2. Use a Separate Sheet for Your References
A good way to add references to your CV is to create a separate sheet and label it ‘References.’ This sheet should contain the name, position, company, email address, phone number, and relationship of each reference. Ensure that the contact information provided is accurate and up-to-date.
When printing your CV and reference sheet, the two documents should be printed separately. This way, the interviewer can easily refer to your references if they need to. It’s important to ensure that both documents have the same header and footer as well as the same formatting style.
3. Place Your References at the End of Your CV
Another way to add references to your CV is to place them at the end of the document. This works well if you only have a few references to add. Enter the references’ contact information in a list format, just as you would on a separate reference sheet. Ensure that you leave a space between your last employment history and the reference section.
It’s important to ensure that your CV is professionally formatted and easy to read. Place your references at the end of your CV so that the employer can easily find them. Moreover, make sure that you only reference trusted people with whom you had a good past experience.
4. Use Referees that are Appropriate for the Job on Offer
When applying for a particular job, it’s essential to consider who you will use as a reference. Ensure that your references have a background or experience in the same field you are applying to. For example, if you are seeking a job in the marketing field, it’s rational to consult people you’ve worked with in the marketing sector, rather than people who oversaw your work in an entirely different field.
Moreover, it’s important to tailor your references to meet the job specifications. For instance, if the job needs someone who has exceptional customer relations skills, you can use someone who has supervised your engagements with customers before. This way, your references will strengthen your suitability for the job you’re applying to.
In conclusion, while you may be tempted to include as many references as possible on your CV, it’s essential to tailor them to the job in question, and only include references from credible persons related to the specific industry/job you are applying to.
Alternatives to including references on your CV
Traditionally, most employers will request for references after they have evaluated your CV and are considering you as a potential candidate for the job. Therefore, in most situations, there is no need to include references on your CV. Moreover, including references on your CV could risk the confidentiality of your referee’s contact information. So, what are some alternatives to including references on your CV?
1. State “References available upon request”
One way to indicate that you have references is to use the phrase “References available upon request.” This phrase informs the employer that you have references ready to submit, but not necessarily to disclose at the initial stage of the application. This approach ensures that you make the best impression and that your referee’s contacts stay confidential.
2. Share your LinkedIn profile
Your LinkedIn profile can serve as an alternative to including references on your CV. Your LinkedIn recommendations and endorsements can substantiate your work experiences and projects. You can consider adding your LinkedIn URL to your CV, as it provides additional information for potential hiring organizations. Moreover, you can request recommendations from people who have worked with you in the past to strengthen your profile.
3. Include a list of referees in your cover letter
Another alternative to including referees on your CV is to include a separate document listing your referees’ contact information and attach it to your cover letter. This strategy indicates to the employer that you have references and that you are willing to make the information available. Additionally, a separate document ensures that referees’ contact information is secure and confidential.
4. Use a third-party reference checking service
Employers that require references consider obtaining a reliable reference from a third-party reference checking service. These services conduct background checks and reference checks on behalf of employers. You will be asked to provide your referees’ contact information, and the third-party reference checking service will verify their feedback for potential employers.
5. Offer testimonials instead of references
Testimonials can serve as an alternative to including references on your CV. Testimonials are often short quotes from previous employers or colleagues showcasing your skills and work ethic. You can insert a set of testimonials on your CV, or you can provide them upon request. Mostly, testimonials are included in the summary or executive summary section of your CV to make your application stand out from the rest.
In conclusion, including references on your CV is not necessary and should be avoided because it poses a risk to confidentiality. However, it is essential to acknowledge that providing references is essential for any job application process. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that you have references ready when requested. Employing the alternatives mentioned above, such as Testimonials and sharing your LinkedIn profile, can improve your chances of securing that interview.