When writing a resume, you might wonder whether to include references on your CV or leave them out.

While references were once a common addition, hiring practices have changed, and many employers now prefer to request them separately.

In this article, we’ll explore whether you should list this information, when to provide it, and how to put references on a CV professionally.

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What are references in CV?

When you're applying for a position, recruiters often seek additional insight into your background beyond what’s presented in a CV. This is where references come in.

A reference is someone who can confirm your qualifications, work ethic, and overall capabilities based on firsthand experience.

Why do employers request this information?

Hiring managers use it to verify details listed in applications and gain a clearer understanding of a candidate’s strengths.

While a CV outlines accomplishments and expertise, feedback from a former employer or colleague provides a more personal evaluation.

Typically, they are contacted during the final stages of the selection process. Employers may ask about past responsibilities, problem-solving skills, and professional demeanor. A strong recommendation from a credible source can enhance your prospects.

Who makes good references for a CV?
  • Previous Employers – A former boss or business owner can speak about your contributions, reliability, and overall performance.
  • Supervisors or Team Leads – Managers who oversaw your work can discuss your efficiency, adaptability, and collaboration with colleagues.
  • Coworkers or Project Partners – Peers familiar with your approach to teamwork and communication can provide a well-rounded perspective.
  • Professors or Academic Mentors – If you have limited professional experience, an instructor or advisor can highlight research skills, commitment, and time management.

Should you put references on a CV?

Years ago, it was standard practice to list references directly in a CV or attach a separate reference page to every job application.

Employers used these contacts to verify a candidate’s experience, work ethic, and character before proceeding with an interview or job offer. Including this information upfront was seen as a way to streamline the hiring process.

Today, recruiters rarely expect to see references listed on a CV. Several factors contribute to this shift:

  • Hiring practices have evolved – Employers typically check a background at the final stages, so listing contacts early serves little purpose.
  • CV space is better used for qualifications – A well-structured document should highlight skills, experience, and achievements rather than additional details that can be shared later.
  • Privacy considerations – Sharing personal contact information without consent may not always be appropriate. It’s more professional to wait until details are specifically requested.

Although omitting this section is standard, there are cases where it can be beneficial:

    1. When explicitly asked in a job posting – Certain companies, especially those in highly regulated industries, may require verification upfront.
    2. For international applications – Some countries still expect supporting contacts on a CV, so it’s important to check local customs.
    3. Academic and research positions – Professors and researchers often provide details of mentors or colleagues when applying for fellowships or grants.
    4. When backed by a well-known figure – If a respected industry specialist has vouched for your abilities, including their name could add weight to your document.

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How to write references on your CV?

When an employer requests supporting contacts, follow these guidelines to present them in the best possible way:

  • Choose the right people – Select individuals who are familiar with your work, such as former managers, colleagues, or professors. Ensure they can speak positively about your skills and experience.
  • Ask for permission – Always get approval before sharing someone’s details. This not only shows professionalism but also allows them to prepare for a potential call or email.
  • Provide up-to-date contact information – Include current phone numbers and email addresses to avoid delays in the hiring process.
  • Match them to the role – If possible, list people who can highlight experience relevant to the job you’re applying for.
  • Keep them informed – Let your contacts know which company may be reaching out and provide some context about the position.
How to format a separate CV reference sheet?

Since references are usually provided as a separate document rather than on a curriculum vitae, formatting them correctly is important. Your list should include:

  1. Your name and contact details – Use the same header as your CV to maintain a consistent look.
  2. A clear title – Label the document as “Professional References” or simply “References”.
  3. A structured list – Each entry should contain:
    • Full name
    • Job title
    • Company name
    • Phone number
    • Email address
    • A brief note on how you are connected (optional but useful)

CV reference example:

John Smith
Marketing Director, Freedom Map
john.smith@email.com | (123) 456-7890
Former supervisor at Freedom Map (2018–2022)

How many references in a CV should you include?

The ideal number depends on the employer’s request, but in general:

  • Three to five contacts work well for most industries.
  • Two names may be enough for entry-level roles.
  • Four to six might be expected for senior positions or specialized fields.

If no specific number is mentioned, providing three strong contacts is a safe choice.

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CV references examples

1. Standard CV Reference Format

Name: Sarah Johnson
Position: Senior Marketing Manager
Company: Brightwave Marketing Solutions
Email: sarah.johnson@brightwavemktg.com
Phone: (123) 456-7890

Sarah was my direct supervisor at Brightwave Marketing Solutions, where I led the social media team and developed successful campaigns.

Name: James Lee
Position: Account Director
Company: Brandforce Communications
Email: james.lee@brandforcecomm.com
Phone: (987) 654-3210

James worked alongside me at Brandforce Communications on key client accounts and can attest to my teamwork and strategic thinking.

2. When You Can’t Include Contact Information (Privacy Concerns)

Name: Michael Thompson
Position: Lead Software Developer
Company: CodeSpark Technologies

Michael was my manager for three years at CodeSpark Technologies. He can vouch for my work on developing web applications and leading teams.

Name: Emma Clark
Position: Senior QA Engineer
Company: DataLogic Systems

Emma was a peer I collaborated with on multiple software projects at DataLogic Systems, ensuring high-quality releases. Reference available upon request.

3. Professional CV Reference (No Direct Supervisor Relationship)

Name: Claire Rivera
Position: Associate Professor of Literature
Company: University of New York
Email: claire.rivera@uny.edu

Claire supervised my independent research project for my graduate thesis. She can speak to my analytical skills and dedication to academic work.

Name: Richard Adams
Position: Head of English Department
Company: Westbridge Academy
Email: richard.adams@westbridge.edu
Phone: (555) 321-0987

Richard was my academic advisor and can provide insight into my contributions to literature courses and classroom leadership.

4. Add Reference to Resume for an Internship or Entry-Level Role

Name: John Baker
Position: Internship Supervisor
Company: Global Finance Corporation
Email: john.baker@globalfinance.com
Phone: (555) 123-4567

John was my internship supervisor at Global Finance Corporation, where I assisted with financial data analysis and market research.

Name: Olivia Martinez
Position: Marketing Assistant
Company: Digital World Media
Email: olivia.martinez@digitalworldmedia.com
Phone: (555) 654-7890

Olivia mentored me during my internship, where I learned about digital marketing campaigns and social media strategy.

5. Personal CV Reference (Non-Professional)

Name: Jessica Lee
Position: Volunteer Coordinator
Company: Community Outreach Program
Email: jessica.lee@communityoutreach.org
Phone: (555) 987-6543

Jessica can speak to my volunteer work, highlighting my organizational skills and ability to work with diverse teams.

Name: Mark Richardson
Position: Event Planner
Company: Elite Events Planning
Email: mark.richardson@eliteevents.com
Phone: (555) 234-5678

Mark and I worked together organizing community fundraising events. He can speak to my event coordination and leadership abilities.

6. CV References for a Career Change

Name: Ethan Clark
Position: Senior Consultant
Company: Global Strategy Partners
Email: ethan.clark@gs-partners.com
Phone: (555) 345-6789

Ethan worked with me as a consultant when I transitioned into project management. He can speak to my adaptability and problem-solving abilities.

Name: Claire Foster
Position: Product Development Manager
Company: InnovateTech Solutions
Email: claire.foster@innovate-tech.com
Phone: (555) 876-5432

Claire collaborated with me during my career shift to product management. She can speak to my ability to innovate and manage complex tasks.

7. Multiple References on CV from Different Roles or Industries

Name: Angela Peters
Position: Director of Operations
Company: Greenfield Consulting
Email: angela.peters@greenfieldconsulting.com

Angela can speak to my ability to manage teams and operational efficiency from my time as a project manager.

Name: Kevin Morris
Position: Senior Data Scientist
Company: DataLab Analytics
Email: kevin.morris@datalabanalytics.com

Kevin can vouch for my data analysis and technical skills from when we collaborated on data-driven marketing campaigns.

8. Academic CV with References (For Research or Higher Education Roles)

Name: Dr. Elizabeth Carter
Position: Chair of the Department of Computer Science
Company: University of California, Berkeley
Email: elizabeth.carter@berkeley.edu

Dr. Carter supervised my PhD research on machine learning applications in cybersecurity. She can speak to my research skills, analytical thinking, and academic achievements.

Name: Dr. Hannah Moore
Position: Associate Professor of Cybersecurity
Company: Stanford University
Email: hannah.moore@stanford.edu
Phone: (555) 432-1098

Dr. Moore worked closely with me on my thesis in machine learning and can speak to my contributions to the field of cybersecurity research.

9. CV Reference for Freelance or Contract Work

Name: Tom Richards
Position: Founder & CEO
Company: Creative Solutions Agency
Email: tom.richards@creativesolutions.com
Phone: (555) 234-5678

Tom hired me as a freelance graphic designer for multiple projects, where I created branding and visual content for his clients. He can speak to my creativity and ability to meet deadlines.

Name: Laura Stevens
Position: Head of Content Strategy
Company: Spark Digital Marketing
Email: laura.stevens@sparkdigital.com

Laura worked with me on several freelance content creation projects and can speak to my writing skills and attention to detail.

10. References in CV from a Mentor or Industry Leader

Name: Rachel Dawson
Position: Executive Director
Company: Innovators Network
Email: rachel.dawson@innovatorsnetwork.com
Phone: (555) 765-4321

Rachel mentored me during my transition into the tech industry and can vouch for my leadership potential, problem-solving skills, and proactive approach to career growth.

Name: Mark Daniels
Position: Senior Partner
Company: Daniels & Co. Consulting
Email: mark.daniels@danielsandco.com
Phone: (555) 678-9012

Mark has guided me in leadership development and can provide insight into my strategic thinking and decision-making abilities.

Conclusion

While including references in CV is not always necessary, having a well-prepared list ready can make a strong impression when requested.

Instead of adding references directly to your resume, focus on crafting a compelling document that highlights your skills and experience.

When the time comes, providing professional and reliable references can reinforce your qualifications and boost your chances of landing an interview.

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