Should You Include References on Your CV? Let’s Clear Up the Confusion!

References on your CV – to include or not to include? This age-old question has had its fair share of debates. Once upon a time, we were told to list references' names and addresses right on our CV. Then came the advice to ditch them entirely and just add the phrase, "references available upon request." But as it turns out, that old standby is rapidly becoming a thing of the past (and frequently appears on lists of CV mistakes). So, what’s the best move for you?

Don't worry – we’ve got you covered with some updated options that will help you stand out in the job market!

1. Skip the References Entirely – Less is More!

Here’s a pro tip: you don’t have to include references on your CV at all. Employers know they can ask for them if needed, so why waste valuable space? Plus, when you upload your CV to applicant tracking systems (ATS) or resume robots, they might get confused by your contact details and your references’. To avoid any tech headaches, it’s best to keep your references off the CV entirely.

But wait, there’s more! If you’ve linked your LinkedIn profile (and you should!), your potential employer can check out your glowing recommendations and endorsements. This is a great way to showcase how others see your skills, without cluttering up your CV with extra details.

2. Keep References Separate (And Handy)

If you’d rather have your references ready to go, you can always create a separate document for them. You can keep this document on standby to send over when asked or wait until it’s requested by the hiring manager. That way, you can keep your CV neat and focused while still being prepared to provide references when needed.

3. Include Only the Best (and Most Impressive) References

Not shy about your references? If you’ve got stellar ones, why not show them off? As marketing expert Seth Godin says, "If your references are amazing, don’t offer them on request, include them!" If you’ve got high-powered people backing you up, share their names, job titles, and contact info on your CV (with their permission, of course). Including names, phone numbers, and even a couple of glowing testimonials can add some real oomph to your application.

4. Highlight Senior References (Without Giving Everything Away)

Another great option is to mention the position and company of each reference, particularly if they’re in a senior role. This gives employers a sense of the kind of professional network you have without dishing out too many details too soon. Plus, it shows you’ve got serious people backing up your skills!

5. Ask the Hiring Manager How They Prefer References

If you're still unsure, why not go straight to the source? Ask the hiring manager how they'd like references presented. Everyone has their own preferences, and a quick inquiry could save you some hassle down the line. At Culturalinks, we can guide you on how to tailor your CV and references for each role you apply to, ensuring you’re putting your best foot forward!

Wrap Up: Keep It Simple, But Show Them You’ve Got the Right Connections!

The bottom line is this: leave the phrase "references available upon request" off your CV – it's a relic of the past. Focus on creating a clean, concise CV that highlights your skills, experience, and network. And when it comes time to provide references, use your judgment and the tips above to show off your strongest supporters.

Need help deciding the best approach for your CV? Our Employment Hub is here to help you craft a CV that stands out and gets results. Whether it’s about references, job search strategies, or tailoring your CV for a specific role, we’ve got the expertise to support your career growth every step of the way!