A reference is someone who knows you professionally and can vouch for your skills, experience and suitability for a job. When applying for a job it is a good idea to have prepared a list of people who could provide a reference for you. However, a common topic of debate is when is the best time to provide reference details?
Read more about job references here.
So should you include references on your CV?
It used to be a common protocol to include references on your CV. However, in recent years the norm has been to leave them off your CV unless specifically asked for. If you apply online you may be asked to upload reference details.
Remember, your CV should only be 2 pages long and an employer will spend less than 2 minutes reading it. There is no point wasting valuable space with reference details, especially when they are unlikely to be needed at this stage. Instead, use the space to include something that makes you stand out to the employer.
Plus, as you move through the recruitment process and learn more about the job and the organisation, you will have had a chance to decide who the best person to provide a reference is. This means you will be able to share more information about the job with them meaning they can tailor their reference to show you are the right person.
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When should you include references?
Unless you are asked to include references right from the beginning, wait until later in the recruitment process. Usually, references are only asked for after the first interview and the candidates have been narrowed down to the final few. Some employers even wait until they have chosen their preferred candidate before contacting references.
It is likely you will be asked to provide a list of references either in writing or by uploading them to an online form.
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How to write a list of references
When writing your list of references you should lay it out like a formal document. Include your referee’s name, their organisation, their contact information and how you know them. For example:
Remember, it is respectful to ask someone if they will provide a reference for you before putting their details down.
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